Elexalde High School Mobility 2026

On 11 April 2026, we were delighted to welcome a group of Croatian and Lithuanian students who arrived in the Basque Country as part of our Erasmus+ programme.

After landing at the airport, the students received a warm welcome from their host families. This marked the beginning of an enriching international experience focused on cultural exchange, cooperation, and personal growth.

Throughout their stay, English served as the common language, enabling students from different countries to communicate, collaborate, and build meaningful connections. Living with local families offered them a unique opportunity to experience everyday life in the Basque Country while sharing their own traditions and perspectives.

The mobility programme promised days filled with learning, cultural discovery, and unforgettable experiences, fostering new friendships and strengthening the European values thatErasmus+ mean

Discovering Basque Culture and School Life at Elexalde

As part of the Erasmus+ mobility programme, our Croatian and Lithuanian guests were introduced to the rich culture, traditions, and identity of the Basque Country.

The visit began with a special welcome that included an aurresku, a traditional Basque dance that reflects the warmth and hospitality of our community. Students also had the opportunity to learn about Elexalde High School, its facilities, educational approach, and the values that guide daily school life. 

Through a variety of activities, participants explored aspects of Basque history, language, and cultural heritage, gaining an  understanding of the region and its unique identity. 

At the same time, they shared experiences with their Erasmus+ partners, fostering mutual respect and intercultural awareness. And this day meant  the beginning of an immersion into the Basque culture, offering all the students a first encounter with Basque traditions.heritage, and a way of life.

They listened to the coordinator´s speech and they also saw some videos about Elexalde high School and Galdakao´s  historical memory. They were also guided through the school by some students so that they could familiarise with the school.

It was a way to have a first contact with our school and with one of the topics which we have been working through our project and the same time it was an ice break contact with the Lithuanian and Croatian students.

Exploring Basque Musical Traditions

As part of the Erasmus+ programme, students participated in an music workshop that introduced them to an important aspect of Basque cultural heritage.

During the session, they learned about traditional Basque music and dance and had the opportunity to create their own pandero, a percussion instrument closely linked to local folk traditions. 

The workshop provided a unique opportunity to combine creativity, learning, and cultural exchange, allowing participants to experience Basque traditions in an interactive and memorable way.

Educational and Cultural Learning in Gernika and Mundaka

Erasmus+ students enjoyed a day that combined history, culture, and environmental education in two important locations of the Basque Country.

The visit to provided valuable insight into Basque political traditions and institutions. The visit to Casa de Juntas de Gernika provided valuable insight into Basque political traditions and institutions. Students learned about the significance of the Gernikako Arbola, a powerful symbol of freedom, self-government, and democratic values that has played a central role in Basque history for centuries. 

The programme continued in Mundaka. where participants explored the unique coastal ecosystem of the Urdaibai area. Through observation activities, they identified local species and habitats while examining the environmental challenges facing coastal environments today.

By combining cultural heritage with environmental learning, the day encouraged students to reflect on the importance of preserving both natural ecosystems and historical traditions. It was a meaningful experience that strengthened their understanding of the Basque Country while fostering active citizenship, sustainability, and intercultural awareness

Discovering Bilbao Through a Multilingual Scavenger Hunt

As part of the Erasmus+ programme, students took part in an exciting scavenger hunt in Bilbao, designed to help them explore the city in an interactive and engaging way.

Working in multilingual teams, participants completed a series of challenges and tasks at different locations throughout the city. These activities encouraged cooperation, communication, and problem-solving while allowing students to discover Bilbao’s history, culture, landmarks, and urban life.

The experience not only strengthened teamwork among students from different countries but also provided them with an  understanding of the city and its rich cultural heritage. Through exploration and collaboration, they gained new knowledge, created lasting memories, and further developed the intercultural connections that are at the heart of the Erasmus+ programme.

Erasmus+ Experience in Galdakao:  Memorial History, 

As part of the Erasmus+ programme, our students as well as Lithuanian and cRoatian students and teachers took part in a meaningful learning experience in Galdakao, where they explored the historical importance of the Burdin Hesia (Iron Belt) and discovered its connection with the local heritage.

These activities encouraged collaboration, communication, and the exchange of ideas between young people from different countries.

By combining history, nd intercultural learning, the experience helped students develop their language skills, strengthen their social competences, and embrace the values of European citizenship and undestood how we should learn from our history in the past .

Erasmus+ Visit to the Town Hall 

As part of their Erasmus+ experience in the Basque Country, students from Lithuania and Croatia had the opportunity to visit the Town Hall and meet the local mayor.

This special reception allowed students to learn more the importance of active citizenship.

The meeting was also a moment of cultural exchange, where students shared their international experiences and strengthened the connections between European 

A Celebration of Basque Culture and Erasmus+ Friendship

All the Erasmus participants in  Elexalde mobility came together for a very special day filled with culture, music, and shared experiences.

Students, families, and our guests from Lithuania and Croatia enjoyed a traditional Basque lunch prepared by local families, creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone could connect, exchange stories, and experience our way of life.

This gathering was a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the bonds between the three schools involved in the Erasmus+ project and to celebrate the values that unite us as Europeans: respect, cooperation, diversity, and friendship.

The day ended with a special concert performed by Elexalde students.

Reflection on Our Erasmus+ Mobility Experience 

Our Erasmus+ mobility was an enriching experience. Throughout the week, students from Lithuania, Croatia, and the Basque Country had the opportunity to learn from each other, share their cultures, and create meaningful connections.

The different activities allowed participants to discover the history, traditions, language, music, and natural heritage of the Basque Country, while also reflecting on important topics such as sustainability, biodiversity, and European cooperation.

Working in multicultural teams encouraged students to communicate, collaborate, and overcome language barriers, with English becoming a bridge that connected different cultures and perspectives.

This mobility showed us that international exchanges are not only about travelling to another country, but about building friendships, and understanding the value of diversity. The memories created, the experiences shared, and the relationships formed will remain as a lasting reminder of the importance of a united and inclusive Europe.

A week of learning, discovery, and unforgettable moments that represents the spirit of Erasmus+.