Students´ Mobility Elexalde 

During the weekend Italian students were living in Basque families and they learnt about our traditions and culture. They tasted our food and they also understood a little bit of the Basque identity. 

Both Italian and Basque ones communicated in English and they were a bit nervous and excited at the same time because a new enriching experience started 

The first day of the Erasmus mobility program at Elexalde High School was marked by a culturally enriching welcome ceremony. The event brought together not only the two Romanian teachers participating in job shadowing but also Erasmus students and Italian students from Mattei School (Italy), accompanied by their two teachers. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as the visitors were about to embark on a week of learning, exchange, and cultural immersion.

A Traditional Basque Welcome

To honor their arrival, two students performed an aurresku, a solemn and elegant traditional Basque dance typically used to pay tribute to distinguished guests. The performance symbolized respect and recognition, making the visitors feel truly welcomed into the Basque community.

Then, everyone gathered in the Assembly Hall, where the Erasmus program coordinator delivered a speech..

The coordinator in her speech  emphasized the significance of fostering international friendships and encouraged participants to maintain the relationships initiated through the Erasmus mobility program. To reinforce this message, she read words written by a student who had traveled to Italy the previous year as part of the program. The message highlighted how the experience had strengthened their cultural understanding of the Basque country, and led to friendships that she hoped to  continue even after the exchange ended.

A Multilingual Welcome and School Tour

An Erasmus student from 4th DBH took the stage to welcome the Italian students and teachers in five different languages: English, Spanish, Basque, Romanian, and Italian. This gesture meant  the importance of linguistic and cultural exchange.

After the welcoming speeches, the visitors were taken on a guided tour of the school, led by Erasmus students. They were introduced to the various projects that take place at Elexalde High School, with a special focus on Erasmus-related activities and murals displayed throughout the building. These murals, created by students over the years, serve as a visual representation of past exchanges, symbolizing the impact of mobility programs on the school community.

Christmas Cultural Exchange Workshops

As this Erasmus mobility took place during the Christmas season,  an activity of the day was a series of multicultural workshops focused on how Christmas is celebrated in different parts of the world. The participants, divided into multicultural groups, shared their personal traditions and experiences regarding the holiday season, exploring similarities and differences between Christmas celebrations in Italy, the Basque Country and their own homes.

Once they created their presentations, they shared them with 3rd DBH students, allowing these  students to learn about another European l traditions firsthand. This interactive activity not only enriched their cultural knowledge but also emphasized the shared values and customs that connect people across different countries. 

The first day of the Erasmus mobility program successfully was the beginning of an enriching and engaging week. The warm welcome and cultural exchange activities, not only strengthened the bonds between students and teachers from different countries but also highlighted the power of education in fostering unity and understanding across borders.

The second day of the Erasmus mobility program was dedicated to an exciting cultural and historical visit to one of the most iconic landmarks of the Basque Country, the Biscay Bridge (Hanging Bridge). The group, consisting of Italian students and teachers, as well as Erasmus students and two teachers  from Elexalde High School.

 All of them traveled to the Nervión Estuary, where the bridge stands, connecting the towns of Portugalete and Getxo. 

Upon arrival, the students were amazed by the bridge’s iron structure and the way it blends with the modern urban landscape. They learned how, during the industrial revolution, this bridge played a crucial role in facilitating trade and transportation in the region.

Walking Across the High Pathway

The first activity of the day was an exciting walk across the pedestrian pathway, located 50 meters above the river. From this height, the students enjoyed spectacular views of the Bilbao metropolitan area, the Nervión Estuary, and the Cantabrian coastline. 

After walking the length of the bridge, the group had the chance to experience its unique transportation system by crossing the river using the suspended gondola. The Italian participants, in particular, compared it to transportation systems in their own country, leading to  discussions on different modes of urban mobility in Europe.

To conclude the visit, the students gathered in in Getxo for a discussion on the importance of preserving industrial heritage. They reflected on questions such as:

Why is Biscay Bridge considered World Heritage  ?

How has it contributed to the economic and social development of the Basque region?

What similarities exist between the industrial history of Euskadi and that of Italy?

On Wednesdaythe Erasmus mobility program was dedicated to an enriching cultural experience in Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country full of history, architecture, and modernity. The group, consisting of Erasmus students, Italian and  students from Elexalde High School, carried out  a guided city tour, visiting some of Bilbao’s most iconic landmarks. 

The day began with a visit to Casco Viejo, the Old Town of Bilbao through its narrow, picturesque streets The  group admired the traditional Basque architecture and the charming atmosphere of this historical area. The guide explained how Casco Viejo has evolved over the centuries, surviving wars, floods, and industrial changes, yet maintaining its rich cultural identity.

As they strolled through the lively streets, they had the opportunity to interact with locals, learn about Basque traditions, and even try some traditional pintxos, small Basque-style tapas, which are an essential part of the region’s culinary culture.

All the participants left  Casco Viejo and  continued their journey towards the city center, crossing the Arenal Bridge and walking along the Nervión River . The guide explained how Bilbao transformed from an industrial city into a modern cultural one, emphasizing its urban renewal projects that have reshaped the city's identity. They stopped in Arriaga theatre, City Hall and Moyua Square.

The highlight of the tour was the visit to the Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture designed by Frank Gehry. As they approached the museum, the group was greeted by Puppy, a giant floral sculpture.

Once inside, the students and teachers explored their modern art exhibitions. The guide explained how the Guggenheim Museum transformed Bilbao’s global reputation, turning it into a top cultural destination and a model for urban regeneration.

On the fifth day of the Erasmus mobility program  students and teachers  connected with the local government, explored the importance of historical memory, and took  part in a creative upcycling workshop that emphasized the values of environmental awareness and artistic expression.

The day began with a special visit to The Galdakao Town Hall, where the Erasmus students, accompanied by their teachers, were welcomed by the Mayor of Galdakao. The meeting was an opportunity to introduce the local authorities to the Erasmus project’s goals, experiences, and impact on students from different countries.

During the visit the history teacher from Elexalde High School explained the historical memory project that students had been working on, which focused on Galdakao’s past and the importance of remembering history to prevent it from repeating itself. The mayor shared insights about Galdakao’s local history, cultural heritage, and social initiatives, emphasizing the importance of European  collaboration in education.  The mayor also expressed his support for Erasmus mobility programs, highlighting their role in fostering unity, diversity, and European citizens.

Sustainability in Action – The Upcycling Workshop

After the major visit, students participated in a hands-on creative workshop focused on upcycling, an eco-friendly practice that encourages the reuse of materials to create new, artistic objects. 

The technology teacher led the workshop, where students were given a variety of recycled materials, including: paper, corks, badges, coffee capsules twigs.

The objective of the workshop was to design and craft personalized photo frames using these materials. Each student placed their best memory of the Erasmus mobility experience inside their frame, making it a meaningful and creative souvenir of their time in Galdakao.

At the end of the workshop there  was a a competition to determine the best upcycled frame. The selection was done by 

A jury composed of students from the 1st Batxillerato speaking class, who were responsible for judging the creativity, originality, and sustainability of the designs.

Reflections on the Day

 The activities of the day provided a multidimensional learning experience, allowing students to engage in:  the importance of historical memory , cultural exchange through interactions with the mayor of Galdakao ,Hands -on sustainability initiatives, personal reflection, as students crafted their upcycled frames to remember the Erasmus mobility.

By the end of the day, students and teachers strengthened their sense of responsibility toward history, sustainability, and cultural appreciation. The visit to the town hall and the upcycling workshop both reinforced the importance of learning from the past, embracing creativity, and working together for a better future. 

The last day of the Erasmus mobility program was a meaningful and emotional conclusion to an enriching week of cultural exchange, learning, and collaboration. The day's activities were centered around historical memory, reflection, and celebrating the bonds formed throughout the mobility program.

A Journey Through History – The Visit to the Iron Fence

The day began with a historical visit to the Iron Fence, an essential site in Galdakao’s history. One of the main objectives of the Erasmus project at Elexalde High School is to promote awareness of local historical memory, ensuring that students understand the past to build a better future.

The students and teachers participated in a guided tour, during which they learned about:

The strategic role of the Iron Fence in defending Galdakao  and the Basque Country during the war.

The lives of the people who built and defended these structures.

The destruction and consequences of war on local communities.

This experience brought history to life, allowing participants to reflect on the importance of peace, democracy, and remembrance. By walking through the very places where history unfolded, students gained a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and struggles of past generations.

After the visit, everyone returned to Elexalde High School, where a farewell gathering was held to mark the end of the mobility program. The event was a moment to celebrate the friendships, experiences, and knowledge gained throughout the week. The Italian students were offered a ltraditional Basque lunch made by our Erasmus parents .

After the lunch, two students from Elexalde group had the opportunity to hold a concert of Basque music. Their performance created a lively and joyful atmosphere, bringing together all the participants in a shared celebration of music and culture.  As they played, the rest of the group joined in dancing and immersing themselves in the rhythms of traditional  Basque music.

After the concert, the students who were selected as the winners of the upcycled workshop were  invited to the front of the principal hall to receive their well-dererved recognition. They were given some presents . This recognition not only did it rewarded their hard work but also reinforced the importance of sustainability and creativity.

The  Italian and two teachers´Erasmus mobility  in Galdakao was  a week filled with learning, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences.Not only did it  strengthen the participants' awareness of history and sustainability but also reinforced the importance of European  cooperation and friendship.