After the Mobility
"rich unforgettable learning experience"
Dissemination activities with students and teachers from Colegiul Tehnic "Edmond Nicolau" Focsani:
During English classes Romanian youngsters told their classmates about the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange sharing their feeling, thoughts and knowledge gained during this international experience. Better informed about eating disorders and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, anorexia, bulimia or obesity, Romanian students were able to talk about the benefits of having good eating habits, practising physical activity and following a Mediterranean diet.
Peers and teachers were informed about the main activities of the Youth Exchange project, participants and institutions involved. The 17 Romanian participants let the other students and teachers know about the Youthpass which is a certification of the key competences gained or developed during a Youth exchange. Each Spanish and Romanian participant were invited to edit online the Youthpass filling the key competences improved during the mobility at Lepsa village.
Back to school Romanian students could show the Youthpass to their peers, while spreading the words about how they felt and what they achieved (considered an intangible results):
self-esteem
creativity
intercultural skills
cultural awareness
digital skills
information related to their learning style
empathy
improved English, esecially oral fluency and better listening skills
consciousness of social inclusion
ways to avoid social exclusion
friendly and open-minded
easiness to speak in front of unknown people
overcoming stereotypes
sense of initiative
collaborative / team work
problem solving competence
autonomy
Thanks to this Erasmu+ project, young participants declared being more open minded and tolerant towards unknown people, accepting diversity in all its ways from different religion, different mentalities and way of living to cultural background. All of the participants increased their ability to work within a team, developing their sense of initiative and problem solving competence through collaborative work on the topic of healthy lifestyle, bad / good eating habits, Mediterranean diet. Playing City Game in Focsani the Romanian and Spanish youngsters increased their autonomy, the capacity of using maps for orientation into space and task solving competence. For Mission Impossible participants practised their talents (singing, dancing, producing and performing for a short movie, making the project poster using conventional and unconventional materials such as pastas, leaves, coffee beans) and they became all more creative and aware of their inner potential, which led to a better self-esteem and motivation to continue their learning process both in formal and non formal ways in the future.
Hiking in Cheile Tisitei Natural Reservation area, participants enjoyed the fabulous landscapes, practised physical activity in the middle of the wild nature, became more responsible concerning preservation of nature and especially protected areas while receiving specific information from the guide. Receiving information about the learning opportunities within the Erasmus+ programme, some of the Romanian students decided to get involved in another Erasmus+ projected implemented by Colegiul Tehnic "Edmond Nicolau".
At institutional level, the Romanian high school achieved its goals concerning the internationalization by creating more learning opportunities to its students beyond classes, especially boosting the non formal education on the topics of health and social inclusion. Seen as an alternative for promoting and creating a global and responsible citizenship among students, the Youth Exchange project "Challenge to change, Challenge to exchange-Alternative for a Healthy Inclusive Society" (2019-1-RO01-KA105-062073) succeeded to develop the spirit of openness and respect for cultural identity among participating countries (Romania and Spain) while sharing knowledge and experiences with the European organisation WUBIRA playing an active role in the field of youth.
By implementing this Erasmus+ project, several goals regarding the internationalization of the high school were achieved:
- the 17 participating students reached a basic emotional and social competence for their personal growth and their contribution to the improvement of society,becoming active citizens of the interconnected world
- through creative workshops, thematic visits, drama improvisation, debates, brainstorming and reflection moments, the project inspired teenagers' interests and gave them opportunities for developing European key competences needed for a better integration in the labour market
- develop students' and teachers' more intercultural competences : knowledge, attitudes, skills and critical awareness ( respect for other cultures, tolerance, open minded, cultural understanding, self-confidence, fight prejudices, awareness for their own identity)
- reinforced language knowledge, skills and competences in foreign languages for students and teachers who can better communicate in English as they improved their 4 macro competences (listening, speaking, interaction, writing) based on the Common Framework of Reference for Languages
- fostering personal and professional development for the 3 teachers who were the group leaders
- supporting innovation in non formal education and exchanging examples of good practices at European level
The non formal activities implemented during this project can be used for future Erasmus+ projects and cross curricular activities.
Moreover, some Romanian students who participated in the youth exchange went to local Radio DADA to express their feelings about the experience, willing to point the activities they liked the most or cultural aspects.
Back at school, Romanians shared with their classmates and schoolmates their feelings and knowledge gained during the mobility, disseminating information about the activities/workshops such as How much sugar is it in it?, Dixit, Social Exclusion, Mini Exatlon, intercultural nights, Rural Olympiad, Mediterranean Diet, interviews with local people and foreigners about healthy lifestyle, homemade food versus junk food and fast food (which were recorded in Bran and Brasov on the 10th of October 2019) during classes of "dirigentie" (classes with the main teacher), French, English or Geography lessons.
All Romanian participating students and the 3 teachers who were group leaders from Colegiul Tehnic "Edmond Nicolau" wrote a GUIDE FOR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE (in English) containing essential information about well-being, healthy habits, vitamins and minerals, guidelines for having a healthy life. The guide can be a useful educational resource for English classes, as well as for extracurricular activities.
For more information about the project visit the project blog
Dissemination activities in local press and at Radio DADA:
m.adevarul.ro/locale/focsani/foto-colaborare-romano-spaniola-colegiul-tehnic-edmond-nicolau-focsani-cadrul-unui-nou-proiect-erasmus-1_5d1b75ab892c0bb0c60ac8ac/index.html
www.ziaruldevrancea.ro/promo/brand-voice/galerie-foto-lansarea-unui-proiect-erasmus--la-colegiul-tehnic-edmond-nicolau-din-focsani
adevarul.ro/locale/focsani/foto--cooperare-romano-spaniola-combaterea-excluziunii-sociale-violentei-intolerantei-cadrul-unui-proiect-erasmus-participanta-a-fost-cea-mai-experienta-viata-mea-1_5dd2c0b75163ec4271267108/index.html?fbclid=IwAR1Y5aUKdER2cE7Bt6Uo4eG3DsJwZwzW7Xfml10a3rk66ldNYy_cOi-5MP4
www.ziaruldevrancea.ro/special/educatie/galerie-foto-final-reusit-de-proiect-erasmus-derulat-la-colegiul-tehnic-edmond-nicolau-focsani?fbclid=IwAR0gi3kT9Qx7q24QOlTr_y6Xl9Xh_CBUZbHxeB51RDXH4KxZCLatgJKaHgM
Posts on Facebook: (Facebook page of Colegiul Tehnic "Edmond Nicolau" Focsani, Facebook page of Catedra de limbi straine/ Foreign Languages Department from Colegiul Tehnic "Edmond Nicolau")
www.facebook.com/catedradelimbistraineCTEN/
www.facebook.com/112232698860587/videos/596402837565469/
www.facebook.com/112232698860587/videos/950036815336345/
www.facebook.com/112232698860587/videos/438008666833527/
Paula Popescu and Alexandra Tataru, teachers who participated as group leaders in the youth exchange, disseminated the project during Cercul Pedagogic al Consilierilor Educativi (the pedagogical meeting for teachers responsible of educational projects from schools situated in Vrancea county):
www.facebook.com/Colegiul-Tehnic-Edmond-Nicolau-Focsani-112232698860587/
Doina Boboc, teacher of English and group leader post on the Facebook page of the Erasmus+ KA101 project "Involve me and I learn: a multidimensional approach in preventing early school leaving and school dropout":
www.facebook.com/groups/324982751661398/
On the 31st of January 2020 - Students and teachers from Scoala Snitara Postliceala "Vasile Alexandri" Focsani were invited at the Closing conference and presentation of the guide written in English by Romanian students and teachers who participated in the project:
TESTIMONIALS
Daniela Spinu (Romanian participant):
"October 6-12, 2019.
I will never forget that week ... I left home with a broken heart knowing that even for a week I will not see all I knew, parents, friends, I left everything and went to a place I didn't know. But now when I think about it, I realize it was the best experience of my life. I met new people, made new friends and changed as a person.
The first time I thought about this project, I didn't know what to do, how to interact with new people, how the barrier between us will be, the language barrier. To my surprise, everything came naturally, the people were wonderful, the place was so beautiful and the activities so interesting.
It was only in the evening when the Spanish came that I realized where I was. It was a total madness, many people with many names (it was interesting in learning so many names so quickly), that week I went through countless feelings (nervousness, emotions, happiness) and in the first days if I suffered after all I had left a few days ago, then I wasn't interested in the rest, it was just me and our big group. I didn't realize when it was over ... nor do I know when I had the intercultural evening where they showed us some beautiful dances like Flamenco or when we had our evening, of the Romanians when I had so many emotions when I had to to dance (to my delight, everything went well). We had so many surprises that day when our intercultural evening came with Folklore and they showed us folk dances and costumes or when a band came in the last two days and we were delighted by their music. I do not realize when the time has passed, when I was in Focsani? When did I go to Brasov to visit The Bran Castle and the rest of the city? When did I get the interviews? When did I have the "Mini Exatlon"? When is it over?
In conclusion, otherwise, I will start crying (again) I do not realize when this week has passed, when my friends have came or gone, but I know that I will always remember my life experience and always be grateful to those who made it possible, so thank you! And March is coming!"
Valentin Stanciu :
"An experience that will always remain in my heart. Before all this happened I was scared. I was afraid that I couldn't speak English well enough and that I would be ashamed, scared of what everyone would think of me, but they turned out to be just bad thoughts. Everyone was friendly and understanding and they accepted me exactly as I am.
I got the confidence I needed and I managed to overcome any obstacle. I improved my English level and learned a few words in Spanish.
I learned some new things about myself and most importantly, I made new friends. They made the activities, breaks and evenings lively, always giving me a smile. I am grateful for this experience that I would repeat it any time.
Thank you all for this wonderful week and I am looking forward to seeing you in March !!"
Razvan Alexandru Panaite:
"An unforgettable experience... This project I tried to not be me, but the man I wanted to be, an outgoing, pleasant, calm, always ready to help, caring, funny, smart and strong person and a leader. I don't know if it was the right thing to do or even if I succeeded to do it. I am sick of being the shy, lonely kid who is too quiet for his age. All my life I was made fun of because I was different because I wore glasses. Glasses, an object that improves my vision and yet, destroyed my childhood. I was too afraid to play outside with the other kids out of fear of breaking my glasses and being a burden to my family to get new ones. Most kids saw me as different and they ignored me, few were the ones that gave me a chance and those few are still my best friends to this day. During this time what I did not have in social skills I had in computer skills and logic. I started to stop listening to my feelings and more to my brain, I started to be colder concerning others in order not to feel the pain and suffering their bad jokes were inflicting upon me. Enough said about me, I want to thank you all for making me open up more, to not feel different from the others, to overcome the shyness that came from being ignored and for not considering me different, but one of yours. Thank you for making me feel more confident in my own powers. I was excited when I decided to partake in this project and I am excited to see all of you in March. For me, this project was a way to get out of my comfort zone and out of the dull day to day cycle I found myself in which would consist of School-Schoolwork-Robotics-Food&Water-Bath-Sleep. Thank you for coming to Romania to break my monotony and show me that outside the grey curtain of work&school there is another world for me to discover, the world of social interaction, fun, dance, singing, etc. I've learned in this project some things that no teacher, no book and no school can teach and once again I want to thank you all for being part of my learning experience."
Vasilache Mihail, Romanian student:
"An experience I will never forget ...
I made a lot of new friends ! During the project I learned some words in Spanish such as:"Feliz cumpleaños","Paloma" ,"Buenos Dias", "Guapa, "Sopa " ...
Most of the words being learned from the Spanish participants after in the breaks between activites. I am more confident and convinced of my communication abilities, both in Romanian and English. I know better my strengths and weaknesses and I am more able to reach decisions for me and my group. I also intend to participate more actively in social and political life of my community, being interested in knowing what happens in the world daily.
I feel that I am more tolerant towards other persons' values and behaviour, more open-minded and curious about new challenges, more interested in European topics. I do feel more European"
George Onofrei, student at Colegiul Tehnic "Edmond Nicolau" Focsani:
"An experience I will never forget was the mobility from Lepsa-Greșu.
Before the "madness" started I was a little unsure, I didn't know how the first contact with the Spanish peoples would be or how I would handle socializing, especially in English.
I remember how in the evening when the Spanish peoples had to come I was extremely agitated and impatient at the same time. After the Spanish people came, things seemed to calm down a little.
The next day, one of the activities consisted of retaining the name, hobby and movement specific to each participant. There I learned that I don't have a very good memory :)
I learned things that I didn't expect to learn, or to improve, such as teamwork, socializing, expressing opinions / feelings, that I am a good engineer and designer. I learned all these during activities such as "Spaghetti Tower", "Pass the Mask", or discussing with other participants. The most interesting were the group activities, where I found that I am a good leader, who appreciates the opinions of the other team members. Besides, I learned that I put passion in everything I do, working hard to succeed.
In one of the activities, in addition to the mission of creating a dress using the materials provided, we had to write on some papers some of our fears and wishes, which we would then attach to the dress. It was very easy for me to express my feelings in writing on those papers. Another activity in which I could express my feelings in writing was at the "Pass the Mask" activity, where I had to draw on a white mask, which my partner wore, whatever I wanted. Then I drew some makeup, a mustache, a pair of glasses and wrote in the lower part of the mask: "aiaiaiai".These are the things that characterized me and my partner.I learned that the standard of living in other countries is quite high, the Spanish peoples being very happy and excited when they told us about their country.
I can also help the people around me by being more friendly, always with a smile on my face, being willing to listen to all the problems of a person who really needs help, and then trying to find solutions to those problems.
One day we had a thematic trip to Brașov, more specifically to Bran Castle. I have been to Bran Castle several times, but every time I was in a hurry. This time I could pay more attention to the architecture of the castle and the objects inside it. I was very open to learn about the art and architecture of the castle, but especially when I was in the center of Brasov. It was very easy for me to express my happiness verbally whenever I needed to.
While we were at Bran Castle and in the center of Brasov we had to take interviews from tourists, about healthy lifestyles. I shot everything using the camera from my mobile phone and then edited the videos using two video editing applications (YouCut and Power Director). For the movie made in the "Mission Impossible" activity I used the same editing applications and the music from the movie I downloaded from YouTube. I learned that technology is very useful when you need to look for information about a method of editing or data about a particular isotric place.
During the activity "Mission Impossible" I was able to develop my passion for directing and editing films. In addition to the passion for the film, I was able to develop my cooperation with the other team members in order to finish the activity. At first, because no one wanted to be the director of the film, I decided to take the initiative and be the director. The most important thing was teamwork without which we couldn't succeed.
I was very involved in my development, especially when it came to money and time management. All activities started at a certain time so I had to organize my free time so that I could get to that activity on time (when I had to rest , when I had to take a shower, when I could talk to the other participants), which I did excellent because I always arrived on time and managed to do everything I proposed. I managed my budget as well, at finally staying with a lot of money. One of the unexpected situations was when we received a few hours where we could walk through Brasov. I had enough time to do some shopping without spending too much money.
I learned that the Spanish people are not as I imagined them, they are nice people, from you can learn a lot. During the project I learned several words in Spanish such as: "Buenas Noches", "Buenos Dias", "Guapa / Guapo" etc, most of the words being learned from the Spanish participants during breaks between activities.Now I feel more confident when I want to express something in a foreign language, because I no longer have the fear that maybe what I say is wrong.
After all, I hope everybody had fun and had as much to gain and that you are as eager as me to see you in Olvera."
Andreea Rebeca Juganaru (Romania):
"ERASMUS + for me meant a challenge. I learned new things and expanded my view of the world. I made new friends and acquired new competences. I've improved my skills in English and learned some more Spanish . It also piqued my curiosity about the Spanish culture and traditions. I got over problems through analytical thinking and feed my creativity. I learned to try to be on time and to calculate and plan my expenses. So, in the end, it was a useful and fun experience."❤
guide_for_healthy_lifestyle.pdf | |
File Size: | 4645 kb |
File Type: |