SHORT TERM EXCHANGE FOR GROUP OF STUDENTS -TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES IN HUMANISTIC SUBJECTS
From February 17th to 21st, the 1st Gymnasium of Vyronas had the pleasure of hosting the third short-term exchange of student groups, organizing a series of teaching and learning activities focused on the field of Humanities. Throughout the visit, both teachers and students were introduced to and experimented with various digital tools, such as Storymap and UDIOai, while also gaining hands-on experience in creating a magazine that documented all activities and educational excursions related to Humanities.
The daily schedule was rich and diverse, blending educational experiences with entertainment. The group had the chance to explore several historical landmarks in Vyronas, as well as visit the Lavrio mines and the ancient theater of Thorikos, where they performed an excerpt from Aristophanes’ comedy Lysistrata. The itinerary also included a visit to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio, a site of both archaeological significance and a remarkable example of the geometric alignment of ancient Greek temples and sanctuaries.
Additionally, the group toured the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, explored the archaeological site of Mycenae, and wandered through the historic town of Nafplio, enriching their understanding of Greece’s cultural and historical heritage.
Indoor and outdoor activities day by day
All the activities were compiled in this magazine, which was created by the students themselves on the last day of the mobility.
Teachers’ Feedback
The teachers’ feedback from the short-term exchange program at the 1st Gymnasium of Byron was overwhelmingly positive, with all participants rating their overall experience with a perfect score of 5 out of 5. They unanimously agreed that the educational activities significantly contributed to their professional development, with 100% confirming they gained new knowledge about digital tools and found best practices to implement in their own schools. Collaboration with partner schools was also rated excellent, highlighting the seamless teamwork and the strong sense of community among participants. Teachers praised the hospitality and organization, also giving a perfect score, and many specifically commended the dedication and coordination efforts led by Greak cordinator and the local team. The selection of digital tools, including CapCut, Bamboozle, and StoryMap, was appreciated, with several teachers expressing enthusiasm about integrating these tools into their teaching practices, especially with younger students. The balance between educational activities, historical excursions, and opportunities for collaborative student work was widely praised, with particular emphasis on how visiting historical sites enriched both teachers’ and students’ cultural understanding. The collaborative spirit among partner schools and the exchange of ideas with colleagues from different European countries were highlighted as some of the most valuable aspects of the experience. Teachers also appreciated the innovative approaches in the program’s design, the friendly atmosphere, and the chance to explore both digital education and Greek culture. Suggestions for improvement were minimal, with some recommending more classroom demonstrations of the digital tools to further enhance practical application. Overall, the program was described as an exemplary blend of professional development, cultural enrichment, and warm hospitality, leaving participants with new ideas, tools, and valuable professional connections.
Students’ Feedback
The short-term exchange experience at the 1st Gymnasium of Byron received very positive feedback from the students, with the majority (25 out of 30) rating their overall experience at 4 or 5 out of 5. Most students (73.3%) stated that they learned new, important things during the exchange, while an additional 20% said they might use what they learned in the future. The most enjoyable activities, according to students, were the educational trips, the theatrical performance at school, the free time, and the group activities. Particularly popular were the visits to the Acropolis, Nafplio, Mycenae, and Cape Sounion, while the creation of the digital magazine documenting the week’s experiences was also positively received.
The communication and collaboration with students from other countries was also rated highly, with 20 students giving it a score of 4 or 5, while 7 students rated it at 3, indicating that overall the intercultural exchange was successful, although there is room for even more inclusive group interaction. Additionally, 73.3% of the students confirmed that they learned new things about the cultures of other countries, while 23.7% said they might have gained some cultural insights.
Overall, the exchange left a very positive impression on the students, successfully combining education, cultural enrichment, and international collaboration, leaving them with valuable memories and motivation to participate in similar future projects.
Parents’ Feedback
The parents who hosted students during the short-term exchange at the 1st Gymnasium of Byron expressed very high levels of satisfaction, with 100% stating they were fully satisfied with the hosting experience. Most parents highlighted that the biggest challenge was ensuring that their guest felt truly welcome, comfortable, and safe in their home, especially considering the language barrier and the natural shyness some students initially felt. Some families found it challenging to balance their own family schedules with the Erasmus program requirements, particularly in households with multiple children, but they all agreed that the experience was enriching and rewarding. Several parents emphasized the importance of building trust with the visiting student, ensuring they felt like part of the family rather than just a guest. Despite these minor challenges, 100% of parents reported no significant communication issues with the hosted students, and 93% felt they received sufficient information about the hosting process beforehand.
The overall impact on families and children was overwhelmingly positive, with 93% of parents confirming that hosting a student contributed to greater cultural awareness and personal growth for their own children. Parents particularly enjoyed the cultural exchange, learning about the students’ home countries, and sharing their own traditions and way of life in Greece. Many families created unforgettable memories together, from cooking and sharing meals to going on outings, playing games, and simply spending quality time together at home. Hosting provided a unique opportunity for their own children to form friendships across borders, practice communication skills, and develop a deeper understanding of different cultures. Overall, parents described the experience as heartwarming, enriching, and a wonderful chance to foster international friendships—an experience they would happily repeat in the future.