Learning beyond borders: skills and growth from a long-term Erasmus+ mobility experience
As part of the Erasmus+ long-term mobility programme, two students from our school, A.F. and C.A.,  spent an extended period in Germany(from November 18 to December 19, 2025), at the Lycée Casimirianum in Coburg, experiencing daily school life, family life, and the cultural environment of the host country.
According to their learning diaries, the two students describe the mobility experience  as a deeply formative journey, both academically and personally.
Throughout their stay, the students significantly enhanced their knowledge of German and, specifically, Bavarian culture and traditions, gaining first-hand insight into local customs, everyday life, and school practices in the host region.
One of the most meaningful moments of the experience was the opportunity to take part in a school trip to Berlin together with their German classmates. This visit allowed them to deepen their understanding of history, particularly the aftermath of World War II, connecting classroom learning with direct observation and shared reflection.
From a linguistic point of view, the students report a clear improvement in their management of the German language, which they used on a daily basis in both academic and informal contexts. At the same time, English played a key role as a complementary language, enabling constant communication when needed and reinforcing their confidence in using English as a lingua franca. In addition, the students report they were  exposed to French lessons, further enriching their multilingual awareness and curiosity.
Beyond academic and linguistic achievements, the experience strongly contributed to their personal development. Through their diaries, the students reflect on the importance of stepping out of their comfort zone and overcoming initial fears and prejudices. They highlight the warmth and care with which they were welcomed by their host families and the sense of acceptance they felt within the German class group. Over time, they built genuine friendships and meaningful relationships that extended well beyond the classroom.
Perhaps most importantly, the students became aware of their own capabilities. Facing challenges independently helped them gain self-confidence and a deeper understanding of how much they are able to achieve when given trust, responsibility, and an open learning environment.
This Erasmus+ mobility experience confirms the program’s strong educational value, fostering intercultural competence, multilingualism, autonomy, and personal growth—skills that will accompany the students well beyond their school years.
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