MOBILITY TO STOCKHOLM

International mobility of students to a partner school in Stockholm as part of international cooperation. Fully funded by the European Union.

Title: “The world in the frame - multicultural learning as a way to improve the key competences of students”

The project was aimed at developing key competences among children students of grades 6, 7 and 8. The project included preparation for mobility, a trip to Stockholm, formal and informal classes with students from Human to Human Primary School. 

The project involved the analysis of architecture in terms of mathematics, physics, chemicals and culture, the analysis of vegetation, climate, changes that occur, analysis of water composition, water pollution, analysis of traditions and customs of given countries in the context of European unity. The language of communication was English. In addition, students had the opportunity to develop the digital competences and create a report that would be a summary of the project activities. In order to learn effectively and be able to take full advantage of the information, students need the right tools. Students had to learn how to prepare a visual note, where to find information, how to skillfully separate opinions from facts, how to skillfully present the collected data. They had the opportunity to face public speeches under the supervision of an expert. 

Part of the project was working in teams. This was an opportunity to learn about management and team-building building tools. During the workshop, students had the opportunity to perform various functions in the team to test their competencies in many areas (the theory of team roles according to M. Belbin). Teamwork depends on effective communication, on how it works in a team, therefore students, in preparation for mobility in compulsory language classes (Polish, English) took part in discussions and debates to prepare for teamwork. 

The project assumed that students’ key competences would be developed, teachers would be equipped with new tools for working with students in order to teach them how to learn effectively. Thanks to this endeavor, students experienced that learning is interesting, motivating and around us. 

The project was also aimed at integrating students of Polish and Swedish schools, creating a cooperation network for students who, with the help of teachers, carry out projects with colleagues around the world, seeing the opportunities offered by the European Union. It was also an opportunity for children and young people and teachers to analyze the education systems of both countries, exchange experiences and inspire action. 

The report prepared by the students presents different cultures in the context of what they have in common and the values they bring to the European Union. 

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"I definitely recommend this type of trip to everyone"

I recently returned from a student exchange from a partner school in Sweden. I am extremely grateful that I could take part in this project. I go back to those moments with great sentiment, they taught me a lot 

First of all, the trip allowed me to expand my vocabulary of English, and everyday contact with it gave me a chance to feel more freely communicating. 

The trip definitely opens us to the world and teaches us how to establish interpersonal relations. It was during the trip that I meet a person with whom I have constant contact, and what’s more, we are even planning to meet. That is why I believe that thanks to such projects we can make friendships that open us to the world. 

The trip also broadened my knowledge about Swedish customs and I saw how a different education system works. It was a big surprise for me compared to the Polish system. In a Swedish school, students have many practical classes like cooking, sewing, and woodwork. I believe that these are really useful skills that may be handy in our adult life. What’s more, chemistry classes are conducted in special laboratories where students often do different kinds of experiments so that it’s easier for them to understand the issue. I also think that the trip taught creative thinking. During the mobility, we had to face various tasks. One of them was the project of development of the space in front of the school, we had to create our own outline of our square. 

I think that the project educated in many directions and was multidimensional because we could acquire many new skills. I definitely recommend this type of trip to everyone, through which we become open to new experiences, we become courageous and we have a lot of great memories that will stay with us forever. 

Dawid R.

"I would like to thank our school and the European Union for this project"

I want to talk about one-week trip to the capital of Sweden, Stockholm. I heard about this project, but at first I didn’t want to participate in this idea. My best friend at school Krzyś was taking part in qualifications to project. Only 20 students could travel to Sweden. The task was to say why you want to visit Sweden. The students had two options: write an essay or give a speech. My friend got the email that he passed the qualifications. At once he started persuading me to try applying. I decided to try to give a speech. I was very happy to receive an email that I got in.  

Before leaving we had workshops in which we had some minor projects like building a bridge from some crazy materials. My group’s task was to build a bridge from sticks. I think we did this well. Another project was to design a small park in the garden of our school. That was my favorite project. The third project was to make a herbarium. That was very interesting. The last project was to check water purity and compare water in Poland with water in Sweden.  

Our flight to Sweden was very pleasant and funny. I like flying very much, but this flight with my friends was one of my best ones. When we arrived, I discovered that people in Sweden speak English very well. The school in Stockholm was very different than Polish school.

I liked this school because they had interesting lessons, like wood craft or sewing. That was something new for me and I was shocked because I was able to sew. Every day after the lessons we were sightseeing Stockholm. I liked this city very much. The students were very kind to us and when we were leaving the school we gave them some gifts brought from Poland.  

For me, this trip was very interesting and I learned a lot of English. I realized that I have to try some new things and I’m waiting for next projects. The return to Poland was very funny and I was very happy when I saw my dad at the airport. At the end, I would like to thank our school and the European Union for this project. I had a very good time and I’m sure that I will remember this trip. 

Alicja G.

"The night before the flight, I thought about how to introduce myself to the class"

When I first heard about the project, I considered it as an unreachable goal. When I waited outside of the recruitment room, I was thinking about how to do my best. Once I was selected, I started to think about the best way to prepare myself. The night before the flight, I thought about how to introduce myself to the class. When I was in Stockholm, I left my stress behind and the most inspiring week started. 

   The first thing that caught my attention were prices, very high prices. After arriving we had to get to the hotel, from the center of the city. It turned out the hotel was very cool, modern-looking, and well equipped. Luckily, we didn’t have to pay for public transport, but the prices were still terrifying. With the help of my friend despite a few setbacks when it comes to the name of the metro, we happily arrived. The hotel looked great both from the inside and outside. In the morning, after a delicious breakfast, we went through a beautiful park where we were supposed to walk every day for the next 5 days. After a 30-minute walk, a bit tired, we reached the school. Together with my partner, the class and the teachers welcomed us very warmly. The most surprising thing about school was two subjects we didn’t have in Poland. Woodcraft and textailing I had the opportunity to participate in the second one. I didn’t know that such a simple activity can provide such a pleasure. Every time after school, we went to the center of the city and made videos about new and familiar things. But how could we spend great evenings without some shopping, everyone bought some souvenirs such as a Nobel prize medal made from chocolate. Exhausted we spend every evening editing films about our experiences.  

   Last day, I got a cute present from my classmates. Hand-writing letter signed by everyone. I am still looking at it and it reminds me of my journey to u Stockholm.  

Amelia D.

We were never bored and we always got each other's backs.

In my opinion the project increased many of our skills, mostly English. We could see what it feels like to use English on a daily basic. And we could definitely work on our creativity, because if we didn’t know a word, we had to explain it till the other person understands. But we also got to know how Swedish sounds like.

Most of our lessons were in Swedish, so we learned few things about their language, for example, they use ,,tack’’ for everything, because they don’t have such a variety of words. We also got better at making scenarios and improvisation. We were supposed to make videos in groups, about school, water, bridges or minipark. One film each day and  later we sent them to the teachers.

Sometimes we had to think of an idea, that would make our video look better, which also improved our creativity. Most of the shots were extremely funny, so we always had fun making the videos. While and in the mid time of doing the videos we had the occasion to see how different the Swedish school is from polish ones. They have 9 grades and, on the lunch breaks, the students could go wherever they wanted. Speaking of students, we got to know Swedish people habits, not only the students. For example, they have this thing, that is tobacco, that you are meant to chew.

The last skill, that was improved is working in groups. We rarely did something on our own. We filmed the videos in groups, we had classes in groups, we shared the room with other people and I think it was great. We were never bored and we always got each other’s backs.

I am really glad I got the chance to go to Stockholm and I’m glad I didn’t miss out on the trip.  

Julia R.

Why is international project a good idea?

Stockholm is the city that I can call my adventure, my experience, my coming out of my comfort zone. This overseas occurrence has shown me something extraordinary. It showed me how one continent can have so many different aspects, cultures, and relations. How international relations are something that has such a broad meaning, that it can go on and on and still have so many new areas to discover every day. This was quite evident in Stockholm, Sweden. 

 

The moment I saw the Red Mountain School it felt familiar, even though I had never been there before. It was a sign. It was a sign that everything is going to be ok. The moment we walked inside the school I was shaken. It was so fascinating to realize that you could be anywhere and English is your way of discovering a mystery. I was in the international part of the school curriculum and that was what I also found fascinating. So many different cultures, and nationalities among the students and teachers all in one classroom. Supported with amazing materials at such a high level that I would have never dreamed of. So many group works, essays, and the use of English created an amazing result.  

What surprised me in Stockholm was the fact that literally everybody there knows English very well. That is why it was easy to communicate. We have also visited many interesting places. For example, Nobel Price Museum or Museum of Natural History. I really enjoyed walking around the city. I feel like during this trip I also got to know students from other classes better and make friends with them. We spend really good time together. In my opinion this kind of international projects are one of the best ones. If I had a chance to take part in another one I would for sure, do it. I feel like it also taught me independence and gave opportunity to get out of my comfort zone.

Beata K.

Overall, I have to say that this adventure was worth it.

Stockholm is the city that I can call my adventure, my experience, my coming out of my comfort zone. This overseas occurrence has shown me something extraordinary. It showed me how one continent can have so many different aspects, cultures, and relations. How international relations are something that has such a broad meaning, that it can go on and on and still have so many new areas to discover every day. This was quite evident in Stockholm, Sweden. 

The moment I saw the Red Mountain School it felt familiar, even though I had never been there before. It was a sign. It was a sign that everything is going to be ok. The moment we walked inside the school I was shook. It was so fascinating to realize that you could be anywhere and English is your way of discovering a mystery. I was in the international part of the school curriculum and that by itself I found fascinating. So many different cultures, and nationalities among the students and teachers all in one classroom. Supported with amazing material at such a high level that I would have ever dreamed of. So many group works, essays, and the use of English created an amazing result.  

However, what I found even more amazing was the fact that communication is something that would be hard to live without. Internationally, it was remarkable to discover a new way of thinking that, for them, was seen as ordinary, but for us was new and complex.

I saw myself as open-minded and saw all the differences and similarities between the two countries, and that was a successful experiment.

It made learning fun and unique. Although another interesting aspect was how the Polish community grew closer as well. We were all going through the same thing, so we all knew what it felt like and we all knew that we were there for each other. It was as if we had developed our friendships and made new ones at the same time.  

Throughout the whole trip, I saw myself as open-minded and saw all the differences and similarities between the two countries, and that was a successful experiment. I had realized some things that I had never seen before. For example, the educational system in Sweden is a bit better than the one in Poland. Of course, I cannot say that as a fact, since I was in Sweden for only a week in one school, but overall, I loved the independence and space for quiet work that the students were given. The school was so large that it was easy to find some vacant space. As well as the fact that there were many classrooms for lessons that are not in every curriculum, such as sewing, woodwork or even cooking, as well as another separate building. 

Overall, I have to say that this adventure was worth it. I learned that development and learning new things is what we should do. How international retaliations are fascinating and how fascinating it is to take part in them. Some things were great, some were not, but the skills that I learned and developed during this trip, such as creativity and communication are something that I will use in the future. But most importantly, I learned how fast European relations are evolving and how we are going with it. 

Krzysztof W.

„The main reasons were to travel, to meet youth from other countries, to speak English more fluently and to become more independent, especially abroad.”

I got back from our trip to Stockholm, I think, more than month ago, but my memories are still fresh and exciting. It was one of the best events in my life. Today I am going to tell you all the story. So first question is: How it started? The beginning of our trip was not at the airport, but it started, I  think,  at my home when I wrote an essay ‘why I  want to join the project’. The main reasons were to travel, to meet youth from other countries, to speak English more fluently and to become more independent, especially abroad. After some time I got information that I am approved to be in the project. I was very surprised and happy to hear that.  

Then we were preparing for project. We learnt new phrases in Swedish. We were also working in groups and we had to build the bridge from the pasta or make herbarium, but it was only the beginning of learning new skills for life such as planning or coping with difficulties.  

Our main trip started on 24th of April.  It was very early morning, when I arrived on the airport. After my first fly without parents, which was also something new, we landed in Stockholm. On the next day, we came to Swedish school. I was a little bit stressed, because we didn’t know how student would react on people from the change. But our fears were unfounded, because they reaction was really kind and nice.

For next four days in Swedish school we were studying about Swedish school system and many other things. I think the best thing was meeting with people from other countries and also practicing English in many conversations. After this trip,  for example I am more brave and I am not shy to talk in English. This journey wasn’t only learning how to talk in English. It was also exploring city and Swedish culture. We visited Alfred Nobel Museum or the most famous bridge.

We also walked a lot, because we wanted to feel a climate of this town. This is important for me because my dream is to visit as many countries as it is possible. The project  built also our school relationships, it learnt us how to support each other, how to learn and spend time together. 

The most surprising for me was how Swedish school is developed, because people have laptops and they have it for free, sponsored by government and that there are so many  people, who speak English very well. 

Now I know that meeting people from other countries and trip organizing is quite simple and very satisfying. Openness, English and Internet connection is enough – then you can do everything, meet everybody and enjoy life. 

Maja K.

"If I have a chance to take part in such a project again without hesitating, I will"

This April I had a possibility to explore beautiful Stockholm, the capital of Sweden with my school.  

For almost a week we were studying in Rödabergsskolan were we met amazing students from different classes. We visited many interesting places like Museum of Evolution or the very famous Nobel Prize Museum, honestly this one was my favourite. I enjoyed Nobel Prize Museum the most because of it’s amazing interiors and full of interesting knowledge expositions. At first, I was impressed about the huge amount of informations about our polish Nobel Prize winners.  

During the trip I learned and see a lot. I can confidently say that I broke the barrier of meeting new people who speak a different language, a language which I am studying but I am not using every day in daily situations. Now I also know a lot more about the culture and traditions of Sweden. It was amazing to have a possibility to learn everything what Swedish students were learning in this time. Trip taught me more about Swedish education system and about how they are going to apply to high school, which I am going to do now in Poland.  

I can highly recommend taking part in this kind of ventures. For me just studying in a different country is exciting. In trips like this you have a possibility to explore, study, meet new people and of course make many unforgettable memories. If I have a chance to take part in such a project again without hesitating, I will.  

Antoni P.

"Many people from our school exchanged numbers with people from Sweden and as far as I know they keep in touch with them"

Let’s start with the fact that the preparations for the trip to Sweden were very thin. We had to prepare a few projects that would confirm our participation in the project. One of such projects was, for example, the task of making a bridge from various materials that were randomly selected for a given group.

This task was won by the group that built a bridge that did not collapse under more kilos. It was a really fun and joyful task to integrate people from different classes. when all the tasks were 100% completed, we could all fly together to Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. there, we stayed at our hotel and the next day we visited the school which we attended for another week.

At school, we were assigned classes according to age. When we were in lessons and learning together with Swedish students, we could see many differences between Swedish schools and the Polish schools. In the Swedish school, we got to know their culture and we had the opportunity to talk to the students of that school. Many people from our school exchanged numbers with people from Sweden and as far as I know they keep in touch with them.

Summing up, the trip was full of impressions and unforgettable moments, everyone was satisfied with the trip. We all learned a lot during this trip and I will never forget it. 

 

Zuzanna Z.

I came back from Stockholm full of  new experiences and impressions. I became more responsible and independent. So now I want to tell how it was looking like.

We were joining really beautiful school where everyone was really kind and helpful.everyday we had some new lessons that we don’t have in Poland so it was something new and intresting. 

Students and teachers were helping us and they were taking care about us al.  time in school. 

The most important thing in Stockholm was project that we were doing in small groups.it meant to document the best moments that we spent together. Every group had to record a few short videos and each was about something different.I was really happy when i was working with my group because we could spend really good time together talking and recording together films in new places. Also it was very difficult to talk in other language but i think that i learned many new words because while I was joining everyday new lessons in other language I could hear new words that I haven’t hear before.

On this trip had to be organized and i was more responsible because it was big new city for us and we had to keep with our group. So I think that I will remember this trip for a long time because i spent very good time with my school and we;ve become very attached to each other. 

Magdalena D.

In May, I went on a trip to Sweden with my school. We were studying for a week in a different school.

Before the trip, our group had preparatory lessons where we learned about Swedish culture and traditions. Moreover, students had to prepare their own projects in groups. The time spent in these classes taught me how to work with people I don’t know. It also improved my relationships with my peers.

During this trip, we participated in lessons with students of our age. Many things there were for me new. I didn’t know that in another school students can have their own computers. There was also a special class where the students were speaking only in English. This class had students from different countries, so we could experience different kinds of cultures. I was able to practice my English there and talk to people my age.

After lessons, our group was visiting Stockholm. We went to the Nobel’s museum, where we were reading about scientists. We bought many souvenirs there.

I saw myself as open-minded and see all the differences and similarities between the two countries, and that was a successful experiment.

Our hotel was very nice and close to the school, so we were walking there on foot. We had breakfast at the hotel. We could choose how much we wanted to eat.

I personally think that this trip was a great opportunity to learn many life skills. I was able to make new friends from another country and talk to them. If I could participate again, I would definitely take part in this project.

Anna S.

I like the trip to Stockholm very much, I learned a lot there and it was a good test of how I can communicate in English. 

I really like traveling but in general when I do it I don’t get to know many people and I don’t find out what life in another country really looks like. 

This time it was different, I got to know the culture in Sweden and saw them how they function every day. I have experienced going to school in another country, I realized that the education system is very different there.

The teacher has a different approach to the student, they have different subjects on which I was able to spend some time. The local school is quite different from the one in Poland, we were in a public school so it should be compared to a Polish public school and then you can see a huge difference how the Swedish authorities approach the development of science Staying there required a lot of organization and cooperation in a group with people from our school but also with Swedish classmates. it was difficult at first, but it got easier and easier.

Before we left for Sweden, we had several meetings where we performed interesting and unusual tasks. which were not always easy and required from us concentration and many skills. I think this trip taught me a lot, I became a more conscious person.

If I have such an opportunity again, I will definitely use it