This trip was part of the Erasmus+ program "Nature in Culture" which also included peers from Italy, Germany, Finland, and Portugal, forming a vibrant consortium representing the diversity of the European Union. This mobility was a component of our Erasmus+ Accreditation project aimed at fostering European identity and enhancing sustainability awareness— a priority of the EU. The visit was a reciprocation, as our students and their families had previously hosted their Erasmus+ counterparts in Cyprus. Upon arrival in Rome, we were warmly welcomed by an exuberant group of Italian students, parents, and teachers, rekindling friendships formed during the earlier Cyprus visit.
Day-by-Day Highlights:
Day 1 (March 4, 2024): Our students joined their Italian peers for a typical school day at Liceo Keplero, engaging in subjects like Science, Maths, and Geography, taught in Italian. Some teachers also offered instruction in English to ensure inclusivity. Post-school, the group indulged in local cuisine and participated in team-bonding activities in Rome.
Day 2 (March 5, 2024): The official Erasmus+ kickoff meeting was held at Liceo Keplero’s Gherardi site, where each country presented their unique interpretations of "Nature in Culture". The day featured explorations of the school's eco-features like a vertical garden and roof garden, gardening activities, soil pH experiments, followed by a picnic in Parco Marconi, team-building sports, and an evening visit to Galleria Borghese.
Day 3 (March 6, 2024): Activities continued at Liceo Keplero’s Vigne branch, starting with a welcome by the student-run choir. The day was packed with eco-activities, painting sessions focused on climate change awareness, and a vibrant birthday party hosted by one of our Italian friends.
Day 4 (March 7, 2024): Students explored central Rome’s historic and cultural sites with their Italian hosts as guides, visiting landmarks like Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, and discussing the intersection of nature and art. The day concluded with a farewell party featuring homemade Italian specialties.
Day 5 (March 8, 2024): The group visited the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to learn about their pivotal role in global food security. The afternoon was dedicated to the "Ancient Rome Experience," with guided tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, capped off with a final meal of carbonara and tiramisu.
With hearts full of memories and suitcases packed with experiences, we said our goodbyes to our hosts and departed from Rome, reflecting on a journey that was as educational as it was delightful. A heartfelt thank you to all participants, especially the tireless Italian organisers—Giulia, Andrea, and Monica—for their exceptional hospitality and dedication. This trip not only broadened our horizons but also deepened our appreciation for cultural diversity and sustainability.
