Short-term learning mobilities of school pupils

Participant: Beāte Ernestīne Mušaļuka (11.IT)

Beāte Ernestīne studied for 2 weeks in Hannover (Tellkampfschule Hannover) and lived with a host family.

The project was a great opportunity for Beate to improve her German language skills by speaking German every day with both the host family and the school's students.

Beāte: "It was very interesting to observe the differences between German and Latvian schools, for example, in Germany digital tools were used more in lessons and students actively discussed with teachers. Unlike in Latvia, the classroom atmosphere seemed more relaxed but very organised. I really liked the group work and presentations, which help to develop communication and cooperation skills."

Beāte used digital tools in her learning - for example, for making presentations (PowerPoint, Canva), collaborating (Google Docs) and collecting other materials. This helped to improve her IT skills and she learned to collaborate more effectively as a team online.

Beāte also took part in "Europe Week", during which she and other Erasmus+ participants from 5 countries took part in various activities, such as a music workshop. It was a great opportunity to get to know the culture, traditions, differences and similarities of other nations.

During the mobility, they had the opportunity to visit the Hannover Zoo and the Phaeno Science Centre in Wolfsburg, where they could see different scientific discoveries.

Living with a German family and interacting with people from different countries, Beāte got to know the diversity of cultures.

Beāte: "What struck me about German culture was the punctuality, the kindness and the willingness to help. I learned to be more open to different traditions and ways of thinking. I really enjoyed living with a host family - they were supportive, kind and made me feel safe in a foreign country. The family has adopted a healthy lifestyle - they separate their waste, use public transport and bicycles, conserve water and electricity and eat healthy food. These are habits I would like to adopt in my daily life."

Benefits:

• Improved German language, communication and digital skills;
• A new perspective on other cultures and sustainable lifestyles.
• Strengthened self-confidence and developed the ability to feel confident in unfamiliar environments;
• Made new friends and contacts, also from other countries.

Beāte would like to take part in this type of project again in the future and possibly study or work abroad.