BG/BRG Judenburg - Student's Exchange in Giusano/Italy

Im Dezember 2024 fand ein spannender Schüleraustausch zwischen dem BG/BRG Judenburg und unserer Partnerschule in Giussano, Italien, statt. Acht Schülerinnen und Schüler unserer Schule durften in Begleitung von zwei Lehrpersonen eine Woche lang das italienische Schulleben, die Kultur sowie den Alltag ihrer Gastfamilien kennenlernen.

Die Anreise erfolgte mit dem Zug über Venedig und Mailand und war bereits ein erstes Abenteuer. Nach einer herzlichen Begrüßung durch die Gastfamilien begann am Montag das vielfältige Austauschprogramm. In der Partnerschule, einem künstlerisch ausgerichteten Gymnasium, nahmen unsere Schüler:innen an kreativen Workshops teil und konnten durch die Teilnahme am regulären Unterricht interessante Einblicke in das italienische Bildungssystem gewinnen. Besonders das Projekt „Living Works of Art“, bei dem bekannte Kunstwerke nachgestellt wurden, förderte die Zusammenarbeit und das gegenseitige Kennenlernen.

Neben dem Schulalltag standen auch kulturelle Ausflüge auf dem Programm. Highlights waren Besuche in Mailand mit dem Dom, der Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II und dem Castello Sforzesco sowie ein Ausflug an den Comer See. Ein Workshop zur Pizza-Akrobatik mit einem Weltmeister sorgte für viel Spaß und Begeisterung.

Die Themen Nachhaltigkeit und Umweltschutz wurden in verschiedenen Projekten behandelt, was auch inhaltlich wichtige Impulse setzte. Der Austausch endete mit einem emotionalen Abschied und dem Gefühl, eine wertvolle internationale Erfahrung gemacht zu haben.

Der Schüleraustausch war ein voller Erfolg – sowohl im Hinblick auf die sprachliche und interkulturelle Kompetenzentwicklung als auch für die persönliche Reifung der Teilnehmenden.

Students' Reports

Our journey began in Judenburg, where we boarded the train heading to Venice. The train ride was long, spanning approximately 10 hours, but the scenic views along the way made the time pass more enjoyably. As we approached Venice, we disembarked to catch a connecting train to Milan. We had about an hour to spare before our next train arrived, so we took the opportunity to grab a quick meal of paninis at a nearby café, which was a nice break after the long travel.

Arriving in Milan in the evening, we made our final transfer to a train bound for Monza. The anticipation grew as we approached our destination, and once we reached Monza, our host families were waiting for us with warm smiles and open arms. We drove to their home, settled in, and shared a lovely dinner together. It was a comforting end to a long day of travel, and soon after, we called it a night. Return Journey: The return journey mirrored much of our initial travel experience. Early in the morning, we woke up, packed our things, and were driven to the train station by our host families. We arrived quite early, allowing us one last shared breakfast as a group. It was a bittersweet moment filled with laughter, stories, and the realization that our trip was coming to an end. When it was time to say goodbye, emotions ran high, and a few tears were shed as we parted ways. The train ride back followed the same route as the way there, with connections in Milan and Venice before continuing to Judenburg. Although the journey was familiar, it was filled with reflections on the experiences we shared and the new memories we had made.

Day 2:

On Monday, November 11^th, 2024, we had our first day at the host school, and it turned out to be a very exciting and creative experience. The day started with a unique project where we worked together with the host students. During the first two lessons, we recreated famous paintings. This activity allowed us to think creatively and collaborate closely with the Italian students. The teachers took pictures of our work, which helped capture the fun and creative atmosphere of the activity. After the painting activity, the students showed us around their school. As their school is an Art-school it was really cool to see all the paintings. It seemed a little like a museum. Then we attended regular lessons with the Italian students. We could choose which subjects we wanted to join, and we chose to attend the English lessons. They gave us a chance to see how the Italian education system works and compare it to ours. We noticed that the teaching style was quite different to what we are used to. It was a valuable experience that gave us insight into school life in Italy. In the afternoon, we visited Milan, which was one of the most exciting parts of the day. Our first stop was the Museo delle Illusioni, a fascinating place full of interactive exhibits and optical illusions. It was both entertaining and thought-provoking as we tried to understand how the illusions worked. We took many photos and had a lot of fun exploring the museum, which was filled with laughter and excitement. After the museum, we explored the streets of Milan. The city is full of life, with beautiful buildings and a mix of historical and modern architecture. We enjoyed walking through the streets, soaking in the atmosphere, and observing the everyday life of Milan’s residents. From busy shops to cozy cafés and lively squares, the city had something for everyone.

All in all, it can be said that we had a great time together with our host students.

VIDEO: https://www.magisto.com/video/Mg4CMAAbFyk-QQNpYw?l=vsm&o=w&c=c

Day 3:

On Tuesday, we started the day with workshops focused on the topic of sustainability. These workshops were conducted together with the Italian students, and it was an excellent opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn about each other's perspectives on sustainable practices. At lunchtime, we continued our collaborative work by designing posters on sustainability and recycling, joined by older students. This activity was both educational and creative, as we brainstormed ways to visually represent important messages about taking care of our environment. In the afternoon, we took a train ride with our host students to visit a nearby city. There, we spent some enjoyable hours at a trampolin park, playing games and bonding in a more relaxed and fun setting. It was a nice break from the more structured activities of the morning. The evening was spent with our host families, where we shared dinner and talked about the day’s experiences. It was a pleasant way to wind down and connect more with the families who were generously hosting us.

Day 4:

Our trip to Milano on Wednesday was an unforgettable experience. We started our days with our host families and met up at 8 a.m. in school. Right away we walked shortly to the train station. As soon as we arrived in Milano after 45- minute train journey we met our Tour guide. Right away our journey began at Castello Sforzesco, a magnificent 15th-century castle that once served as a residence for Milan's ruling families. Next, we wandered through the charming Brera neighbourhood. While we wandered through the neighbourhood and enjoyed the scenery, our guide told us some intriguing facts. We also saw the Teatro alla scala, a historic opera house. After that went to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a 19th-century shopping arcade known for housing luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada or Dior. Like always our tour guide had some very interesting facts about the building. After that, we went to the Duomo di Milano. The beautiful architecture captivated us all. Of course, we had to go inside as well. Our tour guide explained some very interesting things, while we got to enjoy the beautiful view of the duomo. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to our guide after that but then we went to get Panzerotti, typical food from Milano. To enjoy the last rays of sunshine we then went up to the Terrazzo, the cathedral’s rooftop terrace. We got to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city and had the chance to take some pictures together. After that we had a bit of time to shop for souvenirs or enjoy a coffee. Then we took the train back to Seregno where our host families picked us up and then we got to enjoy the evening at home with them. In conclusion our trip to Milano was a perfect mix of history, art, architecture and fun.

Day 5:

Thursday was an incredibly eventful and enriching day during our exchange program. It was a perfect mix of education, fun, cultural exploration, and shared experiences that we will never forget.The day began with presentations on the topic of sustainability. Each group shared their ideas on how to live a more sustainable life, offering solutions to everyday problems. The presentations included such areas as: school, traveling, food and shopping. It reminded us of the small changes we can make in our daily routines to protect the environment and create a better future for all.Following the presentations, we had the opportunity to participate in an exciting extra activity called Pizza Acrobatica. This unique experience involved learning the art of pizza dough spinning and tossing, which is far more challenging than it looks! We were incredibly fortunate to be taught by a world champion in this activity, who demonstrated jaw-dropping skills and tricks. He guided us step by step. Everyone laughed as we tried our best to imitate his moves, with varying degrees of success! In the afternoon, we embarked on a memorable trip to Lake Como, accompanied by our host students. The breathtaking beauty of the lake and its surrounding mountains was surprising for us. We visited the charming city of Como, where we explored the streets and admired the magnificent Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, also known as the Duomo di Como. As the day transitioned into evening, the excitement continued. At 8:30 PM, we gathered at a local pizzeria with all the exchange students and teachers involved in the program. The atmosphere was lively and filled with laughter, as everyone enjoyed delicious pizza and shared stories about the day's activities. To add to the fun, we witnessed an improvised wedding between two students, which was completely unexpected and hilarious. It brought everyone together, creating a unique and unforgettable memory. Overall, Thursday was a perfect blend of learning, cultural immersion, and lighthearted fun. From discussing sustainability to trying Pizza Acrobatica, exploring Como, and bonding over pizza, the day brought us closer to our exchange partners and left us with cherished moments to look back on.

Summary:

Sunday:

Our adventure began with a 10-hour journey filled with excitement. During the trip, we stayed connected with our exchange partners, which made the long travel feel much shorter. That evening, we were warmly welcomed and enjoyed a delicious pizza dinner with our hosts, marking the perfect start to our week in Italy.

Monday:

On our first morning, some students travelled to school by bus, while others were driven by their host families. At school, we were greeted by many friendly faces and quickly made new friends. One of the highlights was participating in the "Living Works of Art" activity, where we recreated famous paintings, a fun and creative way to bond with our Italian peers. The day continued with integration into various classes, where we were met with curiosity and many questions. In the afternoon, we explored the modern district of Milan and visited the fascinating Museum of Illusions.

Tuesday:

Tuesday was dedicated to environmental projects and sustainability in school. We engaged in a scavenger hunt with tasks focused on eco-friendly practices, reinforcing the importance of sustainability in a fun and interactive way.

Wednesday:

Midweek, we embarked on a trip to Milan without our host students. We toured the historic Castello Sforzesco with a knowledgeable guide who shared insights into its storied past. Our next stop was the iconic Duomo di Milano, where we not only learned about its history but also had the unique experience of visiting its rooftop, offering breathtaking views of the city. The day ended with enjoyable game nights hosted by the Italian students, creating unforgettable memories.

Thursday:

Thursday brought a unique experience with Pizza Acrobatica, where we were amazed by the skills and showmanship involved in making pizza. Later, some students chose to visit Milan again, while others took a trip to the picturesque town of Como. The evening concluded with an elaborate group dinner, bringing everyone together to share stories and laughter.

Friday:

On our final day, we visited Monza Park and explored the old racing circuit, adding a touch of history and excitement to our visit. We toured the Duomo di Monza and admired the city’s festive decorations, which added to the holiday spirit. By this time, we had built strong connections with our Italian friends and enjoyed every moment of our last day together.

Overall, the week was an incredible cultural exchange filled with learning, exploration, and new friendships. We returned home with unforgettable experiences and a newfound appreciation for Italian culture.