ERASMUS+ VOICES: Accoglienza di studenti Erasmus dalla Polonia, Francia e Portogallo - fine aprile e inizi maggio 2026
Exchange Project: Udine meets Europe and hosts Erasmus+ students on a cultural exchange at our Institute
In recent weeks, from April to mid-May, our school has experienced a period of profound personal and cultural growth by hosting a variety of students from Poland, Portugal, and France. Our school was transformed into an open-air laboratory, where linguistic exchange and shared traditions broke down every geographical boundary.
Among the several activities, we want to share the ones we experienced with the Erasmus+students from Poland and more specifically:
The Welcome Ice Breaking activities in our Aula Magna
The experience began with a day dedicated to getting to know one another. In the Aula Magna of Zanon Institute, we organized a dynamic and engaging icebreaking activity: "Curiosity Bingo." Each participant, armed with a card featuring statements such as "Are you an only child?", "Do you have a black cat?" or "Have you ever been camping?", had to interact with the foreign students to complete the challenge. This was followed by small conversation groups and a “Speed Dating” game: a precious moment that allowed everyone to open up, ask questions about daily life, and discover common interests, laying the foundation for the friendships that formed in the following days.
May 4th: Discovering Udine
We organized a Scavenger Hunt in the historic center of Udine, divided into small European teams. We Italian students acted as guides for our guests: following the teachers' instructions, we explained the history and features of the city's main landmarks. The route included the most iconic spots: Udine Castle, Piazza Matteotti, the Cathedral (Duomo), and Via Mercato Vecchio, Piazza Libertà. The activity was essential for practicing English in a natural and fun way. The day concluded with a relaxing moment, enjoying gelato all together downtown.
May 5th: Art and Cultural Exchange
The day was dedicated to creativity and cultural analysis. Taking advantage of the spring light, we participated in an outdoor Japanese-inspired printmaking workshop. Each of us drew a symbol of our identity on a sturdy sheet, which was then carved and pressed onto paper using colourful paint. While the artworks were drying, our guest students took the floor by showing some presentations. The Polish, French, and Portuguese students illustrated the unique features of their countries, comparing culinary traditions, climates, and lifestyles. Italians students also presented our School, its history, with all the projects that characterize our educational offer. Students from other Zanon classes introduced our region: Friuli Venezia Giulia, the friulan culture and language, Udine and some of the most iconic spots and landmarks of our land.
May 7th: Nature and Reflection in Cornino
The final stage of the journey took us to the Cornino Lake Nature Reserve. In this protected ecosystem, we observed the local wildlife up close, including majestic griffon vultures, owls, donkeys, snakes, and deer. The walk around the lake was particularly evocative: the crystal-clear waters provided the perfect background for group photos and selfies, but it was the minute of silence spent on the shores that left a lasting impression, allowing us to connect deeply with the surrounding nature. The day culminated in a scenic hike overlooking the Tagliamento River and an afternoon of sports and relaxation, including volleyball, football, and frisbee.
The students of 4B tur