Introduction

From March 30 to April 6, 2025, eight grade 9 students from Avicenna International School in Budapest, accompanied by their Erasmus coordinator, participated in a week-long Erasmus+ group mobility in Bergamo, Italy. The host institution was Liceo Linguistico Giovanni Falcone, a linguistic high school in the heart of Lombardy, known for its focus on intercultural education. The exchange was organized around collaborative learning, cultural exploration, and sustainability-focused activities, with participation from Grade 9-10 students at the host school. This report summarizes the key activities, outcomes, and impact of the mobility experience.

March 30 – Departure and Arrival

The group met at Budapest’s Ferihegy Airport at 1:00 PM and departed for Italy at 3:00 PM. Upon arrival in Bergamo, students were transported to their accommodation, a centrally located hostel, and received an orientation for the upcoming week.

March 31 – First Day at School and City Discovery

The first day began with introductions and a warm welcome at Liceo Linguistico Giovanni Falcone. The local and Avicenna students gave short presentations during an ice-breaking session, where Italian students also explained the significance of the school’s name, honouring anti-mafia judge Giovanni Falcone who was assassinated for his strenuous work against organised crime.

This was followed by a basic Italian lesson conducted by class 2C (Grade 10), covering everyday phrases and greetings in an engaging, peer-led format.

In the afternoon, the group, accompanied by their coordinator Mr Steve, took a walking tour of Città Alta, the historic upper town of Bergamo. The students were captivated by its medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and panoramic views, gaining their first immersive experience of Lombard culture and heritage.

April 1 – Excursion to Lake Garda

The second full day was dedicated to a full-day excursion to Lago di Garda (Lake Garda), one of northern Italy’s most picturesque regions. Traveling by private coach, the group visited Desenzano del Garda and Sirmione, exploring Roman ruins such as Le Grotte di Catullo and villas with Mediterranean terraces.

The natural beauty of the lake, combined with the historical sites, offered students a hands-on understanding of Italy’s ancient heritage and geography. It was a highlight for many participants, combining education with scenic exploration.

April 2 – Monumental Bergamo and Trip to Brescia

The morning was devoted to a guided historical walking tour led by the local students. They showcased major cultural landmarks of Bergamo, including churches, piazzas, historical gates in the upper town and sites reflecting Lombard architecture and Renaissance influence. This student-led initiative strengthened the international collaboration, giving the Avicenna students a peer perspective on local history.

In the afternoon, the group took a regional train to Brescia, another historically rich city. This visit added depth to their understanding of the Lombardy region and provided real-life context for cross-cultural discussions during later project reflections.

April 3 – Sustainability Day

Sustainability and environmental awareness formed the central theme for Thursday. The day began with a podcast presentation by Italian students, who shared interview results about their families’ environmental attitudes. This prompted discussions around generational perspectives and cultural differences in eco-awareness.

Later, students visited a local botanical garden featuring indigenous plants and educational trails. It was a chance to explore biodiversity in the region and reflect on human-nature interaction.

The afternoon was free for students to explore the Venetian city gates and the 16th-century defense walls encircling Città Alta, promoting independent discovery and cultural appreciation.

April 4 – Reflection, Podcasting, and Farewell

Friday’s program began with a special podcast session. Avicenna students were interviewed by their Italian peers about their experiences during the week. These audio recordings will be edited and shared by the host school, serving as both reflection and documentation of the mobility.

This was followed by an Italian language workshop that built on the initial lesson, focusing on useful phrases and everyday interactions.

The farewell ceremony was both heartfelt and festive, featuring colomba pasquale, a traditional Italian Easter cake, shared in a spirit of friendship and cultural exchange.

The afternoon was free for sightseeing and souvenir shopping, giving students space for relaxed social interactions and final moments in Bergamo.

April 5 – Milan and Lake Como Cultural Trip

As a culminating cultural experience, the host school organized a day trip to Milan and Lake Como (Lecco). Students visited iconic landmarks in Milan and admired the scenic landscapes around Lake Como. It was a full day of sightseeing, providing insight into urban and natural contrasts within the Lombardy region.

April 6 – Departure

On Sunday, the group packed up and enjoyed one last walk around the city before departing for the airport at around 2:00 PM. The mobility came to a close with many students expressing a desire to return to Italy in the future, either for study, travel, or further exchanges.

Impact and Reflections

This mobility had a significant educational and emotional impact on all participants. Linguistically, students improved their English and cultural abilities and learned some Italian skills through everyday interactions. Culturally, they gained firsthand insights into Italian heritage, education, and lifestyle. The collaborative activities, especially the podcast project, allowed for genuine peer connection and intercultural learning.

Many students reported increased confidence, independence, and openness to other cultures. The mobility also strengthened institutional ties between Avicenna and Liceo Linguistico Giovanni Falcone, laying the groundwork for future collaborations.

Conclusion

The Erasmus mobility to Bergamo was a resounding success, fulfilling its goals of intercultural exchange, personal growth, and academic enrichment. The students returned to Budapest with new friendships, broader perspectives, and unforgettable memories that will shape their future educational journeys. Erasmus+ continues to be a vital program for building bridges across Europe and empowering youth through international experiences.

This mobility was fully financed by Erasmus+ and co-organised by the Avicenna Erasmus coordinator and our host school Liceo Giovanni Falcone.

Written by: Steve Szabó

17. April. 2025