Penalva do Castelo
Portugal

A Week of Cultural Exchange and Digital Innovation in Portugal

From May 20-24, the Penalva do Castelo School Cluster in Portugal hosted an impactful Erasmus+ mobility project under the “Let’s do IT” and “Odyssey just for (E)U” initiatives. This program welcomed 20 students and six teachers from two schools in Poland and one in Italy, creating a dynamic environment for cultural exchange, digital learning, and personal development.

---

The hosting school designed a comprehensive week-long program, providing international and local students opportunities to engage collaboratively in activities focused on innovation, STEM, and digital skills under the theme “Innovative School – Digital Learning, Cybersecurity, and STEM.”

---

Program Highlights:

• Digital and Cybersecurity Training: Students participated in activities promoting responsible online behavior and cybersecurity awareness;
• Recreational and Cultural Team Activities: International teams engaged in icebreaker games, traditional sports, and a “Questing” exploration through nature;
• Local Heritage Exploration: Participants enjoyed visits to the historic center of Viseu, the Serralves Museum, and the scenic riverside of Porto.

---

Students from Poland and Italy were hosted by Portuguese families, allowing for cultural immersion that extended beyond the formal activities. The program also included a welcome reception at the Penalva do Castelo Town Hall and culminated in a farewell event, strengthening the bonds formed over the week.

---

Empowering Students with Lifelong Skills

The Erasmus+ mobility program fostered a broad spectrum of valuable skills and competencies, including:

• Digital literacy and responsible digital citizenship;
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making;
• Interpersonal, teamwork, and intercultural communication skills;
• Proficiency in English;
• Cultural awareness, empathy, and respect for diversity and heritage.

---

Such experiences are invaluable, equipping students with skills that are essential for their futures. The program’s success was made possible by the collaboration of host families, the school staff, and the enthusiastic participation of all involved, creating lasting memories and impactful learning moments for every student.

Outputs

---

---

Meeting Video

---