First of all, the students learnt a lot about immigration, movements from one country to another and individuals who have not had a choice but have had to leave their own country by force. Stories heard first-hand have most certainly changed the students into more empathetic human beings. They experienced a change of mindset, which resulted in a better understanding of and willingness to integrate migrants in our network and in society. And also, it will motivate them to get active as volunteers themselves. So, the first expectation we met is the fact that we managed to reach our main goal that was to bring the reality of migration closer to schools and students, improving students’ attitude towards it and promoting integration.
Secondly, both students and teachers have reported improved language skills, especially spoken language skills. The topic of the project is not really included in the students’ daily vocabulary, and therefore they improved their vocabulary too. Projects like this also take the students and the teachers to situations that are unforeseen and such in those moments language skills are developed.
In third place, we have the social benefits. Interacting with each other and above all, staying in families is a solid basis for learning international competence. Our students all commented that one of the most interesting parts of the whole experience and that gave them self-confidence to seek for other projects in the future as well. Moreover, an international project like this one created new networks in our community and among the four schools.
Finally, we have cultural bounds. Through the project activities and especially the mobilities the students gained valuable insight into the cultural heritage of their European partners, but by showing their hometown to their guests, also into their own cultural heritage. The project helps to develop a feeling of being a citizen of a united Europe and helps create a common European identity in the students.