Welcome to Reus! Two Unforgettable Erasmus+ Exchanges at Marià Fortuny School
This spring, our school, Escola Marià Fortuny in Reus, had the great pleasure of welcoming students and teachers from four different European schools through the Erasmus+ programme. These visits were a unique opportunity to share experiences, explore new cultures and strengthen the values of inclusion, collaboration and European identity.
First Visit: Turkish School from Izmir (March 16th – 23rd)
In mid-March, we hosted five students and three teachers from a school in Izmir, Turkey: Karşıyaka Science and Art Center. During their days at our school, they took part in a wide range of cultural and educational activities. Our 5th grade students welcomed them with a Sardana dance, followed by a school tour in English. They did it great! At the end of the tour, the Turkish students present their school, city and culture in a slideshow presentation. As a surprise, they gave us some Turkish presents: bookmarks, food, bracelets, sweets, Turkish coffee, etc. WE ARE SO GREATFUL!
Then, the Turkish team had the chance to participate in a sensorial experience (Snoezelen), attend a music lesson, explore our learning environments alongside Catalan students, and visit local cultural sites such as the Gaudí Centre, Casa Navàs and the city hall. They also enjoyed traditional Catalan breakfast prepared by our families and shared joyful moments during recess and collaborative workshops.
Mid-week, the whole group moved to Pratdip, where the students discovered the village and took part in nature-based and historical learning experiences, including a geolocation activity at Santa Marina Hermitage and a walking tour of the old castle and the legendary “Dips”.
The week concluded with a trip to Roman Tarragona and a final day of games and reflection. The experience closed with a farewell dinner and a warm certificate ceremony for our guests — a moment full of emotion and shared achievements.
Second Visit: Italy, Portugal and Finland (March 30th – April 5th)
Just a few weeks later, we had the honour of hosting a second, larger group — 22 students and 10 teachers from three partner schools in Torre del Greco (Italy), Vila Verde (Portugal) and Raahe (Finland). Over the week, students aged 9 to 13 engaged in a vibrant programme of activities designed to encourage cooperation, discovery, and intercultural dialogue.
During their time at Marià Fortuny, they participated in English workshops, cultural games, traditional Catalan dances (such as the Sardana and the Nanos), gardening activities, digital design in our Maker Lab, and Catalan “Castells” (human tower) workshops. They also explored the city of Reus, visited Casa Navàs and Gaudí Center, and enjoyed a day trip to the beach in Cambrils.
On Wednesday and Thursday, the Turkish delegation continued their stay with the teaching team of Escola Santa Marina de Pratdip, where they explored the natural and rural surroundings of our region, like Pratdip and the ancient Roman city of Tarragona.
The week concluded with a final day of cultural games and reflection about the Erasmus+ experience. The experience closed with a farewell dinner and a warm certificate ceremony with all participating schools — a moment full of emotion and shared achievements.
A Shared European Spirit
These Erasmus+ visits have enriched our school community with unforgettable memories and friendships. We are proud to be part of a programme that brings together students and teachers from across Europe, building a shared future based on respect, diversity, and learning.
We want to thank all our host families, teachers, and the school of Pratdip for their collaboration and dedication. We are already looking forward to the next mobility!
