Students from Pforzheimer University Travel to Companion City, Gernika
Fritz-Erler-Gymnasium Students Embark on Cultural Exchange Trip to Gernika, Spain
In October 2023, 20 students and two teachers from Fritz-Erler-Gymnasium in Pforzheim, Germany, embarked on a transformative cultural exchange trip to Gernika, the partner city of Pforzheim. The week-long journey offered an immersive experience into Basque culture, history, and contemporary life.
Itinerary Highlights
The trip began with a warm welcome at the Gernikako Institutua, the local secondary school. Students participated in introductory activities, including presentations and meeting their host families, fostering connections between German and Basque students.
The itinerary included visits to educational and cultural sites, such as the Gernikako Institutua, where students attended classes, engaged in joint workshops, and participated in cultural exchange events. The group also visited the Euskal Herria Museum, where a guided tour introduced them to Basque history, traditions, language, and art.
A day excursion to the nearby metropolis of Bilbao featured the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, famous for avant-garde art and architecture, and large market halls. The program also included a visit to the ASTRA Cultural Center, where students participated in workshops on Basque dance, music, and language.
Student Experiences
Living with host families provided daily practice in Spanish and Basque languages and an authentic experience of local customs, food, and lifestyle. The exchange included joint school projects where students from both countries worked on themes related to history, art, and social issues, culminating in presentations.
Besides formal visits, students enjoyed group excursions around Gernika and nearby sites, evening events like traditional music nights, and opportunities for relaxed socializing and friendship building.
Local Attractions Visited
In addition to the educational and cultural sites, students also visited charming local establishments and elegant streets in Gernika. Accompanied by local teacher Erlantz Gatzaga, they explored the small fishing town of Bermeo.
The city of Gernika impressed with its clean and orderly appearance, and in the evenings, students enjoyed the lively streets of Gernika with their new friends, accompanied by "pintxos" (salty snacks). The students experienced the hospitality of the Basque people during their stay.
The trip concluded with an introduction to the simulators of the local maritime school by an experienced captain.
Overall, the trip provided Fritz-Erler-Gymnasium students with a meaningful, multifaceted cultural exchange, enhancing their global awareness, language skills, and intercultural friendships. For more specific details, such as daily schedules or student reflections, contacting the school or trip coordinators directly would be the best approach.
- During the cultural exchange trip to Gernika, Spain, students from Fritz-Erler-Gymnasium had a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Basque culture, which included visits to educational sites like Gernikako Institutua and the Euskal Herria Museum, as well as engaging in cultural travel activities like Basque dance workshops at the ASTRA Cultural Center.
- The experience of living with host families and visiting local attractions, such as Bermeo and enjoying the "pintxos" in the lively streets of Gernika, significantly contributed to the students' understanding of Basque lifestyle and made their travel experience more authentic.
