GIBS Goes Green
As a teacher, it was not only inspiring to see our students actively engaging and participating in workshops, but it was also a valuable opportunity to learn from and share knowledge with colleagues from our partner schools in Spain, France and Denmark. During the week we visited a local water treatment plant, learnt about migratory birds in a nature reserve, calculated how many solar panels we would need for our home, used local ingredients to cook a paella for 50 people, tried our hands at paddleboarding, plus much more. The programme really was enriching and diverse, and we came away not only thinking about the environment we live in, but also our connections with the people within it.
Alice Parrott
Our Erasmus+ climate project in Elche, Spain was truly one of the most memorable experiences of my school life. Staying with a host family once again reminded me why I love it so much. You don’t just visit a place; you live right in the middle of its culture. From daily routines and small traditions to the unmistakable rhythm of Spanish life, everything feels more real and connected. Even the little “culture shocks,” like eating dinner incredibly late, quickly became part of the fun. And the siesta? I fully embraced it. Having a quiet moment in the middle of the day to recharge is something I wish we had at home, too. But what truly made this exchange special was the incredible sense of community. Students from four different countries came together, and it didn’t take long before we formed a close-knit group. After the workshops we spent a lot of time together — walking around the city, eating, laughing, and simply enjoying every moment as an international team. I met people I genuinely connected with, friends I consider lifelong, and I’m sure we’ll visit each other again — in Austria, Spain, and maybe even beyond. Living with a host family while sharing this experience with such an open, curious group reminded me how quickly real friendships can grow when people are willing to learn from one another. That spirit of connection is exactly what makes Erasmus+ so special, and it made this project truly unforgettable.
Johanna Gröblacher
During our stay in Elche, we visited the local water treatment plant, where we learned how used water is cleaned and recycled so it can be safely reused. The plant is partly powered by solar panels, making the whole process even more environmentally friendly. It was very interesting to see how water from Elche and the surrounding areas is collected and treated step by step until it becomes clean again. After the treatment, the water is used to water plants and green spaces across the city and nearby regions. This visit showed us how important water recycling is for a sustainable future and also how technology helps to protect the environment.
Armin Osmanovic
My stay in Elche was honestly a good experience. Because our exchange was about climate, we did some interesting workshops and even cooked together, which was a nice thing to relax a bit in between the workshops. MY personal highlight was the bike tour with the mayor; we explored the city without walking a lot and taking forever but we stayed climate friendly. I also want to mention how nice the host families were, and the free afternoons with our host just exploring the city and getting to know each other better.
Julia Solhdju
One of my highlights was the cycle tour around Elche. We were each equipped with a stylish high-vis vest and a bike and sent on our way. We cycled in a long train of bike riders through the city and stopped at various attractions, such as the Town Hall or historic landmarks dotted around town. All in all, it was a great experience and will not be forgotten.
Ben Estebanez
An absolute Highlight of the trip to Elche, was the cooking workshop we attended. All participants were given instructions on how to cook traditional dishes, using local and organic ingredients. We strictly stuck to our instructions and little by little our creations started to take form. The entire event was highly educational and informative. It offered valuable practical knowledge and skills in the kitchen which I had no knowledge of prior to the workshop. All in all, it was an amazing experience, and I wish I could revisit.
Jakob Moser
