At the beginning of April 2025, twelve drama students took part in an Erasmus+ group project that began in Saint-Malo, France. In six mixed groups with students from Lycée Jacques Cartier, they developed the first concepts of video projects and started collecting data on the theme Theatre and Society through street surveys. The project also included participation in an international high school theatre festival, where young actors shared experiences in workshops and performances with peers from France, Canada, Mauritius, and Spain.
Three weeks later, the second part of the project took place in the Czech Republic, where French–Czech teams worked on finishing the videos. Students learned to edit, add subtitles, animate, and present their work. A major highlight was the chance to meet renowned authors during the Creative Africa: Islands and Continents festival, and even an unconventional Prague tour with the organization Pragulic. The project culminated in a final evening at Beseda Studio: alongside the screening of student videos, audiences could see stage performances – the French students presented Croisades by Michel Azama, while the Czech group performed their own adaptation of Jiří Havelka’s The Owners.
The Erasmus+ project showed that theatre is a powerful tool for learning, dialogue, and self-expression. It was an intense and enriching experience that would not have been possible without the support of our Erasmus+ coordinators and host families in both France and the Czech Republic – a heartfelt thank you!
Did you visit any interesting places? What caught your attention?
-Anička answers
During our trip, we visited many places that truly amazed me. One of my favorites was, of course, the Eiffel Tower—especially at night from the Trocadéro terrace, where the sparkling tower looks absolutely magical. I also loved the Sacré-Cœur Basilica with the lively Montmartre nearby, as well as the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Élysées, where you can enjoy the charm of French architecture while walking along the boulevard. In Limoges, the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Stephen impressed me the most, particularly its peaceful interior. Around the cathedral, you can wander through narrow streets full of half-timbered houses, inviting cafés, and little antique shops
How did you find working with the local students?
–Eliška answers
I worked with the students mainly during the theatre lesson, where we were preparing our very own play on the topic of menopause. Every student could imagine their play and think about some challenges they might face during the process of making it happen. I was in a group with four other girls, and our group was supposed to come up with some ideas regarding the scenography of our play. The students were very nice and tried to involve me in the activities as much as possible. They also asked me whether I could understand them, and they also offered to speak more slowly. I really enjoyed working in a group and I greatly appreciated their willingness to help.
How did you feel on the first and last day?
–Denča answers
We arrived in Paris in the early morning and, after taking the metro, checked in at Résidence Internationale De Paris. Afterwards, we set out to explore the city. We visited Sacré-Cœur with its beautiful view of Paris, walked past the Moulin Rouge, took photos of the Arc de Triomphe, and relaxed near the Louvre. We ended the day at the Eiffel Tower, where we had dinner and admired its evening illumination. Although the first day was physically demanding, the experiences were powerful and unforgettable. The city captivated us with its history, architecture, and unique atmosphere. Before leaving, I felt a sense of sadness, but also gratitude for the wonderful moments we had in Paris. The train ride back was peaceful and offered views of the French countryside. The most memorable experience for me was visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral – a strong and emotional moment that I will remember for a long time.
Did you try any local food? How did it taste?
–Ema answers
During the five days we spent in France, we tasted many delicious dishes typical of the country. On the first day in Paris, we visited a small place offering baguettes and the famous croque-monsieur, a toasted sandwich with plenty of cheese and either chicken or ham. This combination was very interesting, but I must say that I liked it. In the following days, we went to cafés in Limoges, with a wide selection of pastries. A croissant or pain au chocolat with a good coffee is something I will really miss. Of course, we also visited the school canteen, where cordon bleu, a fried cutlet filled with ham and cheese, was served. Its misleading appearance and smell did not put me off, and to my surprise, I enjoyed it. I really liked French cuisine, and it belongs among my favorites.
Were you surprised by the way local students work?
–Beáta answers
The biggest surprise for me was probably how active and engaged the local students were during lessons. In the Czech Republic, I am used to the fact that usually the same students raise their hands either because they are more interested in the subject, or because they are less shy to speak in front of the class. In France, however, I felt that almost everyone tried to participate. The atmosphere in the classroom was therefore much livelier and also more motivating. In all the lessons I attended, I noticed that the students were actively involved in the work and showed genuine interest in the topics being taught. This made a strong impression on me, as it showed how much the overall attitude of the whole class can influence learning.
How should you prepare to really enjoy the stay?
–Matylda answers
It’s definitely a good idea to pack wisely, so you don’t end up freezing or constantly sweating. Other than that, I don’t think preparation is that important. What really matters is going there with the mindset that you’re going to enjoy it, even if you don’t understand everything and encounter some complications. In my opinion, you only start to truly get oriented in the language once you’re actually living in it. For me, preparation is more about the mental side: being open to everything and not being afraid to speak. Although, I must admit, I didn’t always manage that myself.
What did you take away from the lessons, even if you didn’t understand everything?
–Ester answers
During my stay in France, I had the opportunity to attend a local school and take part in classes. Even though I didn’t understand everything, it taught me a lot. I learned to listen more carefully, try to understand from context, and not be afraid to ask questions when I didn’t get something. I also noticed that teaching in France is different – often more dynamic and based on discussion. Despite the language barrier, it was a valuable experience that motivated me to keep improving my French and believe in myself more.
