At the end of April 2025, a group of seven students—three from sekunda and four girls from tercie—accompanied by Jitka Nováková and Zuzana Vízková, took part in a group mobility at the IES Sierra de Gádor school. The main focus was on school activities, where students actively joined lessons, worked together, and exchanged experiences. The programme allowed them to practise their language skills while also gaining insight into a different educational system and comparing approaches to teaching.
The theme of “Sustainability” shaped the programme. We visited greenhouses in the Almeria region, explored vegetable production and its importance for the European market, and discussed sustainable agriculture as well as the impact of climate change on farming. A geography trip to the coast offered a chance to admire natural beauty, listen to a lecture on geomorphological phenomena, and better understand the connection between nature and human activity.
Free time was dedicated to discovering Spanish culture and lifestyle. We tasted local food, experienced the rhythm of everyday life, and joined social activities that helped us connect with the local community.
The stay boosted students’ confidence in an international environment, encouraged openness to other cultures, and expanded their awareness of life in Spain.
What was the most difficult part of working together?
–Klaudie answers
The biggest challenge for me was the language barrier. In some classes we could communicate normally, but elsewhere students our age could hardly speak English at all. The problem was also cultural differences. For example, we discussed with the teacher in French that many students in Spanish schools come from foreign backgrounds. She said that in Spain this is sometimes seen as an issue because it may disrupt local traditions. In the Czech Republic, we don’t face such a problem.
I was also surprised that most of the students we spoke to had never travelled abroad. In our country, it’s common to go to Poland or Germany, so I’m used to it. During group activities, it often struck me that they look at the world differently than I do.
What surprised you about the organisation of lessons?
–Káťa answers
I was surprised that Spanish schools only have one thirty-minute break for the whole school day. Between classes they just move to the next classroom, and full focus is expected right away. They have six lessons like us, but the day ends much later, since each lesson lasts 60 minutes. On the other hand, they don’t have afternoon classes like we do. And honestly, in the hot Spanish weather, it would probably be impossible to concentrate in the afternoon. I was also surprised by the number of students in the class, which is almost half of ours, and by the fact that most students don’t pass the year and, according to my local classmate, have to rewrite their exams during the summer holidays.
What moment with your host family will you always remember?
–Charlotte answers
A trip to Almeria and Granada was one of the best experiences of Erasmus for me. My host family took me there, showed me everything, and told me interesting facts about the city. We walked along the beach, I saw the city centre, the Alhambra, and street performers on the promenade playing flamenco music. The whole city applauded and sang with them, and we had beautiful weather. They also introduced me to their extended family. Everyone was kind, and I felt at home. I will remember that time spent with them and I’m glad I was able to experience the local way of life.
What cultural difference stood out the most?
–Adam answers
One of the main differences I have to mention is the time and rhythm of the day. In the Czech Republic, our rhythm is closer to the “Central European model,” which means lunch at 12:00 and dinner between 18:00 and 19:00. In Spain, lunch is sometimes between 14:00 and 15:00, and dinner can be as late as 21:00. People in Spain also care a lot about their afternoon break (siesta).
Another difference is religion. In the Czech Republic, most people are not religious and don’t pay much attention to holidays. In Spain, most people are believers, and religious celebrations such as Easter are often widely celebrated.
How was the teaching abroad different from ours?
–Pavel answers
The Czech and Spanish school systems differ in several ways. In the Czech Republic, the school year usually starts on September 1 and ends at the end of June, while in Spain it generally begins in mid-September and lasts until the end of June. The timetable is also different – in the Czech Republic, students often finish around 1 or 2 p.m., but in Spain it is common to have longer school days with a longer lunch break, the so-called siesta. Otherwise, breaks between lessons last only about 3 minutes.
In Spain, schools are often more focused on communication and less formal in the relationship between teachers and students. In contrast, Czech schools tend to emphasize discipline and systematic learning. Grading is similar – in the Czech Republic grades range from 1–5, while in Spain from 1–10. However, both countries place strong emphasis on quality education and students’ personal development.
What did your typical days with the host family look like?
–Natan answers
Every morning I woke up at 7:00 and was welcomed at the table. They made me breakfast, and then I packed the snack they had prepared for me to take to school.
At about 7:45, I left for school on foot together with my host friend. At school I attended most lessons without him, but sometimes I also sat in on one of his classes.
When the bell rang for the big break, all students went outside to the yard, where they had snacks, talked, and played games. I saw my host friend there and greeted him, but I usually spent the break with my classmates from the grammar school.
When the last lesson ended, I packed my things and went with my host back to his home for lunch. His mother cooked lunch for us. During lunch we usually “talked through a translator,” since no one in the family spoke enough English for a full conversation. We talked about what we would do in the afternoon and about school.
In the afternoons we usually spent time with friends outside in the park or in the city, often staying out until midnight. When we came home, we did our evening routine and went straight to bed.
Which subject or lesson did you enjoy the most, and why?
–Emma answers
During my Erasmus stay in Spain, the subject I enjoyed most was drama, which was part of English conversation. This class was always energetic, creative, and open to all students. I liked that everyone was involved, no matter where they came from or how well they spoke the language. I was surprised that the teacher spoke only English, while the students also used Spanish—so half of the performance was in English and half in Spanish. This made it easier to feel part of the group, even though I don’t speak Spanish.
We even tried various improvisations or short scenes during lessons, and those activities were what I enjoyed the most. Even though I didn’t take part in the final performance, nor did I see it, I really liked watching the other students prepare and learn their scenes.
Overall, I found drama to be an exceptionally friendly and relaxed subject that motivated me to be more open and communicative, which is usually very difficult for me, especially with the language barrier. But the environment was so welcoming that I truly enjoyed the time I spent with those students.
