Erasmus+Erasmus+

The Johannes-Brenz-Gemeinschaftsschule has been an accredited Erasmus Plus school since February 2022. This means that the school’s contacts with countries across Europe are financially supported by the European Union. Pupils can therefore take part in free exchange programmes and study trips. Teachers have the opportunity to take part in job shadowing or training courses abroad in Europe.

Our partner schools

You can take part in these trips in the 2025/26 school year

• Year 9: Exchange with Lisbon, Portugal
• Years 9, 10 and 11 (French pupils): Trip to Épinal, France
• From Year 10: 3-week individual exchange with Lappeenranta, Finland
• Year 11: Exchange with Stockholm, Sweden
• Year 12: Study trip to Zamość, Poland

The Erasmus+ highlights in the 2024/25 school year

Year 12 study trip to Poland

Six days, three cities, countless impressions. Our study trip to Poland as part of the Erasmus+ programme was not only a journey to another country, but also a journey through culture and moving encounters. From the historic lanes of Kraków to the warm welcome at our partner school in Zamość and on to modern Warsaw. Every stop left lasting traces and impressions on us, the Year 12 group.

The journey there was an little adventure in itself. Split into two groups, some of us flew, while the others opted for the train with an overnight stop in Vienna. Despite the different routes, both groups arrived in Kraków without any problems and, even better, everyone was motivated, curious and full of anticipation for the study trip ahead.

Once we had checked into the hotel, things got going straight away. On a short guided city tour through the Old Town, led by Frau Wieser with real passion, we got our first impressions of Kraków’s historic beauty. After that, the evening was free. In small groups we explored cafés, restaurants or simply the lively evening atmosphere of the city. Already on that first evening, you could feel the sense of community among us growing.

Monday began with a special feeling of excitement. In small groups we set off and discovered Kraków in our own way. A must was a visit to Wawel Cathedral (Katedra Wawelska), with its impressive architecture and history.

After a busy morning, the afternoon meant back onto the bus and on to the next stop, Zamość. We were looking forward to it, because there we were not only expecting a new hotel but, above all, our partner school. Nobody could yet have guessed that this meeting would become a central part of the trip, but everyone was eager to see what awaited us there.

Zamość welcomed us with sunshine, good spirits and a warm welcome. At the stylish Koronny hotel, our home for the next three days, everyone felt at ease straight away. Evenings were especially cosy: a little ritual developed around the billiard table, where there was laughter, games, shared excitement and relaxation. The atmosphere deepened our sense of community even further.

On Tuesday at the partner school we met the Polish pupils for the first time. They welcomed us in a friendly but initially somewhat reserved way, which changed quickly. Thanks to getting-to-know-you games and team activities, the ice broke quickly and the mood moved from cautious to warm and familiar. Language barriers? No problem. With English and plenty of humour, everyone communicated remarkably well.

The tour of the school was particularly fascinating. Smaller classrooms, narrow corridors, a different structure of the education system: all of this gave us a new insight into everyday school life in another country. This is exactly what Erasmus+ makes possible: learning through direct encounters. It was not only about differences, but above all about learning from one another and discovering what we have in common.

In the afternoon, our hosts showed us around the city. Despite changeable weather, Zamość showed us its best side: colourful, historic and charming. And because an international meeting also involves some physical activity, a sports competition followed in the afternoon. Our two schools played against each other in football and volleyball. The results soon faded into the background; what mattered more was the team spirit, the cheering, the laughter and the shared fun.

Then came a real highlight: canoeing in the beautiful natural surroundings of the Roztocze National Park near Zamość. What at first sounded like a sporting challenge quickly turned into the funniest part of the trip. Whether races, chaos or teamwork, everyone took part with enthusiasm. And, as is usual after an adventure, the day ended with a barbecue together and even more fun.

Although we had only known each other briefly, the farewell felt like a real goodbye at the end. The time together with the Polish pupils has shown how quickly you can form connections across borders. Erasmus+ made exactly this possible: encounters that stay with you. Not only in your mind, but also in your heart.

After the lively days in Zamość, Thursday brought a very different part of the trip, one that touched us deeply. Early in the morning we set off for Lublin, where we visited the former Majdanek concentration and extermination camp. The guided tour there was quiet, intense and shocking. Among the barracks, the gas chamber and the memorials, it became clear to us how important remembrance is and how much heavier history weighs when you see it with your own eyes.

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The up-close impressions were overwhelming. It was a moment that cannot be put into words. These impressions stayed with us for a long time, and on the onward journey to Warsaw the bus was unusually quiet.

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Arriving in the capital, everything felt lighter again. The big, modern city was a contrast to the morning, but that was exactly what we needed. One last time we ate together, laughed, walked through the streets and took photos. Our last night in Poland became a colourful farewell full of good conversations and a touch of longing. On Friday it was time to pack our suitcases, say goodbye and travel home with many memories in our luggage. The week was intensive, instructive and bonding. Thanks to Erasmus+, we were able not only to get to know another country, but also to grow closer to one another and gain experiences.

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Erasmus+ Pupil Trip to Stockholm: Technology Meets Culture

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In May, pupils from our school had the special opportunity to travel to Stockholm as part of Erasmus+. The aim was to visit a Swedish partner school specialising in computer science and technology.

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During the stay, our pupils gained exciting insights into modern teaching methods, innovative technologies and the Swedish school system. The open exchange with the Swedish young people was particularly impressive. Different social backgrounds and interests, personal uncertainties and the challenge of expressing oneself in a foreign language made the beginning not easy. But it quickly became clear that openness, interest and mutual respect are the key to genuine understanding.

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For some participants it was their first flight and their first stay abroad – a big step that required courage, curiosity and independence. Stockholm’s cultural diversity, with its rich history, impressive architecture and lively atmosphere, made the trip a very special experience.

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The trip was also a great success linguistically: our pupils were able to apply and develop their English skills in everyday situations – whether in lessons, during projects or in conversations with new friends.

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Overall, the trip to Stockholm was not only a professionally enriching experience but also supported the personal growth of the pupils. It has shown how valuable European exchange can be – especially when differences do not separate, but connect.

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