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, through the warm welcome at our partner school in Zamość, to the modern city of Warsaw. Every stop left lasting traces and impressions on us, Year 12.
\n \nThe journey there was an 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.
\n \nAfter checking in at the hotel, we got straight into things. On a short guided city tour through the Old Town, which Frau Wieser presented to us 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 this first evening, you could feel the sense of community among us growing.
\n \nMonday 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.
\n \nAfter an eventful morning, the afternoon meant hopping on the bus and onwards to the next stop, Zamość. We were looking forward to it, because there we were expecting not only a new hotel but above all our partner school. At that point nobody yet realised that this meeting would become a central part of the trip, but everyone was eager to see what awaited us there.
\n \nZamość 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 here: a little ritual developed around the billiard table, where there was laughter, games, shared excitement and relaxation. It created an atmosphere that deepened the sense of community even further.
\n \nOn Tuesday at the partner school we met the Polish pupils for the first time. They welcomed us friendly but at first a little reserved, which changed quickly. Thanks to getting-to-know-you games and team activities, the ice broke quickly and the mood changed from cautious to warm and familiar. Language barriers? No problem. With English and plenty of humour, everyone understood each other remarkably well.
\n \nThe 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. That is exactly what Erasmus+ makes possible: learning through direct encounter. It was not only about differences, but above all about learning from one another and discovering what we have in common.
\n \nIn the afternoon, our hosts showed us around the city. Despite changeable weather, Zamość showed us its most beautiful side: colourful, historic, charming. And because an international meeting also involves physical activity, an afternoon sports competition followed. Our two schools faced each other in football and volleyball. The results soon took a back seat; what mattered more was the team spirit, the cheering, the laughter and the shared fun.
\n \nThen came a real highlight: canoeing amid the beautiful nature of the Roztocze National Park near Zamość. What first sounded like a sporting challenge quickly turned into the funniest part of the trip. Whether racing, chaos or teamwork manoeuvres, everyone took part with enthusiasm. And, as is usual after an adventure, the day ended with a shared barbecue and even more fun.
\n \nAlthough we had only known each other briefly, the parting at the end felt like a real goodbye. The time together with the Polish pupils has shown how quickly you can build connections across borders. Erasmus+ made exactly this possible: encounters that last. Not only in the mind, but also in the heart.
\n \nAfter the lively days in Zamość, Thursday brought a very different part of the trip, one that moved us deeply. Early in the morning we set off for Lublin, where we visited the former concentration and extermination camp Majdanek. 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 feels when you see it with your own eyes.
\n \nThe impressions up close 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.
\n \nArriving in the capital, everything felt lighter again. The large, modern city was a contrast to the morning, but that was exactly what we needed. One last time together: eating, laughing, walking through the streets, taking photos. Our last night in Poland became a colourful finale full of good conversations and a touch of nostalgia.
\n \nOn Friday it was time to pack our cases, say goodbye and travel home with many memories in our luggage. The week was intense, educational 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 gather experiences.
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