From May 17th to 23rd, IES Vicent Andrés Estellés carried out a series of educational activities in Fetesti, Romania, focused on connecting with nature, sustainability, and local culture. The students participated in various experiences designed to foster active learning and engagement with the environment.
On the first day, the students toured the facilities of the host school and attended three classes to gain firsthand knowledge of how education is conducted in Romania. The day continued with several workshops organized at the school, where the students carried out chemistry experiments, assembled and programmed robots, and participated in a Romanian culture class taught by their classmates.
The second day was dedicated to visiting Bucharest, the country’s capital. The first stop was the Romanian Parliament, considered the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. The students toured its facilities accompanied by a local guide. Afterward, they visited the Patriarchal Cathedral of Bucharest and the Stavropoleos Monastery, two of the city’s most representative historical and religious sites.
The day concluded at Carturesti Carusel, one of Europe’s most iconic and renowned bookstores, famous for its unique architecture. To experience the local cuisine, the group had lunch at Caru’ cu Bere, one of Bucharest’s most famous historic restaurants, renowned for its spectacular neo-Gothic decor and for offering some of the most traditional Romanian dishes.
On May 20th, the students traveled to the Sinaia region to participate in a day dedicated to learning about the local flora. The activity began with a visit to a tree nursery, where the students attended a lecture on plant life processes and took a guided tour of the nature center’s facilities. Afterwards, they visited Peleș Castle, considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe and the former summer residence of the Romanian royal family.
The following day, May 21st, the participants had the opportunity to experience one of the country’s most significant celebrations. Coinciding with Heroes’ Day, a commemoration dedicated to the soldiers who died in the various armed conflicts in which Romania has participated, the group attended a ceremony in an Orthodox church to learn about the traditions associated with this day. During the visit, they also sampled traditional sweets handcrafted by women from the local community.
The final day, held on May 22nd, was dedicated to activities designed to strengthen group cohesion. Students participated in various collaborative workshops, attended a theatrical performance in English, and enjoyed the musical Mamma Mia. To conclude the exchange, certificates were awarded to recognize the students’ participation in the week’s activities.
All of these initiatives are part of the Erasmus+ ANT (Art, Nature and Technology) project, which aims to raise awareness of global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and the gradual disappearance of traditional trades linked to the natural environment. In line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 15, 4, 8, 3, 12, and 11, the project promotes a connection with the environment, fosters sustainable habits, and strengthens the emotional bond with nature through education and artistic expression.