8 Bachillerato students have returned from Ånge with new friendships, knowledge and memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives
Some trips are remembered for the places visited. Others, for the people you meet. And then there are experiences like Global Classroom, which leave a lasting impression because of everything you learn about yourself and the world around you.
8 Bechillerato students from the Somorrostro recently took part in the 2026 edition of this international project held in Ånge (Sweden), where young people from different countries spent a week together sharing activities, cultures, ideas and experiences centred on a common theme: kindness.
Over the course of several days, the pupils have worked alongside students from Germany, the United States, the Czech Republic, South Africa, the Shetland Islands and Sweden, taking part in workshops, presentations, intercultural activities, nature walks, sports and time spent with host families.
But if one thing is clear from listening to those who took part, it is that the true value of Global Classroom goes far beyond the official programme.
Much more than an Exchange
‘You learn something on every trip, but with Global Classroom you learn so much: camaraderie, how to socialise with people from other countries, how to live with another family, how to adapt to new environments…’, explains Ane.
This reflects perfectly the spirit of a project that aims not only to improve English or get to know another country, but also to foster personal growth through contact with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
‘One of the things I’ve taken away from this trip has been getting to know the different cultures of the participating countries and everything I’ve learnt from them,’ says Zelai. ‘It’s been a very exciting experience in which I’ve met lots of people who’ve taught me so much.’
Durante la estancia, el alumnado convivió con familias suecas, una experiencia que para muchos suponía un reto inicial. Sin embargo, los nervios dieron paso rápidamente a la confianza y a la creación de vínculos muy especiales.
‘At first, you feel quite uncertain because you don’t know what to expect, both from the people you’ll meet and from your host family. However, little by little, it all turns into a wonderful experience,’ says Hodei. ‘You end up making friends with people from different countries and take away memories that will last a lifetime.’
Aprender a comunicarse sin miedo
One of the most rewarding aspects of the experience has been realising that communication goes far beyond perfect mastery of a language.
“At first I was nervous because I don’t know much English, but I’ve learnt that you can get by even if you don’t speak the language perfectly,” explains Ekiñe. “What’s more, I’ve met people I’ve connected with really well.”
Arianne also highlights the opportunity to practise languages in a real-life context whilst making new friends:
‘I’ve learnt to get on with people my own age, whilst we worked on being kind to one another. From this project, I’ve made new friends and have so many memories. I’d really recommend it as a way to meet people and practise your English.’
Nature, living together and unforgettable memories
The activities organised by the host school enabled the students to discover some of Sweden’s most spectacular landscapes, enjoy excursions, sporting activities and unique moments of camaraderie.
“I’ll remember all the excursions and activities we shared with people from different cultures and countries,” recalls Itsaso. “All the people we met during this trip made the experience even more unforgettable. It’s been incredible because of the friendships we’ve made and the good times we’ve had.”
For Endika, one of the most important aspects has been precisely everything he has experienced alongside his fellow participants from different countries:
‘What I’ll take away most from this experience is all the people I’ve met and everything I’ve experienced over the last few days. I was a bit nervous at first, but I soon loosened up and really enjoyed myself. I’m left with loads of memories, stories and moments that I’ll never forget.’
The value of small things
Beyond the activities themselves, many participants agree that the experience has helped them develop a new way of looking at the world.
“I’ve learnt the value of small things and that you can achieve a great deal with them,” reflects Maren. “I’ve also learnt to connect with people from other countries with cultures very different from my own. It’s been a unique experience from which I take away so many memories and friendships that I’ll never forget.”
A particularly meaningful lesson in an edition focused precisely on kindness, empathy and respect for others.
An experience everyone recommends
If there’s one thing all eight participants agree on, it’s that they would repeat the experience in a heartbeat.
“If I had the chance to do it again, I’d do it without a second thought,” says Zelai.
“It’s a unique experience and I’d highly recommend it,” adds Hodei.
“It helps you improve your language skills, learn about other cultures, make new friends and grow as a person,” sums up Ekiñe.
And perhaps it is Ane who best sums up what Global Classroom means to those who have the chance to experience it:
“It’s not just a simple exchange. It’s a project where cultures, ideas and ways of thinking are exchanged. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to experience something like this, because it fills you completely with everything you’ve experienced and learnt.”
A week in Sweden that is now part of our students’ life experience and which demonstrates, once again, that some of the most important lessons are not always learnt inside a classroom.
Photos and videos here.
