Pupils from Carlo Schmidt school pay a visit to Gernika
In October, students from the Carlo-Schmid-Schule in Pforzheim, Germany, embarked on an enriching journey to Gernika, Spain, as part of an annual student exchange program with their twin town, Instituto Barrutialde. This year's exchange included visits to the coastal village of Mundaka and the vibrant city of Bilbao, offering a unique blend of cultural, historical, and natural exploration.
Located on the west bank of the Urdaibai River estuary, Mundaka is a charming fishing village where modern surfer culture seamlessly blends with traditional fishing lifestyles. During their stay, students explored the town, taking in sights such as the pier, church, and viewpoints over the estuary.
Gernika, steeped in historical significance, was a key stop on the itinerary. Students were moved by insights into the town's past, including visits to an old bunker and the symbolic Gernika Tree. Art inspired by the town's history, like Picasso's famous painting "Guernica," also left a lasting impression.
The exchange program concluded in Bilbao, a city renowned for its cultural significance, local cuisine, and urban life experiences. While specific details for Bilbao were not provided, the visit likely included exploration of the iconic Guggenheim Museum.
The itinerary typically starts with a hike to the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe hermitage, followed by visits to Mundaka, Gernika, and Bilbao. This structure ensures a comprehensive understanding of Basque culture, history, and natural beauty.
Dr. Ursula Heckner-Bisping, the principal of the Carlo-Schmid-Schule, emphasises the importance of learning foreign languages through experience and understanding. The student exchange program, she believes, offers a meaningful way for students to improve their Spanish language skills.
The reactions of the students during their encounters indicate that the experience served both learning and fun. Teachers Marta Abad Gutiérrez and Andrea Obando Franco are confident that the experiences of the study trip will have a lasting impact.
The tragic fate of Gernika, which mirrors the destruction of Pforzheim during the Spanish Civil War and World War II, has led to an active twinning partnership between the two towns. This partnership is a testament to the resilience and unity of the Basque people and the students who participate in the exchange.
The Carlo-Schmid-Schule, a high school institution with the 'School global' label, views these exchanges as opportunities for profound learning experiences. The students are already looking forward to the return visit of the Basques to Pforzheim.
[1] Basque Country Tourism [2] Basque Country Travel [3] Bilbao Tourism
[1] Embracing the rich culture and natural beauty of the Basque Country, students from the Carlo-Schmid-Schule embarked on a journey that integrated learning, travel, and lifestyle, immersing themselves in the local education-and-self-development opportunities during their visit.
[2] As they traversed the coastal village of Mundaka, the vibrant city of Bilbao, and historically significant Gernika, the students mixed explorations of these destinations with honing their Spanish language skills, broadening their understanding of Basque history, and partaking in a unique blend of learning and travel.
[3] Moreover, as they captured glimpses of modern surfer culture in Mundaka, marveled at the symbolic Gernika Tree, and marveled at the architectural wonders of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, these students found themselves enveloped in an enriching 'lifestyle' adventure, enhancing their overall experience of language, travel, education-and-self-development, and learning.
