Ten Finnish students and three teachers from Langinkoski school in Kotka, Finland visited Willy-Brandt-Realschule in Königsbach-Stein, Germany for the first time as part of the TeLiTo Erasmus+ project. The mobility took place from November 24th till the 30th, 2019. The visit included several events, such as breaking the ice with peers, lectures on environmental issues, study visits and preparing for the school's Christmas fair. 

Above: Mr Stümpf leading the ice breaking activities for Finnish and German students.

Below: The first study visit was to a local farm, Schmiederhof, which specialises in organic farming. The visitors got an insight into what it entails to run a farm and cultivate organically.

Below: The aim of the visit to Gazometer in Pforzheim was to raise awareness of how to use buildings which no longer serve in their original purpose for something else. Gazometer, an old gas tank, has been turned into a modern gallery and exhibition space.

Below: Every year, Willy-Brandt-Realschule organises a Christmas fair, Adventsbazaar, an event which takes a huge amount of teacher and pupil preparation to raise money for charity. This time, the Finnish students took part in the preparations and, together with German students, baked Christmas cookies, wrapped them and also made Christmas cards for the fair.

Despite the cold and rainy November weather, the students bravely participated in Karlsruhe City Mission, an orienteering game. This was good practice for teamwork and the winning team was happy to get currywurst as their prize. 

The host families also took the guest students to see the Christmas fairs in many local towns and villages, as they are an important national tradition in Germany.

Below: from Karlsruhe Christmas market