Skills I Gained

During the course in Guadeloupe, I developed important skills such as emotional resilience, mindfulness, and authentic self-expression — all highly valuable in teaching. Working in a multicultural group helped me strengthen my intercultural communication, empathy, and ability to create inclusive learning spaces. I also improved both my language skills and non-verbal communication, learning how to connect and collaborate across cultural and linguistic differences. I learned to listen deeply, stay present in the moment, and build connections based on respect and shared values. These skills are essential for fostering trust and openness in the classroom.

Knowledge I Gained

Learning in Guadeloupe — a place marked by a difficult colonial history, cultural complexity, and social contrasts — made the course especially meaningful. Being in an environment so different from Poland helped me realize how diverse and multilayered the world is, and how much we can learn from perspectives unlike our own. I deepened my understanding of human values, gratitude, and the role of nature in supporting well-being and emotional balance. Experiences such as forest bathing, shared silence, and music showed me how non-verbal forms of expression can create connection and learning. This journey reminded me that a teacher’s role is not only to educate, but also to remain open, reflective, and constantly learning from the world.

Skills Developed

-Musical skills: playing traditional Gwo Ka drums improved my rhythm, coordination, and non-verbal communication.

-Teamwork and active listening: collaborating with others during drumming and group reflections enhanced my ability to synchronize and connect non-verbally.

-Mindfulness and stress management: meditation in the rainforest and mandala drawing developed my focus, emotional regulation, and resilience to stress.

-Creative expression: weaving crafts improved my fine motor skills, patience, and ability to express through art.

-Environmental observation: observing marine and forest ecosystems sharpened my attention to detail and awareness of natural processes.

-Intercultural communication: daily interactions in a multicultural group strengthened my adaptability, listening, and collaboration across cultural boundaries.

-Self-reflection and emotional intelligence: activities focused on knowing myself and happiness helped me identify personal stressors and sources of motivation.

-Inclusive communication – adapting communication to various cultural, linguistic, and personal backgrounds in a diverse group of teachers.

-Language skills - all course went using English for communication, which helped me to practise it more.

Knowledge Gained

-Cultural knowledge: I gained insight into Guadeloupean and Creole traditions, music, cuisine, and artistic expression, including the postcolonial identity of the region.

-Art therapy and symbolism: Through mandala creation, I explored the therapeutic use of symbols in stress reduction and self-awareness.

-Environmental awareness: I deepened my understanding of marine ecosystems (mangroves, coral reefs) and the importance of biodiversity.

-Self-knowledge frameworks: I explored psychological and reflective methods to better understand personal stress patterns and emotional needs.

-Multicultural dynamics: I expanded my awareness of how diverse backgrounds influence teaching styles, values, and communication.

-Civic and cultural awareness – gaining perspective on how local arts and social spaces (Art centre) reflect broader societal issues.

Self-Awareness

- I deepened my understanding of introspection as a tool to comprehend emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

- I learned self-awareness techniques such as emotional journaling, guided meditation, and reflective writing.

- I developed a better ability to distinguish between genuine needs and external influences, encouraging more conscious choices.

The Power of Music Therapy

- Through active listening and sound improvisation, I discovered how music functions as an emotional language and a means of expression.

- I acquired tools to use music as a mood regulator, a non-verbal communication channel, and support during stress or discomfort.

- Music therapy promoted emotional release and deeper connection with inner experiences that are often hard to verbalize.

Resilience

- The course provided strategies for coping with challenges using mental and emotional flexibility.

- I learned to see difficulties as opportunities for growth, strengthening my adaptability and perseverance.

- Sharing personal experiences within the group enhanced a sense of belonging and the courage to show vulnerability.

The Power of Nature and Water

- Through practices conducted outdoors and in contact with water, I experienced the regenerative effects of natural elements.

- Water was used symbolically as a purifying and emotion-smoothing element.

- Connecting with nature awakened sensations of peace, grounding, and a bond with something greater than oneself.

This course was a true journey of inner discovery. The skills acquired are not only theoretical but now integrated into my daily life. I emerge with greater emotional stability, a deep understanding of my inner world, and renewed trust in the vital forces that surround us.

Skills: Ability to reflect on one’s own learning and personal growth, use of digital tools for daily reflection and collaborative work,

developing creative expression through art, movement, and music, ability to practice mindfulness and apply relaxation and meditation techniques, building personal resilience and emotional regulation in challenging situations, designing and facilitating wellbeing-oriented activities for students, collaborating in an intercultural environment and communicating with international peers, strengthening group dynamics and co-creating through teamwork,using nature as a learning environment to promote sustainability awareness.

1. Intercultural Awareness and Global Citizenship
   By interacting with local communities, students from Guadeloupe, and visiting a unique Art Center, I deepened my understanding of diverse cultures, traditions, and ways of life in the Caribbean.

2. Marine Ecology and Historical Insight
   Exploring remote islands, diving in coral-rich waters, and visiting a sunken ship provided valuable knowledge about marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and aspects of colonial and maritime history.

3. Caribbean Arts and Music Traditions
   Participating in a drumming workshop and making music collaboratively offered insight into the rhythms, instruments, and cultural significance of Caribbean musical heritage.

3 Skills

1. Creative and Manual Skills
   Crafting a hat from coconut leaves under palm trees enhanced my ability to work with natural materials and express creativity through traditional handcraft techniques.

2. Nonverbal Communication and Musical Collaboration
   Participating in a drumming workshop led by a local instructor allowed me to develop rhythmic coordination and gain hands-on experience with traditional Caribbean music. A brief collaborative session with students from Guadeloupe added a valuable intercultural dimension.

3. Experiential and Exploratory Learning
   Engaging in activities like diving, exploring islands, and visiting artistic spaces sharpened my observational skills and openness to new learning environments through hands-on experiences.

1) the respect for nature,

2) the recognition of Guadelupian local history and culture,

3) the insight of my personal needs both in personal and professional life

The skills I learned:

1) staying patient while weaving a hat out of palm leaves, this way being patient during longer activities in teaching job

2) recognizing and supporting positive emotions while doing group work

3) recognizing local cultural elements and incorporating them in English lessons' plans

In nature, I found refuge. The sea, with its vastness and depth, became a symbol of calm and mystery. Looking at it helps me let go of what’s unnecessary and breathe in harmony with its gentle waves. Walking among trees, watching the sky shift in color, feeling the earth beneath my feet—these simple gestures bring me back to what’s essential.

I’ve learned to view others with fresh eyes. People aren’t just what they show: each one holds both light and shadow, nuances that deserve understanding. This realization has made me more patient, more welcoming, and more authentic.

I’ve accepted that some truths only reveal themselves after things happen. This awareness taught me to live with less control and more trust. Not everything can be foreseen—but everything can be faced, if we’re present.

Living in the here and now has become a constant practice. It’s about no longer chasing tomorrow or mourning the past. It’s choosing to be fully present, with clarity and openness.

I’ve made peace with time. Patience taught me that deep change doesn’t rush—it honors personal rhythms. And it’s precisely respect, in the end, that I’ve rediscovered as a core value. It isn’t always guaranteed, but it must be cultivated, defended, and offered with sincerity.

The weather changed on the end, reminding me to home, which is a sign, obviously, to return to every day life.

Where I, hopefully, can integrate the skills and knowledge gained, as written down by Lisa (thank you that I can use your quotation). And I thank Rita for her warm welcome, farewell and process follow up in between.

I also say goodbye to my local friend that helped me a lot with removing the annoying mosquitoes. He did his job on the ground, close to my feet, I did the rest. Unfortunately we both did a bad job, but we enjoyed during our failure 😁

I became aware that there are some personal areas I still want to improve. I also realized once again how crucial it is to be grateful and how much of an enrichment gratitude can be in everyday life.

Now to the Skills & Knowledge:

Skills

1. Even though it was only beginner-level drumming, I learned how to play the drum. It is especially important to pay attention to rhythm and to be mindful of the group’s pace.

2. I developed a special awareness of nature – a kind of mindfulness for the little things, noticing and sensing them.

3. I acquired the ability to be patient, especially during tasks that require precision and concentration. Only by focusing on the task was I able to create a beautiful hat. This is something I can apply to my everyday life, as I tend to get annoyed and impatient quickly when things don’t go the way I expect.

   
   

Knowledge

1. Through the course, I learned a lot about Guadeloupe’s culture – especially about the cuisine. It also made me realize once again how everything in Germany is regulated and standardized. I have the impression that people in Guadeloupe are happier and more content.

2. It also became clear to me how essential it is to be healthy and mentally balanced – especially when working with many people. I would like to pass on this knowledge.

3. Finally, I learned how many facets nature has and how it can affect me as a person. I also realized how differently nature unfolds across the planet and how it adapts to external conditions.

Overall, the experience in Guadeloupe was unique and created memories that will last a lifetime.

The skills I gained:

listening to people:

during out group times we talked a lot and with every thing that was said everybody could understand more and more about what was meant or what was important.

Being in moments of silence:

During some tasks I had to wait for others. In these moments I could reflect myself or the work I have created. I took the time to appreciate the moments in the nature or around other people.

Drum:

We were lucky to meet Edgar, a guy who works as a teacher but who is also a really good drummer. I learnt some rythmes and different types of sounds you can produce on an drum.

Experiences I have made:

Snorkeling:

On our last adventure, we went to the sea. We were able to do snorkeling above a sunken ship and also above a coral reef.

Rainforest:

We went to the Rainforest and experienced some of Guadeloupe’s stunning nature, such as a waterfall.

Guadeloupe:

The island itself was a experience. The form of a butterfly, the different types of nature, the beautiful coasts, etc. On the other hand, there were really nice people who were trying to understand you even if you can’t speak the native language.

The whole journey has been a once in a lifetime experience. I am grateful for this opportunity.

• playing traditional Gwa Ka

• making hats, this way learning how to stay patient and concentrated

• meditation in natural surrounding (water, forest)

• working with people from different countries and sharing different approaches to life, work, teaching

• understanding how important connection with nature is

• knowledge of Creole history and tradition (music, cuisine, postcolonial identity)

• mandala creation.

Thank you very much.

1. While weaving the palm hats I

   learnt how to stay calm and patient and complete a task although you feel like giving up

2. During the session with the Guadelupian musician I learnt how important it is to stay focused on a task and how joyful it is to play together in a group of both local

   people and people from the course. 3. Visiting the art center in Pointe- a - Pitre made me realize the importance of art in peoples' life no matter where you come from

   4. The green day and the blue day were for understandig that we are a part of the Nature and our duty is to protect our planet and take active actions to start doing so. We must teach our students how to love and respect our Nature .

      4. Knowlegde about the history, traditions and culture of the people of Guadelupa was especially precious for me .