I REALLY enjoyed this course for many reasons. Firstly, for interacting with teachers from different countries who all have their own expierence and the same interest in Erasmus+ projects. Secondary, I liked  that all our learning sessions were autdoor activities and there was a great balance between theory and practice. Thirdly, for opportunity to find out more about the nature and culture of Guadeloupe. 
Thanks, Rita!

In this course I have noticed that the learning environment means a lot in learning path. As a biology and geography teacher I teach a lot in outdoors but I often forget that learning needs also planned brakes. I have assumed that if you go outside, the student get more focused on learning because we leave the normal learning environment, classroom. Actually, when you go outside your senses get much more information from the environment and for the student it might be difficult to consentrate on subject if there is too many goals or activities to achieve. Downsifting would not do a harm to subject, if you set the goals in learning experiences more presice and give some time for learning event itself. During this course I have noticed that those little brakes after theory or conversations have been important for me because my brains are loaded full of ideas and arranging needs time. I do not consider myself as an creative person but I think the idea of downshifting would give me a lot as a teacher and also as a person. 

This course has also given me a much wider perspective to teach different cultures and how the cultures evolve. I have really loved those little conversations that I had with Rita; I also really like the way Rita has arrange this course; interacting with other teachers from Europe has confirmed me that our school is in the right path of internationalization. The themes that started from the form of my own identity was a route to myself, how I see myself as a global citizen. My eyes opened in so many different to multiculturalism and how i should take it into a count when I`m applying new Erasmus+ fundings to our school. I am also glad that I have made new friendships during this course. My door is open for every single one in Eastern part of Finland, if you are passing by. You are more than welcome :) And in the end, Guadeloupe has truly been a paradise island; high temperature, humidity, rainforests, volcanoes, coral reefs, mangroves, beautiful beaches, carnevals, french language and different variation of culture embodiments. What more can you ask, if you are a biology and geography teacher from the northern latitudes? 

I have learned so much about how our school could develop to be more international and how to teach my students to be more aware of globalization. I got also a lot of information about this beautiful Island. Guadeloupe is unique and versatile place to organize such a course. 

I like our group which is easy to get along and work with. Athmosphere has been all the time friendly and warm. It is easy to talk with everybody although we come from very different school leveys and teaching subjects. 

Thank you Rita😍 and everyone!

 

We started off with our personal identities and national identities. Identities are plural and fluid and even if I have discussed these topics a lot, there is always something new to discover. Rita’s wise words gave a deeper perspective into this topic. I learnt new things about myself and realized again how important it is to know your roots in order to have wings. Everything begins from one person and the passion to make a change is the key. We as teachers can truly change the world!

 

Guadeloupe is a wonderful place to learn about multiculturalism! People from different cultures and backgrounds are living together in peace despite the extremely difficult and violent history of this island. I learnt more about slavery and was deeply touched during our visit to the memorial.

 

I have gained loads of new, mind blowing experiences. The nature of Guadeloupe is amazing! The walks in the rainforest, the impressive waterfalls, the underwater life and the small paradise islands have given me pure moments of happiness. Rita’s knowledge of nature has impressed me many times in our changing classrooms.

 

The heartwarming friendliness of people here has also made a huge impression. As a French teacher I’ve of  course enjoyed speaking French and learning new words and expressions. My Créole is not fluent, but I got a hint of that too.  

 

I really enjoyed the discussions within our group. It has been great to get to know colleagues from different countries and cities in my homecountry.  Sharing ideas and perspectives made it possible to get a deeper understanding of all the topics on this course. Thank you all very much for that! 

 

The person who created the atmosphere and made this all possible is our charismatic, intelligent and truly a global citizen Rita. Her valuable ideas, concrete tips and most importantly, open and loving attitude towards everything and everybody is one of the greatest lessons I’ve learnt. Rita, thank you for this experience, you are a guru!