Some Staff Thoughts…………………
The Comenius project was valuable in allowing unsuspecting individuals, such as myself, to journey and to experience and appreciate others home life and culture as well as host and welcome others who quickly became friends.
Sharing homes and accommodation gave the feeling of family and togetherness. Both adults and pupils taking care, empathising, encouraging and looking out for each other in what initially felt to me as, a project of many uncertainties.
Everybody was welcomed to experience diverse cultures and traditions such as sharing foods, music, dancing, History, humour and routines. It was clear that each individual taking part in the project was willing to participate as none of the activities were compulsory, all was offered as an experience of togetherness and so each individual was able to give and share as much of themselves as they felt comfortable.
Staying away from your usual environment quickly became exciting as the project kept everybody busy and wondering. Fitting in visits to local cultural sites, dining out, walking through the local areas and finding out about how towns, villages and communities came to be, kept everybody stimulated and it was pleasing to acknowledge the respect everybody gave to the mountains of facts and myths, that people wanted to share.
Adults and pupils conversations often consisted of comparing similarities and differences of family life, educational systems and expectations and aspirations. It was clear that pupils quickly felt that they could comfortably adopt their new host families as second Mums, Dads and siblings. The genuine offer by families to welcome back visitors to their homes in the future, made the experience heartfelt and honest.
In my opinion, I felt that the English pupils were initially more reserved and apprehensive than pupils from the other participating nations. However, the English pupils reservedly observed others and were considerately encouraged by other adults and pupils to participate and they quickly did so, politely and during progressive days, wholeheartedly.
Taking on board opinions from my new Comenius Family and friends, I believe the project has broadened many outlooks. It has encouraged me to travel beyond the regular tourist towns as journeys appeared simple and local people were extremely warm and helpful. I have learned that it is important and respectful to carry out some background research into cultures, history, routines and traditions as this greatly enhances the travelling experience and makes it more comfortable and enjoyable to participate in events with local people.
Observing different generations of cultures and backgrounds live alongside each other and be genuinely intrigued and interested in each other’s beliefs, lifestyles, education and family, was a privilege for me and gives me hope and determination that differences can make life more colourful and experimental. Tolerance, inquisitiveness, empathy and generosity were shared in bucket loads during this project and in turn, I hope this will filter through to new generations of pupils and adults who would like to embark upon the same experience.
For the Comenius project to continue, I feel it would demonstrate to future generations that we are similar yet diverse, travel can blow away concepts and broaden your dreams as well as help to confirm and yet question your own lifestyle choices, community, family and aspirations.
By JC
The Comenius project was valuable in allowing unsuspecting individuals, such as myself, to journey and to experience and appreciate others home life and culture as well as host and welcome others who quickly became friends.
Sharing homes and accommodation gave the feeling of family and togetherness. Both adults and pupils taking care, empathising, encouraging and looking out for each other in what initially felt to me as, a project of many uncertainties.
Everybody was welcomed to experience diverse cultures and traditions such as sharing foods, music, dancing, History, humour and routines. It was clear that each individual taking part in the project was willing to participate as none of the activities were compulsory, all was offered as an experience of togetherness and so each individual was able to give and share as much of themselves as they felt comfortable.
Staying away from your usual environment quickly became exciting as the project kept everybody busy and wondering. Fitting in visits to local cultural sites, dining out, walking through the local areas and finding out about how towns, villages and communities came to be, kept everybody stimulated and it was pleasing to acknowledge the respect everybody gave to the mountains of facts and myths, that people wanted to share.
Adults and pupils conversations often consisted of comparing similarities and differences of family life, educational systems and expectations and aspirations. It was clear that pupils quickly felt that they could comfortably adopt their new host families as second Mums, Dads and siblings. The genuine offer by families to welcome back visitors to their homes in the future, made the experience heartfelt and honest.
In my opinion, I felt that the English pupils were initially more reserved and apprehensive than pupils from the other participating nations. However, the English pupils reservedly observed others and were considerately encouraged by other adults and pupils to participate and they quickly did so, politely and during progressive days, wholeheartedly.
Taking on board opinions from my new Comenius Family and friends, I believe the project has broadened many outlooks. It has encouraged me to travel beyond the regular tourist towns as journeys appeared simple and local people were extremely warm and helpful. I have learned that it is important and respectful to carry out some background research into cultures, history, routines and traditions as this greatly enhances the travelling experience and makes it more comfortable and enjoyable to participate in events with local people.
Observing different generations of cultures and backgrounds live alongside each other and be genuinely intrigued and interested in each other’s beliefs, lifestyles, education and family, was a privilege for me and gives me hope and determination that differences can make life more colourful and experimental. Tolerance, inquisitiveness, empathy and generosity were shared in bucket loads during this project and in turn, I hope this will filter through to new generations of pupils and adults who would like to embark upon the same experience.
For the Comenius project to continue, I feel it would demonstrate to future generations that we are similar yet diverse, travel can blow away concepts and broaden your dreams as well as help to confirm and yet question your own lifestyle choices, community, family and aspirations.
By JC