Students’ Mobility in the Netherlands “Beyond Plastic: Pathways to a Sustainable Tomorrow”
From September 22 to 26, 2025, students from President Valdas Adamkus Gymnasium took part in the Erasmus+ project “Beyond Plastic: Pathways to a Sustainable Tomorrow” hosted by Dr. Nassau College in Assen, the Netherlands. The mobility week was filled with creativity, collaboration, and meaningful learning experiences.
The project aimed to encourage young people to reflect on the environmental impact of plastic, promote sustainable behavior, and seek innovative ways to protect the planet.
At the start of the week, students met their Dutch host families and new international friends. After an engaging introduction at the Traptheater, they began working in international teams on documentary film projects. Each group chose its own topic related to sustainability and plastic reduction. They conducted interviews with local residents, teachers, and environmental experts, filmed and edited their documentaries, combining creativity with research.
On Tuesday, students visited the RWZI Assen / Waterschap Hunze en Aa’s water treatment plant, where they learned about water purification processes. Wednesday was spent on Schiermonnikoog Island, exploring nature and participating in outdoor sustainability workshops. Thursday included a visit to the Stainkoeln waste processing company and an educational excursion in Groningen, where students explored the city, attended workshops at Forum Groningen, and experienced Dutch culture firsthand.
After daily activities, students spent their evenings with host families, sharing meals, discovering Dutch traditions, and practicing English in a natural environment. These moments fostered cultural understanding and lifelong friendships.
On the final day, students presented their documentary films, showcasing their insights, teamwork, and creativity.
Throughout the week, participants developed numerous competences: enhanced environmental and sustainability awareness, strengthened critical thinking and creativity, improved English communication skills, learned collaborative work in international teams and gained digital competences through filming and editing.
This mobility became not only a learning journey but also a life experience — one that inspired students to act responsibly and to believe that even small steps can lead to a sustainable future.
Italian Heritage and Students‘ Growth participating in „Erasmus+“ Mobility in Nocera Inferiore
In the period from 10 to 14 November 2025, a group of Lithuanian students and teachers participated in an Erasmus+ mobility in Nocera Inferiore, Italy. The visit provided a rich combination of cultural exploration, practical workshops, linguistic activities, and meaningful interaction with the host community. The programme began with a welcome ceremony at the host school, where participants were introduced to the week’s agenda and had the opportunity to meet their Italian peers and teachers. After lunch, the group travelled to Nocera Superiore for a guided visit to the Early Christian Baptistery, an important monument that allowed students to appreciate the architectural and historical heritage of the region. The first day concluded with students returning to their host families to reflect on the new environment and experiences.
The second day continued with artistic and linguistic activities. Students visited pottery shops in Vietri sul Mare on the Amalfi Coast, where they observed traditional ceramic production techniques and took part in a hands-on workshop. This activity allowed them to understand the importance of craftsmanship in local culture. In the afternoon, the programme continued with Cambridge English activities at the host school, strengthening students’ communication skills and enhancing their confidence in an international setting.
On the third day, the group visited the Convent of St. Andrew in Nocera Inferiore. Accompanied by a professional guide, students learned about the religious and historical significance of the convent. A practical workshop followed, during which students learned to prepare typical Italian pasta and cakes. Sharing a traditional lunch at the convent enriched the cultural dimension of the mobility and helped students better understand Mediterranean lifestyle and food culture.
The fourth day was dedicated to an educational trip to the archaeological site of Pompeii. Spending a full day exploring the ancient city destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD allowed students to connect historical knowledge with real-world evidence. They gained insights into Roman daily life, urban planning, art, and the long-term impact of natural disasters on society. This experience helped broaden their historical understanding and stimulated curiosity about European cultural heritage.
The final day of the mobility began with a Farewell Ceremony at the school, where students reflected on their experiences, exchanged impressions, and received participation certificates. The Italian hosts and Lithuanian participants expressed gratitude for the cooperation, warm hospitality, and new friendships formed during the week. After the ceremony and a final lunch, the group departed, bringing the mobility to a close.
Throughout the week, students strengthened their English skills, expanded their cultural awareness, developed independence and adaptability, and participated in activities that enriched both personal and academic growth. The mobility encouraged intercultural dialogue, creativity, teamwork, and appreciation of European heritage. It created lasting memories and contributed significantly to students’ personal development, while promoting cooperation and mutual understanding between the partner schools.
