On September 22, students from Grades 9 and 10 of President Valdas Adamkus Gymnasium travelled to Uetze, Germany, to take part in an international Erasmus+ mobility programme. There, they were welcomed by students from Unter den Eichen Gymnasium, while participants from the Netherlands also joined the project. Bringing together young people from three different countries, the “Beyond Plastic” project focused on sustainability, environmental awareness, and responsible approaches to the future. Throughout the week, students not only deepened their understanding of environmental and sustainability issues but also actively engaged in discussions, collaborated in international teams, completed practical activities, and explored creative solutions to real-world environmental challenges.

On September 23, the students were warmly welcomed at the host school by teachers who had prepared a variety of icebreaker activities. These helped participants overcome their initial shyness, get to know one another, and build their first connections with peers from Germany and the Netherlands. One challenge, for example,  required students to line up according to their birth month without speaking. Later, they took part in group discussions, sharing their thoughts on a range of topics. The programme also included drawing portraits of classmates, playing Bingo, and participating in other communication-based activities. The aim was not only to have fun but also to encourage students to interact, discover common interests, and develop new friendships. In the afternoon, the German students introduced the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, explaining the purpose of each goal and highlighting their importance for society and the future of our planet.

On September 24, the group travelled to Wolfsburg, where they visited Autostadt and took part in an educational workshop called “Thinking about Tomorrow.” During the workshop, students explored global environmental challenges, discussed possible solutions, and connected these issues to the Sustainable Development Goals. They analysed situations related to three key areas: the economy, the environment, and society, while examining how decisions in one area can influence the others. One activity challenged students to imagine the world in 2060 and present their vision of the future. They were encouraged to think creatively and boldly, focusing on ideas that might one day become reality. Another practical task involved designing and building sustainable houses using LEGO bricks. Students considered how future homes could be made more environmentally friendly through smart use of energy, water, and other resources. After the workshops, the participants of the project had free time to explore Wolfsburg, discover the city, and spend time with their new friends.

On September 25, participants returned to the host school for another day of hands-on learning. Working in groups, they rotated through different workshops where they created solid shampoo bars, produced natural plastic, and made wrapping paper from natural materials. For many students, this was a completely new experience, demonstrating that sustainable solutions can be both environmentally beneficial and practical in everyday life. The products they created travelled home with them to Lithuania, where they will have the opportunity to use and evaluate them further. These workshops allowed students to experience the entire creative process, from the initial idea to the finished product.

September 26 and 27 were spent with host families, giving students a valuable opportunity to experience German culture and daily life first-hand. The weekend activities varied widely: some students attended sporting events, others visited Hanover and Hamburg, while some enjoyed trampoline parks or amusement parks. Everyone spent the weekend differently, creating unique memories and strengthening friendships along the way.

On September 28, the students visited Hanover Zoo, where they participated in educational activities focused on wildlife, biodiversity, and the challenges facing the natural world. They learned more about different animal species, their habitats, and the importance of protecting biodiversity and preserving natural ecosystems. Following the zoo visit, the students returned to school for a special farewell evening. Participants received certificates recognizing their involvement in the project and the activities they had completed throughout the week. The evening was filled with laughter, dancing, karaoke, and shared memories. It was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to celebrate the experiences they had gained and the friendships they had formed.

This Erasmus+ mobility experience was far more than a chance to visit another country. It provided students with a meaningful international learning experience. By working alongside peers from Germany and the Netherlands, they improved their English communication skills, learned to collaborate in multicultural teams, gained confidence in expressing their ideas, and developed a broader perspective on environmental issues. It was a week filled with learning, friendship, inspiration, and unforgettable experiences that will undoubtedly stay with the students for many years to come.