Our Global Citizenship Program’s First Greece Trip Academic Year 2026/27

Futuraskolan GCP Greece Trip | Academic Year 2026/27

Day 1: Welcome to Athens – Acropolis & Plaka

Our Grade 9 students set off from Stockholm, officially kicking off the first GCP trip of the academic year! Today was all about travel, arriving in Greece, and getting settled. Anticipation was high as the students traveled together, checking into their accommodations and resting up to prepare for an incredible week of global learning and cultural exchange ahead.

Day 2: Deepening Cultural Connections

Continuing our exploration of Athens, students spent the day immersing themselves further into the city’s rich heritage and vibrant neighborhood life around the Acropolis and Plaka. Through guided walks and shared reflections, the group deepened their understanding of global citizenship and local history.

Day 3: Erasmus+ Exchange & Coastal Conservation

Day 3 was packed with European exchange, cultural sharing, and environmental action:

• 09:15 – 11:00: Morning assembly, group photos, and student presentations in the school theatre.

• 11:00 – 12:30: Team-building tea break, followed by the European Icons (EI) project where Swedish and Greek students collaborated on famous cultural figures. The morning wrapped up with an energetic full-group Greek dance!

• Afternoon: The group headed down to the coast for a hands-on beach clean-up, recording environmental impact and working together to protect local marine shorelines.

Day 4: Sustainability in the Mountains & Upcycling Workshop

Hands-on environmental stewardship took center stage on Day 4:

• Morning – Outdoor Learning in Imitos: Partnering with ELIX, students traveled to the Imitos Mountains to care for a local botanical garden. Working with gardening tools, they weeded, trimmed, and maintained the natural environment, learning how small actions contribute to broader ecological protection.

• Afternoon – Tinkering Workshop with MIO: Using waste collected during the beach clean-up alongside recyclable materials, students engaged in a creative Tinkering Workshop. Working in small groups, they upcycled waste into new items through hands-on problem solving and teamwork.

Day 5: School Presentations & Opera Heritage

The morning began in the school theatre for our second presentation of the week, sharing key project insights and updates. In the afternoon, students visited the Maria Callas Museum for an inspiring guided tour celebrating the legendary opera icon and her enduring cultural legacy.

Day 6: Community Renovation & Athens Cultural Trail

A meaningful day combining active community service with rich cultural exploration:

• Community Action with ELIX: Partnering with ELIX and local Athenian school children, students rolled up their sleeves to restore and paint partner school spaces, experiencing the power of teamwork and community care firsthand.

• Cultural Walk: The group explored the House of Benizeloi, the House of G. Seferis, and the Kavafy Museum, ending the afternoon with a guided tour of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre.

Day 7: The Sustainable Greek Way & Celebration

A creative, hands-on day focused on sustainable living and cultural heritage:

• Sustainable Culinary Arts: Students prepared traditional Greek dishes using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients while learning practical strategies to combat food waste (aligned with UN SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production).

• Meander Mosaics: Combining art and history, students recreated ancient Greek meander patterns using lasagne pieces.

• Evening: The week concluded with a celebration honoring international collaboration, new friendships, and shared learning achievements.

Day 8: Farewell to Greece

After an unforgettable week of global learning and exchange, students enjoyed a final group lunch and spent time at the mall before heading to the airport. Our Grade 9 global citizens returned home to Stockholm with full hearts, new perspectives, and lasting memories.

Trip Summary & Key Takeaways

The Futuraskolan GCP Greece Trip 2026/27 was a transformative educational journey that seamlessly brought learning beyond the classroom. Throughout the eight days, Grade 9 students engaged deeply with core values of global citizenship, cultural exchange, hands-on learning, sustainability, and community action. From exploring historic landmarks in Athens and engaging in meaningful exchange with Greek peers to protecting coastal environments and supporting local school renovations, students demonstrated dedication to creating a positive impact. By integrating sustainability initiatives aligned with UN SDG 12, upcycling waste, and practicing responsible consumption, our students returned home with expanded global perspectives, strong friendships, and an empowered sense of shared international responsibility.

Special Thanks to Our Partners:
ELIX: For guiding our environmental initiatives and community school renovation projects.
MIO: For leading the inspiring Tinkering Workshop and upcycling activities.
Partner Schools in Athens: For welcoming our students and fostering warm cultural exchange and collaboration throughout the week.

#Erasmusplus #ELIX #MIO #Greece #FuturaskolanGCP