Erasmus+ Through the Lens of Sport – Student Mobility of Kolegium Europejskie in La Baule, France

From 18 to 24 May 2026, a group of 17 students from Kolegium Europejskie in Kraków, accompanied by their teachers, took part in an Erasmus+ educational mobility project in France, carried out in cooperation with Lycée Grand Air in La Baule.

It was a week that demonstrated that the most valuable lessons often take place outside the classroom – when students need to adapt to a new environment, communicate in a foreign language, collaborate with others, and observe the world around them with curiosity and attention.

La Baule, a seaside resort on the Atlantic coast, became a space for learning through experience. Sporting activities played a particularly important role, naturally reflecting both the character of the region and the lifestyle of its inhabitants.

One of the highlights of the programme was a sailing course on the Atlantic Ocean, organised by a professional sailing company in cooperation with the partner school. This was not a random element of the visit – Lycée Grand Air has a specialised sailing section attended by some of the best young sailors in France. For many of our students, it was their first experience of sailing: working with the wind and waves, following instructions on the water, and learning the importance of teamwork.

On that day, the Atlantic became a true classroom. It taught courage, responsibility, trust, communication, and attentiveness to others. After the sailing activities, the sporting programme continued on the beach, where a friendly volleyball game encouraged integration and helped overcome language barriers.

Another valuable experience was a cycling tour around the La Baule area. The route along the Atlantic coastline became an outdoor lesson in geography, nature, and regional culture. Students observed coastal landscapes, learned about the local tradition of salt harvesting, and visited places connected with the identity of this part of France, including Pointe de Casse-Caillou. This helped them better understand how the ocean, the landscape, and the everyday lives of local residents come together to create a unique story of the region.

The mobility project also had an important academic and intercultural dimension. Participants attended classes at Lycée Grand Air, completed joint activities with their French peers, and stayed with host families. During the week, French and English became not merely school subjects but practical tools for real communication, cooperation, and everyday interactions.

History also formed an important part of the programme and was explored in places where it can still be felt today. In Saint-Nazaire, students visited a former submarine base and explored the interior of a historic submarine. This experience provided valuable insight into the importance of Atlantic ports, the realities of the Second World War, and the ways in which history continues to shape the landscape of modern cities.

Another educational excursion took the group to Nantes. Walking through its historic streets and experiencing the atmosphere of the city allowed participants to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s history. A particularly significant moment was the visit to the Château des ducs de Bretagne, where students explored an exhibition dedicated to the Second World War.

One of the most memorable integration events was an international picnic involving young people from Poland, France, and Germany. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged conversation, friendship, and intercultural exchange. A particularly memorable moment was dancing the “Belgian Dance” together – a simple yet joyful activity that showed how rhythm, smiles, and a willingness to be together can transcend language barriers.

The journey was framed by two iconic visits to Paris. On the way to La Baule, the group visited Notre-Dame Cathedral, and before returning to Kraków, they saw the Eiffel Tower. These two world-famous landmarks marked the beginning and end of their French adventure.

The Erasmus+ mobility project in La Baule was an excellent example of education that combines knowledge, experience, physical activity, relationships, and reflection. It demonstrated that sport can be much more than a form of recreation – it can also be a powerful environment for learning cooperation, responsibility, courage, and openness towards others.

The students returned from France not only with photographs but, above all, with experiences that will remain with them for a long time and broaden their perspective on the world.

We would like to thank our French partners from Lycée Grand Air in La Baule for their hospitality, commitment, and for creating a programme that showed how extraordinary European cooperation can be.

More information about the project is available at: https://wakelet.com/@Erasmus_KE_Krakow

Project Coordinator: Małgorzata Kulesza
Student Supervisors during the mobility: Ewa Wyciszczok, Paweł Konieczny, Grzegorz Ciemała

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