Gran Canaria
Atte Lehmusoksa, Johanna Luostari and Katariina Rintala
Monday
On Monday we got to know the teachers and the students from our host school and other partner schools from Portugal and Sweden. This activity was called the team building and we had small assignments that we needed to do in small groups.
At the same time, we got to know Las Palmas’ old town "Vegeta". The old town was very beautiful and very different from the new town.
After this we had coffee and some treats with the host school´s student counselor Raquel. She told us about her work and what kind of students she works with. She was also interested in hearing how we do counselling in Finland.
Team building
Meeting the study councellor, Raquel.
Tuesday
Tuesday morning we started by visiting the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. We got to know the Department of Modern Philology, Translation and Interpretation. We were given an overall picture of the philological studies by local professors Gina and Vera. The possibilities to learn Chinese and local Canarian Spanish especially caught our attention. We also got a tour of the university and got to see the fascinating language studio for simultaneous interpretation.
In the afternoon we visited our host school, CEPA Fernando Marrero Pulido – Arucas y Firgas. First we got to know the school with the kind help of the local staff and students. The school was very charming and cozy, with its own private garden. The school’s notable Erasmus history and experience were also presented on the walls. We also followed a Spanish lesson for immigrant students. After the tour we had an interesting presentation about the sand dunes and the nature of Maspalomas.
Next, we had short presentations from all the participating schools of the Erasmus+ week. Marie from Sweden told us about her work as a language teacher and explained what kind of education they offer at the adult education center in Karlshamn. The Portuguese teachers Alex and Marta gave us a presentation about their school, Agrupamento de Escolas de Moimenta da Beira. We also had the opportunity to present Eira to our fellow participants.
The evening ended with an international buffet. All the participants and the host school had brought dishes from their own home countries to share.
The local adult education center had 20 yeas of Erasmus experience..
Presenting Eira
Visiting the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Wednesday
On Wednesday we visited the local comprehensive school IES Bañaderos, which also offers baccalaurate and vocational studies. We met with the school’s management, a special needs teacher, and the equality and heritage coordinator. We were given an overall picture of the school’s activities and educational programs. In particular, we learned how the school supports students with behavioral problems and learning difficulties.
After this, we had lunch with our host school staff and the other Erasmus+ participants. Lunch was organized by the vocational department of IES Bañaderos. A three-course menu was prepared and served to us by the local students. It was delicious.
After the school visit, we travelled to Maspalomas. There we had a guided nature tour led by the same person who had given us the lecture the day before. During the tour we learned more about the ecosystem of the Maspalomas sand dunes and also saw some wildlife and plants. A fun fact was that we also saw some familiar birds from Finland. They had come to enjoy the warmth of Gran Canaria just like we had.
Dunes guide
Dunes
Lunch made by the student chefs
IES Banaderos
Thursday
On Thursday we visited the Arucas old town and got to know the history and architecture of the town. We had a reception at the Town hall where we met the education councellor. Katariina from our team and other participants whereinterviewed about our Erasmus+ -trip at the local radio station Radio Arucas. The day ended with a visit to the local rum factory Arehucas and a lunch with other participants. The lunch took for three hours and we really had a feast there.
Lunch
Radio Arucas
Town Hall
Rum. Katariina.
Friday
On Friday we visited Galdar, which is a Spanish municipality and a town at the north of the island of Gran Canaria. This part of the island is rockier and greener. There are banana plantations and coffee plantations. Our main goal here was the Cueva Pintada museum and Archaeological Park. We learned about the pre-Hispanic history of the Canary Islands. The day ended with a farewell lunch with the whole group at the Arage beach. After lunch we had a small dip in to the natural pool with sea water. The Finnish group was the only group that went swimming. This was a perfect way to end the week.
A farewell lunch with others
Galdar natural pool
Galdar natural pool
Galdar town, pre-Hispanic Cararies
Galdar town museum