On 18 October 2024, the Sant Josep Obrer school celebrated Erasmus Days by participating in a live broadcast organised by ENAC (Ente Nazionale Canossiano ETS) focusing on Europe, Erasmus, mobility and European cooperation.
Erasmus Days offered another interesting opportunity to celebrate the impact of the Erasmus+ programme on education, cultural exchange and international cooperation across Europe. This year, ENAC organised a live broadcast to engage students, educators and administrators in discussions on European integration, the Erasmus programme and the future of mobility in an increasingly interconnected world.
Among the highlights was an online presentation given by Sant Josep Obrer students, who used their platform to address some of the modern challenges and distortions that have emerged in the post-Brexit era.
The Sant Josep Obrer students chose a very timely topic: ‘the procedural barriers that EU citizens encounter when travelling to the UK’. Through a ten-minute presentation, they explained the steps required to visit London today, including the requirement to complete an application for travel authorisation (ESTA) prior to travel.
Their presentation using light and humorous language highlighted the critical issues of not having a free movement agreement with a former EU member state. They humorously pointed out the contrast between these new travel restrictions and the UK’s recently signed trade agreements with countries as far afield as Japan, emphasising the irony of prioritising agreements on economic over human mobility.
The audience responded enthusiastically to their humour and to the students’ presentation, which emphasised how important it is for Europe to continue to prioritise mobility and trade, despite political changes.
In addition to highlighting the challenges of travel, Sant Josep Obrer’s presentation celebrated the school’s extensive involvement in European collaboration projects by recounting some of the international exchanges the school carries out with institutes in Sheffield, Toulouse and cities in Germany and Italy.
These exchanges and projects, such as the European Values and Migration (EUAMI) project, supported by Erasmus+, allow students to immerse themselves in different cultures, languages and educational methods, preparing them for an interconnected world.
The school’s presentation was a testimony to the importance of the Erasmus programme and its ability to connect communities, inspire cooperation and cultivate a shared sense of European identity.
“Languages for Peace”: Emiliyan Stanev School event within EUAMI project
Sant Josep Obrer’s contribution reflected the broader spirit of Erasmus Days 2024, where participants explored how education and collaboration across borders continue to open doors and enrich lives. As Europe moves forward, Erasmus remains a key player in fostering a culture of openness and unity, creating pathways that help young people embrace diversity and develop global perspectives.
The celebrations of Erasmus Days 2024 served as a reminder that, despite recent challenges, Europe remains committed to facilitating meaningful exchanges, promoting understanding and empowering the next generation of global citizens.
