Eight students from Prva gimnazija Varaždin (First Grammar School Varaždin) and their French teacher, Ivana Žnidarić Kajić, took part in the Erasmus+ project in France, in the town of Albertville, located in the Auvergne–Rhône–Alpes region, known for its magnificent mountains and winter sports. From September 21st to 27th, 2025, the students enjoyed unforgettable learning activities in the Lycée Jean Moulin.

Accommodation and Daily Life

Our host school, Lycée Jean Moulin, is a boarding school which has about 1,200 students and includes the grades Seconde, Première, and Terminale. We were accommodated in the school dormitory with full board service. We stayed on the top floor of the school dormitory, which was reserved exclusively for Erasmus students. There were four rooms – one for two boys, one for the teacher, and two rooms for the girls. The shared bathroom was spacious and modern, with plenty of sinks, mirrors, and showers. The rooms were simple but comfortable, each with wardrobes, desks, and five beds, showing how well organized and practical the school is.

We had our meals in the school canteen, where breakfast, lunch, and dinner were served every day.
At every meal, there was always pasta, which they sometimes even served with pizza – something that really amused us. In addition to pasta, we ate fish, meat, vegetables, fruit, and there were always several types of desserts. The food was varied, delicious, and fresh, and the organization of meals showed how much the French value order and eating together.

The students from our host school who took part in this Erasmus+ project with us were very communicative, friendly, and curious about our culture. From the very first day, they welcomed us warmly, included us in all activities, and showed a genuine desire to get to know us better – which resulted in wonderful friendships that still last today.

The French Education System

During our stay, we learned a lot about the French education system, which is divided into several levels:

  • École maternelle – preschool education (ages 3–6)
  • École élémentaire – primary school (ages 6–11)
  • Collège – lower secondary school (ages 11–15)
  • Lycée – upper secondary school (ages 15–18), which ends with the baccalauréat exam.

In their upper secondary school, Lycée, there are several programs: general education, technological education, and vocational education, with the following grades: Seconde – ages 15–16, Première – ages 16–17, Terminale – ages 17–18. French students choose their specialization in Première, depending on their future goals. Classes last 60 minutes, and grades range from 0 to 20 (with 10 being the passing mark). Discipline is strict – tardiness, chewing gum, and mobile phones are not allowed. The school has special security gates and ID cards, which at first made us laugh because we joked that it looked like a “small prison”, but it actually keeps everything organized and safe.

Workshops, Lessons, and Activities

The week was filled with many interesting activities and workshops. At the beginning, we had several ice-breaker games to get to know one another, which made everyone relaxed and comfortable. After that came the “Treasure Hunt”, during which we walked from Albertville to Conflans and Beaufort, solving clues, exploring the towns, and talking to local people.

At the start of the project, we, Croatian students, also held a presentation about Croatia, Varaždin, and our school, followed by a quiz and questions for the French students. In return, they introduced us to their town and region, marking the beginning of a true cultural exchange.

We attended lessons of Greek, German, English, Philosophy, History, Geography, Spanish, and Italian. In one of the workshops, we performed short plays – some in French and some in Croatian – and everyone laughed as they tried to pronounce Croatian words correctly.

We also had workshops about youth vocabulary, where the French students taught us their slang expressions, and we taught them the basics of the Croatian language. In addition, we taught them how to play Croatian card games and how to dance “linđo“, which they found very amusing and fun.

One of the most entertaining activities was the “Trade Game” in Beaufort. Our French teacher partner, Madame Mercier, gave us teaspoons from the school kitchen, and our task was to exchange them with passers-by for anything they would offer. By the end, we had collected a whole set of items – souvenirs, keychains, pens, chocolates, and postcards – proving how communication, smiles, and creativity can open every door.

Throughout the week, we also worked on our main Erasmus project task – creating a report.
We filmed interviews with students and local residents, both in French and English, in Annecy, Chambéry, Beaufort, and Albertville. We asked them about their everyday lives, school systems, and opinions about international cooperation. The recordings later became part of a joint Erasmus video report.

Trips and Towns We Visited

During the mobility, we visited many towns and places, each leaving a strong impression on us. We spent most of our time in Albertville, our host town, which is a peaceful place with a special charm surrounded by mountains. We often walked around, went to school, explored the streets, and enjoyed spending time with the local students who showed us their favorite spots.

In nearby Conflans, the old historical part of the city located on a hill, we participated in the “Treasure Hunt”, explored narrow medieval streets and traditional houses, and spoke with friendly locals who were happy to help.

In Beaufort, we visited a cheese factory, where we saw how the famous Beaufort cheese is produced – one of the symbols of the Savoie region. After the visit, we went hiking through the French Alps, walking along trails surrounded by colorful alpine flowers and pastures full of cows.
At first, there was a light drizzle, but soon the sun came out, and the view from the top was breathtaking. Although it was a bit tiring, it was one of the most fun and memorable experiences of the whole trip.

In Annecy, also known as the “Venice of the Alps”, we spent a beautiful day on Lake Annecy, which is the cleanest lake in Europe. We took a boat cruise, explored the city, and conducted interviews with tourists – including two Chinese visitors we became friends with and even took a selfie together.

In Chambéry, the capital of the Savoie department, we visited the Savoie Museum, learned about the region’s history and culture, and explored the town’s streets and squares, which combine historic architecture with a modern touch.

We spent our final day in Lyon, the third-largest city in France. We visited the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, the Roman theatre, the famous Lyon frescoes, the Opéra de Lyon, and many other landmarks. The city impressed us with its size, beauty, and vibrant atmosphere – it was the perfect way to end our French adventure.

Friendships and Impressions

During the mobility, we made many new friends among the French students and exchanged contact information. Even though the mobility ended, we still keep in touch through social media, send photos and messages, and hope to see each other again in the future. We grew so close that we started calling ourselves “The Albertić Family”, because we truly felt like a small family – helping one another, sharing experiences, laughing, and supporting each other.

There were many funny moments throughout the trip – from adventures at the airport, when Klara was carrying too many bags and looked like a mom with lots of kids, to hilarious situations during excursions. Every night before bed, we would gather in one of the rooms, play cards, talk, and share our thoughts about the day. These evening gatherings were some of the most special and heartwarming parts of the trip, full of laughter, stories, and friendship.

This Erasmus+ project was much more than just a trip – it was an experience that connected us for life. Throughout the week, we learned a lot about French culture and education, improved our language skills, and gained wonderful friendships. From the workshops and lessons to the evening talks and laughter, we realized how valuable and meaningful intercultural exchanges truly are.

This journey taught us that Erasmus+ is far more than a school project – it is a chance to grow, learn, and connect with the world. We would recommend it to every student because, as we all agreed, once you become part of the Erasmus family, it stays with you forever.

Written by Amalia Senčar, a student from Prva gimnazija Varaždin