What is always inspiring when opening a new project of student exchange is how it is going to change us. Are we going to cooperate, are we going to feel the common energy that makes us open to hear others?

Albania: On 6th October a group of students from Ate Pjeter Meshkalla School set off to Gdynia, Poland to participate in the exchange program. When we landed in the airport of Gdansk the first thing that we saw was a “smile” from the representatives of the Jesuit school in Zespół Szkół Jezuitów w Gdyni and host families. It felt so warm!

Poland: With a little bit of anxiety and curiosity we were waiting at the airport of Gdańsk. Students had a chance to meet before only online, but it soon appeared that they easily get to know each other.  From one day to another we were sure that we managed to meet not only at the level of cooperation, but at the level of opening hearts to each other.

This was our first project together. Students from Skodra came to Gdynia for a week. During this time they were guests in homes of students from Ogólnokształcące Liceum Jezuitów w Gdyni and also guests in our school. Plan of the program contained integrating activities, team building tasks, common lessons, especially we focused on modern history – lessons and workshops. We also visited Gdańsk University, Solidarity Centre in Gdańsk, Old Town in Gdańsk, and had a spooky night visit in Malbork Castle 😉

The great part of our project is living with host families, that allows students to get the experience of culture, food, customs on a daily basis. 

Albania: This exchange program was a great representation of our school and our country to experience a diverse education and culture, different from what we are used to. The students were the main focus of this project. The program included time for socializing, cultural and recreational activities, talks and workshops. Also, students had the chance to visit exhibitions, entertain with each-other, have special meals and organize spirituality meetings and celebrations. Meeting new people and opening new horizons was very meaningful to the students!

Poland: Taking part in workshops focused on communication, culture and modern history we were observing how students not only learn about Albanian and Polish background, but we observed how in a safe and friendly environment young people can step out of their comfort zone and speak English, talk about issues that are important for them.

Albania: Creating new friendships, exploring new places, trying new food and experiencing different traditions that they will remember forever. The Polish and Albanian students are still keeping the strong bond they have created. And the school’s next milestones are expanding the project with different countries. Rich in culture and traditions, the students brought to their school new experiences. They shared their thoughts and feelings with the others. Two Jesuit schools spent time together gaining a chance to discover each-other and experience life missions together.

We’re looking forward to hosting in Shkoder the students from Gdynia next spring!

Poland: When searching for analogies in the very difficult history of both countries we also look towards the future with hope for building active citizens, responsible for the local society.

We are looking forward to spring when we continue our common journey and meet again, this time in Shkodra!

Students:

I think that participating in exchange Albania -Poland broadens horizons a lot. For a student, it is a wonderful opportunity to get to know another culture and improve their English. It can also open up to new friendships and break through to talk to someone new. However, sometimes it was challenging to communicate with my guest, we made great friendships! I can really recommend such an experience to everyone. 🙂 Oliwia

I’m so satisfied after this project. The attractions and places we visited gave us many nice moments. Of all the activities, I liked visiting the Solidarity Museum in Gdańsk the most. We performed tasks assigned to us by our teacher. I found out a lot of things about solidarity, strikes and how people worked there. I had so much fun doing quests with my new friends. 

It was one of the best experiences in my life. Jakub