THE EXCHANGE OF STUDENTS IN MADEIRA
As part of the international student exchange between Polish and Portuguese students, we had an unforgettable visit to Madeira, Portugal, which was filled with a variety of educational, cultural, and recreational activities.
School Activities:
Our visit began with a ceremonial welcome at the partner school, followed by a tour of the facility. Students took part in integration activities aimed at getting to know each other better. The program also included a presentation on the Portuguese education system, followed by a discussion. We participated in ICT (Information and Communication Technology) workshops, working in international groups. We also had the opportunity to explore the flavors of Madeiran and Portuguese cuisine by learning about local dishes and culinary traditions.
Field Activities and Excursions:
After school activities, we went to Reis Magos beach, where we took part in water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. We visited the northern coast of the island and hiked along the famous "Levada dos Balcões" trail. We explored Ribeiro Frio, known for its lush Laurisilva laurel forest (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and the town of Santana with its traditional thatched houses. A remarkable experience was the visit to Porto Moniz, where we admired natural lava pools filled with crystal-clear Atlantic water. We also visited Paul da Serra – the largest and highest plateau on Madeira.
One of the highlights was a cable car ride to the Madeira Palace, where we toured the exotic tropical garden with an impressive collection of plants from around the world, Asian sculptures, pagodas, red bridges, and unique ceramic panels telling the story of Portugal. The palace also houses a collection of African sculptures and rare minerals. A lot of fun was had during the traditional wicker toboggan ride known as "carros de cesto".
In the island’s capital – Funchal – we took part in a “peddy paper” city game about Madeira’s history, involving solving riddles and completing tasks related to the discovery, settlement, and development of the island. We also visited museums, including the Sugar Museum “A Cidade do Açúcar” and the São Tiago Fortress.
We explored the southern coast of Madeira – the Cabo Girão viewpoint and the town of Ponta do Sol, known as the sunniest place on the island. We also visited the traditional rum distillery “Engenho da Calheta,” where alcohol is produced for the local drink “Poncha Madeirense,” as well as the modern art center “Casa das Mudas,” offering a stunning ocean view.
Project Conclusion:
At the school, we observed IT classes and participated in further ICT workshops. At the end of our stay, we attended an artistic performance prepared by Portuguese students, featuring dance, singing, theater, and rock music shows. There was also a mobility evaluation, certificate presentation, and a formal farewell dinner with students, teachers, and parents, during which we had the opportunity to once again enjoy Madeiran cuisine and reflect on our shared experiences.
