Elsterberg/Carballiño.
From December 10 to 18, 2025, an international student exchange took place between the TRIAS schools in Elsterberg and a partner school in Carballiño, Galicia. A total of 34 students took part in the exchange project: 17 German students from grades 8 to 10 and 17 Spanish students from the same grades. The Spanish guests were accompanied by their teachers Leyla and José.
The exchange focused on intercultural learning, bilingual communication, and shared experiences of school, everyday life, and culture.
The Spanish teenagers stayed with host families, giving them an authentic insight into life in the region. Everyday school life at the TRIAS schools in Elsterberg was also part of the program.
On December 11, they went on a joint trip to Plauen. During a visit to the Vogtland district administration office, the young people also met Dr. Steinbach, the deputy district administrator, who even greeted them in Spanish. This was followed by a visit to the Christmas exhibition at the Vogtland Museum and the Plauen Christmas market, where traditional exhibits and regional customs created a festive atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the exchange trip was an excursion to Dresden on December 15. There, the students explored the historic old town on a guided tour and gained exciting insights into the history and cultural significance of Saxony's capital. The world-famous sights and the famous Striezelmarkt Christmas market left a lasting impression on the international guests.
The student exchange was seen as a great enrichment by all those involved. In addition to improving language skills, the focus was on personal encounters, new friendships, and mutual understanding. Such international projects make an important contribution to the cultural education of young people and strengthen the European idea.
The TRIAS schools in Elsterberg look back on a successful exchange week and hope to continue strengthening their partnership with the Spanish school in Carballiño in the future.
Maria Hurtado, Nerea Iglesias, Sabrina Eichhorn, and André Zühlke
(Teacher at TRIAS Schools Elsterberg)
