Sint-jozefschool students travel to Martinique for cultural exchange

Ten students from Sint-Jozefschool in Erpe-Mere, Belgium, traveled to Martinique, a French overseas territory in the Caribbean, for an educational exchange program.

The students joined several teachers to participate in a 10-day trip that focuses on cultural immersion and language learning. The exchange follows a reciprocal arrangement established through the Erasmus+ program. Approximately one year ago, a Martinican school requested to visit Belgium, and a group of students spent a term attending classes at Sint-Jozefschool.

This year, the Belgian students traveled to the island to experience the local environment and educational system. While in Martinique, the students attend classes and study Creole, one of the island's languages. They also learn about the local culture and the history of slavery on the island. In return, the Belgian students teach their Martinican peers how to speak Dutch. The group was welcomed by the local mayor during their stay.

The students noted several differences between the Belgian and Martinican school systems. They observed that the Caribbean school has a more relaxed atmosphere, provides free fruit to students, and allows the use of mobile phones during lessons. The students also experienced the tropical climate, where daytime temperatures average 33 degrees Celsius. Bert De Schutter, a teacher on the trip, explained that the school uses Erasmus+ funding to keep the trip affordable.

Because of this support, the students only paid 80 euros for the 10-day journey. Due to a limited budget, the school selected the participants based on presentations and educational games they developed to prove their interest in the exchange.