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IN BRIEF
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On Wednesday, April 2, a group of young Norwegians discovered the department of Calvados during a cultural exchange as part of an Erasmus + project. Accompanied by their teachers, these students were welcomed by the mayor of Condé-en-Normandie, Valérie Desquesne. This stay allowed them to explore the common heritage between Norwegians and Normans while sharing their passion for their respective cultures.
The stakes of cultural exchange #
This project, titled “Common Heritage”, was launched in 2022 with the goal of creating links between Norwegian and French students. Hélène Labiche, a teacher involved in the initiative, pointed out that this collaboration was made possible thanks to the support of the European Community and the CREAN of Vire. This educational initiative aims to enrich mutual understanding of cultures through diverse activities.
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A week full of discoveries #
From March 30 to April 5, the young Norwegians were hosted by their French correspondents, the final year students of the Euro section at Lycée Charles-Tellier. During this week, they had the opportunity to visit several iconic sites, including Mont-Saint-Michel, Ornavik park, and the abbey for men in Caen. These visits allowed them to discover the rich historical and cultural aspects of Calvados.
In parallel, the students also participated in workshops and classes at the lycée, thus promoting a fundamental educational exchange. Some of them had previously visited France, discovering iconic places such as Paris, the French Riviera, and Provence.
Viking heritage: an unbreakable bond #
During their meeting with Valérie Desquesne, the young visitors were able to explore themes related to Viking heritage. The final year students at Lycée Charles Tellier notably emphasized: “We have a common heritage; we are descendants of the Viking people.” This honesty highlighted the shared cultural roots between these two regions.
The highlights of the stay #
In anticipation of the arrival of the young Norwegians, traditional dishes such as fish gratin were served in the school canteen, allowing the students to discover the local gastronomy. The coordination of the Student Life Council also made it possible to organize a fashion show highlighting the different clothing styles of the two countries. Moreover, the work of the second-year Euro students around music created a cultural bridge, with a Norwegian song chosen for the school bell.
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A promising future for young Europeans #
The project does not stop here for these young Europeans. Indeed, Hélène Labiche spoke of future ambitions, including a meeting with a European deputy in Strasbourg planned for next autumn. This meeting aims to continue strengthening exchanges, with a new generation of students preparing to take up the torch.
The current final year students will move on to higher education and will not be able to participate in this event, but they leave behind a positive legacy that will continue to encourage collaborations between cultures. This memorable exchange, reflecting the spirit of Erasmus +, is an invitation to further explore the wonders of Norway while strengthening ties with Calvados.
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