Student trips
Becoming independant with Erasmus+
Through Erasmus+ funds, we at HF & VUC Roskilde-Køge send our students on study trips abroad to bring education to life. When they return home, it is with a newfound self-confidence and closer relationship within their class.
"It just makes sense to send our students out into the world for them to get to know it better. This is especially true with the world we live in today, where there are so many challenges regarding democracy, war in Europe and the climate crisis - it makes much sense to learn from each other, to create friendships and strong relationships," says Education Manager, Sune Stick.
A warm welcome in Frontignan
38 students from the HF A+ programme at HF & VUC Roskilde-Køge has travelled to Montpellier with five teachers and mentors. Alongside discovering the city and experiencing French culture, they had a special opportunity to meet students from another country.
The highlight was a day in nearby Frontignan. Here, 22 students from Lycée Maurice-Clavel welcomed the Danish group. The programme, organised with Frontignan’s Erasmus Office and local partners, included a shared lunch, an escape-game-style discovery walk through the town and a reception at the town hall.
Finding confidence through connection
From the beginning, the atmosphere was warm and relaxed. The activities gave the Danish and French students something to do together, making it easier to start conversations, and find common ground despite the language barrier.
It was wonderful to see the students become more curious and take part at their own pace.
Several students described the visit as “autism-friendly”. That was especially meaningful for HF A+, where clear expectations, supportive relationships and attention to individual needs are important parts of everyday learning.
The thoughtful welcome helped the students feel comfortable enough to join in and enjoy meeting new people.
Exploring Montpellier together
There were plenty of other experiences to share during the week, from visiting Planet Ocean to exploring Montpellier’s historic streets, shops and cafés.
Away from their usual classrooms, students could practise making choices, navigating unfamiliar surroundings and spending time together in new ways, with familiar adults nearby when support was needed.
What stayed with us most was not only the places we visited, but the confidence and connections that grew along the way.
A shared activity, a friendly conversation or a moment of courage in unfamiliar surroundings can mean a great deal, and the day in Frontignan showed just how valuable international exchange can be.
A warm thank-you to Lycée Maurice-Clavel, the City of Frontignan’s Erasmus Office, the local association “Tu feras quoi plus tard?”, the European Solidarity Corps volunteers and all our French hosts for an unforgettable day.
Not everyone dares to call for a taxi
According to Sune Stick, the study trips are important for students who are particularly challenged with dyslexia or other diagnoses.
"It may seem like a completely natural thing for some people to travel and get around on their own, even calling for a taxi. But for others, it can seem unmanageable or terrifying, especially if you can't read well. Going out into the world is not just about travelling. It is about getting the skills and knowledge to do things with others in new situations," says Sune Stick, Coordinator international cooperation at Hf & VUC Roskilde-Køge.
