WORK PACKAGE NO. 4 – #EMME AROUND THE WORLD
Activity 2 – Student Mobility in Portugal – Azores
May 19–23, 2025 | Pico & Terceira Islands, Azores
Hosted by: GeoAçores
As part of Work Package 4 – #EMME Around the World, students and teachers from Romania, Slovakia, and Croatia travelled to the Azores for a week-long experience exploring the volcanic landscapes, cultural identity, and environmental significance of the Azores UNESCO Global Geopark.
This transnational learning activity was coordinated by GeoAçores, offering students immersive, place-based educational experiences focused on geodiversity, sustainability, and digital storytelling.
Objectives of the Mobility
• Offer students hands-on learning about volcanic heritage and ecological conservation
• Promote intercultural exchange and teamwork through outdoor challenges
• Foster awareness of natural heritage and climate action
• Begin student work on video documentaries inspired by geosites and local stories
• Strengthen the connection between school learning and the UNESCO Global Geopark environment
Programme Highlights
Day 1 – Welcome & Exploration
- Student presentations and guidelines for their video documentaries
- Experimental geodiversity activities
- Painting the Erasmus+ wall at the school
- Walking trail: Mistério Novo
- Swim and social time at Prainha
Day 2 – Terceira Island Geosites Tour
- Guided visit with the Azores Geopark team:
- Serra do Cume, Lajes graben, Facho, Alagoa da Fajãzinha, Biscoitos
- Lunch outdoors and visits to Pico Matias Simão and Furnas do Enxofre
Day 3 – Urban Geotrail & Transfer to Pico Island
- Morning: Geo Rota Urbana in Angra do Heroísmo
- Afternoon: Transfer and flight to Pico Island
Day 4 – Pico Island Geosites Route
Visits to:
Lava molds and fossil cliffs (Santo António)
Casa dos Vulcões, Criação Velha, Lajes, Lagoa do Capitão, and more
Picnic and field reflections
Day 5 – Faial Island & Final Evaluation
Boat trip to Faial Island and visit to:
Caldeira, Capelinhos Volcano, Espalamaca, and CIVC Center
Evaluation session via Google Forms
Departures of student teams
Participants
Students and teachers from:
Slovakia
ZŠ Hutnícka, Spišská Nová Ves
Romania
Liceul Teoretic „Avram Iancu” Brad & Dinosaur Geopark Țara Hațegului – Universitatea din București
Portugal
Escola Secundária Jerónimo Emiliano de Andrade & Geoparque Açores – Geoaçores
Croatia
Osnovna škola Pantovčak, Zagreb
Accompanied by local experts from GeoAçores and experts from Geoparcul Internațional „Țara Hațegului”
KEY OUTCOMES
- Students developed first footage and concepts for their video documentaries
- Strengthened intercultural friendships and communication skills
- Deepened understanding of Earth sciences and Geopark principles
- Inspired future sustainability actions through direct contact with nature
- Contributed to a shared European identity rooted in cultural and natural heritage
