Nature, Culture and Cooperation: Learning by Experience in Tenerife

Taking part in an Erasmus+ mobility means opening the door to new ways of learning. Away from the classroom and immersed in a different culture, participants discover how much can be learned through direct experience, shared moments and encounters with new people and places. Erasmus+ promotes international learning, cultural exchange and personal growth for people of all ages, including adults, and every mobility is an opportunity to develop new competences and to return home with a renewed perspective.

The Erasmus+ mobility took place in Tenerife from 13/09/2026 to 19/09/2026. The activities were conducted in Italian and Spanish, creating an inclusive and multicultural learning environment. The mobility welcomed Rita, Angelo, Giuseppe, Francesca, Teresa, Domenico, Mauro, Paolo, Vanna, Maria, Hanane, Nemi, Changqing, Bufeng, Catia, Angiola Maria, Laura and Inderdeep from IFOM in Italy.

Developed within the field of adult education, the mobility aimed to strengthen participants’ personal and relational competences through non-formal methodologies and learning by direct experience. The programme brought together outdoor activities in close contact with nature, team building and cooperation, and cultural experiences designed to discover the island, its traditions and its local community.

The week began with a warm welcome and a series of introductory activities. Participants received an orientation about the island and the town of Puerto de la Cruz, explored its streets during a guided walking tour and took their first steps into the Spanish language and culture, learning useful expressions to navigate daily life and connect with local people.

Nature soon became the main classroom. During a hike at La Caldera, the group explored the natural environment of Tenerife, discovered curiosities about the local landscape while learning new Spanish vocabulary, and took part in mindfulness activities immersed in nature, a space to slow down, observe and reflect together.

The cultural dimension of the mobility was equally rich. A full-day excursion led participants to the Teide, Spain’s highest peak, and to the historic towns of Garachico and Icod de los Vinos, offering a deeper understanding of the island’s history, heritage and identity. The programme also included a visit to Lago Martiánez, the seawater pool complex designed by César Manrique, and a walking tour of La Orotava, with the opportunity to visit the Casa de los Balcones museum. Group and team-building activities throughout the week strengthened trust and collaboration among participants.

Through this combination of experiences, participants strengthened competences such as communication, cooperation, teamwork, adaptability and intercultural awareness, while improving their confidence in using Spanish in real-life situations. Reflection and sharing moments helped them connect each activity with their personal growth and everyday life.

The mobility also embodied the international spirit of Erasmus+. Living and learning together in a new cultural environment encouraged openness, curiosity and respect for different perspectives, reinforcing the sense of belonging to a wider European community.

The experience concluded with a final reflection and the delivery of certificates, celebrating a week of discovery, cooperation and new friendships. Once again, the mobility showed that Erasmus+ is a true investment in lifelong learning and continuous personal and professional development.

Discover more about Tenerife here.