News

During the second week of May, our MYP 4 students together with their homeroom teacher, Miss Gordana Senić Koprivnikar had the opportunity to visit Rome and the Istituto Comprensivo Via Luigi Rizzo.

There they attended some classes, had some other activities prepared for them and each day explored a new part of Rome. This gave them the opportunity to to really get to know a new culture and meet new students and friends.

We decided to check first hand how was it by interviewing to students, Lara Machiedo and Kristofer Tomulić who shared their experiences and honest impressions.

 What was your first impression of Rome?
 Although it wasn’t our first time visiting Rome, this trip felt very different—it was more fun and lively. The city was buzzing with people, and the atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming.

What did you enjoy most about the Erasmus exchange?
 Kristofer: One of the highlights for me was visiting the Colosseum. It’s such an iconic site, and I learned so many new things about its history.
Lara: I really enjoyed attending classes with students from the host school. It was a great opportunity to meet new people. We tried communicating in English and even used a little Italian, which made the experience even more engaging.

Was there anything that surprised you during your stay?
 Kristofer: I was surprised at how quickly we connected with the local students. Igor and I became quite popular in the class we visited, and Lara and Margarita also stood out—maybe because there were fewer girls!
Lara: What really surprised me was the warm welcome we received. The students prepared a cheerful greeting with a small parade and a performance in the playground. It made us feel truly appreciated and welcomed.
 What was it like attending school in Rome compared to your home school?
 The classroom atmosphere was definitely more chaotic, but in a fun and energetic way. The school itself felt like a giant maze with its four floors—it was easy to get lost! Even the classroom setup and seating arrangements were quite different from what we’re used to.

Did you learn anything new—either academically or culturally?
 Absolutely. We learned a bit more about Italian cuisine, especially by experiencing it firsthand—we ate a lot of pasta!

How did you communicate with local students and teachers?
 We mostly communicated in English, and it worked out well. We also tried using some basic Italian, which helped break the ice and made interactions more fun.

 What was your favorite moment from the trip?
 Both: The welcome we received on the first day really stood out. It was heartfelt and energetic, and set the tone for the whole week.

How has this experience changed you?
 Kristofer: I feel like I’ve grown a lot. I became more responsible and had the chance to bond more deeply with my classmates. It boosted my confidence.
Lara: I enjoyed the independence—being away from my parents and relying on my friends and teachers felt empowering. Now I feel more confident about traveling and handling new situations.

Would you recommend an Erasmus exchange to other students? Why?
 Definitely—100%! The students in Rome were incredibly friendly and open. It’s a great way to become more responsible, learn how school systems differ across countries, and gain confidence. The experience helps you grow in ways you don’t expect.

If you could change one thing, what would it be?
 We would have liked more free time to socialize with the local students in a more organized and safe way. It would have been great to connect even more outside of class.