A teacher from CEPA Fernado Marrero – Arucas y Firgas, Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain, was kindly welcome by the principal and staff of Sastamala Opisto. During this week, the Spanish teacher got to know the organization of the institution and observed good practices in a variety of lessons (English, Spanish, Finnish, Knife- making), and was also invited to participate in Bachata and Pilates lessons. Dissemination of Spanish and Canarian culture among teachers and students was also a key objective of the stay, so presentations were used in Spanish and English lessons using both languages. There was also an exchange of video messages between the Finnish and Spanish students of English language.

Plenty of opportunities to explore the Finnish culture were also offered, and these included food tasting, visits to a medieval church, the Book Museum and even a genuine Finnish sauna by the frozen lake! The experience was extremely well-organised by the Sastamalan Opisto principal and staff and made for a fantastic intercultural experience. We feel that we have established the basis for a long lasting relationship and we are looking forward to further collaboration in the future.