From the 26th to the 30th of April 2025 nine Students from our English EF- course had the opportunity to visit Växjö Sweden through the Erasmus+, together with Ms Christina Haubold and Ms Kirsten Heiderhoff. The Erasmus+ project focused on the topic of “Hybrid Identity” and brought together young students from diverse backgrounds. During our stay in Växjö, we explored how culture, language, traditions, hobbies, school lifestyles, and individual experiences shape identity.
Throughout the week, we took part in various workshops and activities with a Swedish school in Växjö. Together with the Swedish students, we presented our countries and pointed out similarities and differences between the two countries. Here, a Swedish teachers asked both the German and Swedish students to write down word they associated with each others‘ countries. On both sides, many of the responses were stereotypical and superficial.
In mixed German- Swedish groups, we attended regular school lessons that were in Swedish- a completely new experience for many. Everyone shared their individual experiences about the complexity of growing up between diverse cultures and always yearning for the feeling of belonging. Furthermore, the concept of hybrid identity shaped intercultural understanding and opened new perspectives about identity. Alternatively, “non-hybrid students” also shared the main characteristics of their identity and were open to cultural exchange and international collaboration.
Another highlight of the trip was the visit to Linnaeus university in Växjö. In an open conversation with two university attendees that are currently studying German, we gained insights into everything the university has to offer and why the university attendees had chosen to study German specifically
We concluded the trip with an impressive visit to Kosta, where we had the pleasure to experience the production of glassworks. We also enjoyed a tour through the factory and watched master craftsmen blow and shape glass.
“Hybrid identity” was more than just a project title, it was an opportunity to shape our perspective about identity. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with great warmth and kindness, creating an atmosphere in which genuine conversations and connections could naturally develop. What made this trip especially meaningful were the conversations surrounding identity, culture, and politics. This trip deepened our understanding of identity and global citizenship whiles also highlighting how interconnected Europe truly is. We left Växjö with more knowledge about people, different perspectives and shared realities that connect us all.
Zainab Nasiru Awal and Alia Olk Soruco (EF)