Back to basics: Re-establishing our connection with nature (1 week in Athens)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Dates

2027: 18.01.2027 – 23.01.2027 | 08.02.2027 – 13.02.2027 | 08.03 2027 – 13.03.2027 | 19.04.2027 – 24.04.2027 | 10.05.2027 – 15.05.2027 | 14.06.2027 – 19.06.2027 | 13.09.2027 – 18.09.2027 | 18.10.2027 – 23.10.2027 | 22.11.2027 – 27.11.2027 | 06.12.2027 – 11.12.2027

2028: To be announced (Ask for dates)

Intro

Are you ready to swap the classroom for the great outdoors and explore the many ways nature can enrich learning?

“Back to Basics” invites educators to reconnect with the natural world and learn how to infuse environmental consciousness into their daily teaching practices.

This course encompasses a diverse range of projects, such as outdoor experiential learning, nature-based mindfulness, and sustainability strategies, to help you foster a love for the environment in the next generation. Discover how to use simple activities and natural surroundings to encourage mindfulness, wellbeing, and a deeper connection with nature.

Who is this for?

This course is tailored for education, cultural and youth professionals of all levels – including teachers, leaders, counselors, mentors, camp leaders, extracurricular activity coordinators, and more – who want to incorporate nature-based learning into their work.

Participants will benefit from an international learning experience while traveling with Erasmus+.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand sustainable development goals: Find out about the relevant SDGs and how to practically incorporate them in class.
• Reconnect with nature: Rekindle a personal connection with nature to enhance your own well-being and mindfulness.
• Design outdoor learning: Discover effective strategies for incorporating experiential, nature-based learning into your curricula.
• Promote environmental stewardship: Build actionable strategies for promoting sustainability and eco-friendly practices in your education setting.
• Cultivate student mindfulness: Apply nature-based experiences to reduce stress and cultivate mindfulness in your students.
• Build a European network: Establish a lasting network of like-minded colleagues to share insights and intercultural awareness.

Modules

• Module 1: Reconnecting with nature. Explore the importance of our innate connection with nature through mindfulness and self-reflection activities.
• Module 2: Nature as the classroom. Understand the benefits of outdoor learning and design practical nature-based lesson plans.
• Module 3: Environmental stewardship. Discover your role in fostering environmental consciousness and promoting sustainability through real case studies.
• Module 4: Nature-based well-being. Explore the therapeutic benefits of nature and learn strategies for reducing stress and enhancing mental health.
• Module 5: Sharing nature’s wonders. Showcase student projects, share collaborative ideas, and build a community of nature-focused educators.
• Module 6: Practical implementation and future initiatives. Develop action plans for your school and leverage Erasmus+ funding for future nature-related projects.

Course Outcomes

• Build a practical outdoor toolkit: Gain a collection of simple, adaptable activities for outdoor and nature-based learning.
• Enhance intercultural literacy: Gain the critical tools necessary to guide youth safely and effectively in cross-cultural dialogues and European initiatives.
• Champion environmental sustainability: Empower your institution by integrating actionable eco-friendly practices and SDGs into the curriculum.
• Empower youth/student voices: Shift young people from passive learners into active environmental stewards by modeling confident nature connection.
• Promote positive school/organizational culture: Encourage greater appreciation of nature, wellbeing, and sustainable practices within the school or organization.
• Exchange European best practices: Connect with an international network of educators and youth workers, sharing strategies and building long-lasting cross-border partnerships.

Equipment

Participants are advised to bring comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and suitable footwear for outdoor activities.

See all available Erasmus+ courses we offer.

Destination:

Athens. The city with the most glorious history in the world, a city worshipped by gods and people, a magical city. The enchanting capital of Greece has always been a birthplace for civilization. It is the city where democracy was born and most of the wise men of ancient times. The most important civilization of ancient world flourished in Athens and relives through some of the world’s most formidable edifices.

Who hasn’t heard of the Acropolis of Athens? Photos and history of the most famous archaeological monument in Europe is admired by thousands of people. Acropolis is nominated to be one of the 7 wonders of modern world. In fact the trademark of Athens is one of the favorites. The Holy Rock of Acropolis dates back to the 5th BC, the famous Golden Age of Periklis. Athens met times of bloom and decline, but still shines under the Attic sky gazing the future. Still sparkling like the marbles of Parthenon and the limpid white of Pentelic marble.