Cultural Insights from Gran Canaria: Schools, Food, and Erasmus+

During our time in Gran Canaria, we had the unique opportunity to spend a few days in local schools as part of our Erasmus+ experience. Four of us were based at IES El Rincón, where we collaborated with programmers to design and build a website (the one you’re reading right now.) Our goal was to document and share our experiences from the trip, while also creating a platform for future Erasmus+ participants to share their own stories and reflections. 

Meanwhile, the rest of our group visited San Cristóbal School, where they joined a class of aspiring chefs in the kitchen. On the first day, the Spanish students introduced us to traditional Canarian cuisine, preparing dishes like papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, gofio and breaded haddock.  

On the second day, it was our turn to share a taste of Denmark, we made classic Danish «smørrebrød», featuring homemade rye bread topped with chicken salad, potatoes, and meatballs. 

Being in a Spanish kitchen was a culture shock for many of us. The cooking environment and hygiene standards were noticeably different from what we’re used to back home. Communication also proved challenging, as only a few of the Spanish students spoke English. But it was an eye-opening experience that highlighted both the differences and the shared passions that connect people through food