Capbreton is still buzzing from the latest wave of emotion: Jean-Rostand middle school students have just given a warm welcome to their exchange partners from Finland, turning a simple week of cultural exchange into a memorable experience for European youth.
Cultural exchange in Capbreton: a wave of Franco-Finnish friendship
Fresh back from a frosty stay in Vantaa in January, the 38 students from Landes set sail for reciprocity. On the agenda: immersing themselves in local life, sharing the spirit of the swell, and discovering iconic spots between Santocha and the Hossegor jetty. From the first take-off, the Nordic ice melted away, giving way to a line-up of mixed accents and multilingual laughter.
Sports and eco-citizenship program: when board sports meet education
The teaching staff put together a packed schedule across the ocean, lake, and forest; there was no question of staying glued to the shore. The young Finns strung together drops on clean 1.2 m swell, coached by the school’s surf section, freshly crowned UNSS France champions. Between sessions, they made a detour to Lake Hossegor to study water quality, followed by a low-carb road trip to the Biarritz Aquarium.
- Surfing & coastal rescue introduction
- Biodiversity workshop around the lake
- Visit to the Cité de l’Océan
- Wax recycling workshop and keychain making using old leashes
- Basque-Landes culture evening with polyphonic singing
The local vibe was rounded off with a visit to the Quiksilver Festival de Capbreton, showing guests that surfing in the Landes is also a way of life.
Erasmus+: an international springboard for education
With Erasmus+ accreditation secured through 2029, the school has a solid foundation to build on. The “Water in Europe” project serves as a common thread: saving water in post-session showers, environmental awareness on the board, and comparing approaches to treating this blue gold between the Atlantic and the Baltic. The result: a clear boost in English proficiency and XXL confidence when pitching their ideas in public.
| Objective | Actions taken | Measured impact |
|---|---|---|
| Language skills | Buddy system, mixed classes | +25% in Cambridge speaking exams |
| European citizenship | “Building Europe” debates | 97% of students ready to go again |
| Environmental responsibility | Sustainable transportation, waste sorting | -1.8 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent over the week |
Sustainable mobility: pedal rather than pollute
Every trip was made powered by calves, the bus, and the regional train. The partnership with the Hossegor Glisse surf camp provided cruisers and helmets, so they could head down to the beach without leaving a trace. The figures speak for themselves: 612 km traveled by bike, 0 km by private car.
A ripple effect throughout the entire middle school
As the shorebreak calms down, the school is already planning new swells toward Germany, Malta, and Navarre. The projects will benefit from the experience gained this year, like a stable longboard ready to take on a more powerful swell. The teaching team intends to ride this momentum, supported by the local community and private partners, as it was during the famous Celebration of Waves.
Which grade levels took part in the exchange?
The eighth-grade classes at Jean-Rostand Middle School were selected, in accordance with the Erasmus+ specifications focused on 13- and 14-year-olds.
How were the surf activities supervised?
The sessions were held under the responsibility of teachers with sports certification and state-certified instructors, ensuring safety and technical progress.
Why choose cycling for getting around?
The project includes an eco-citizenship component: reducing the carbon footprint while raising young people’s awareness of sustainable mobility in a fragile environment such as the Landes coast.
What role does Erasmus+ play in this partnership?
The program funds part of the transportation costs, provides international insurance, and supports educational resources, ensuring equity among all participants.
Are similar exchanges planned for next year?
Yes, mobility projects to Spain (Tudela) and Malta are currently being organized, while the partnership with Vantaa is expected to continue with visits from Finnish teachers for job shadowing.
