Capbreton is still buzzing from the latest wave of emotions: 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 French-Finnish friendship
Fresh back from a frosty stay in Vantaa in January, the 38 students from Landes raised the sail of reciprocity. On the agenda: immersion in local life, sharing the swell spirit, and discovering iconic spots between Santocha and the Hossegor breakwater. From the very 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: where board sports meet education
The teaching staff put together a packed run between ocean, lake, and forest; no way they were staying stuck on the shore. The young Finns strung together drops on clean 1.2 m swell, coached by the school’s surf section, recently crowned UNSS French champions. Between sessions, they stopped by Lake Hossegor to study water quality and took a low-carbon road trip to the Biarritz aquarium.
- Surfing & coastal rescue introduction
- Biodiversity workshop around the lake
- Visit to the City of the Ocean
- Wax recycling workshop and making keychains from used leashes
- Basque-Landes cultural evening with polyphonic singing
The local vibe was rounded out by a visit to the Quiksilver Festival of Capbreton, to show guests that board sports in Landes are also a way of life.
Erasmus+: an international springboard for education
With Erasmus+ accreditation secured through 2029, the fourth-grade class is riding a solid ramp. The “Water in Europe” project provides the common thread: saving water in post-session showers, environmental awareness on the board, and comparing blue-gold treatment models between the Atlantic and the Baltic. The payoff: a clear boost in English skills and XXL confidence to pitch 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, recycling | -1.8 t CO₂ equivalent over the week |
Sustainable mobility: pedal instead of polluting
Every trip moved along to the rhythm of calves, buses, and regional trains. The partnership with the Hossegor Glisse surf camp provided cruisers and helmets, so they could get 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 school
As the shorebreak calms, 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 bigger swells. The teaching team plans to ride this momentum, supported by the local community and private partners, as during the famous Celebration of the Waves.
Which grade levels took part in the exchange?
Eighth-grade classes at Jean-Rostand Middle School were selected, in accordance with Erasmus+ requirements focused on 13- to 14-year-olds.
How were the surf activities supervised?
Sessions were held under the supervision of teachers with sports certification and state-certified instructors, ensuring safety and technical progress.
Why prioritize cycling for transportation?
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 coastline.
What is Erasmus+’s role in this partnership?
The program funds part of the transportation costs, provides international insurance, and supports educational resources, ensuring equal access for all participants.
Are similar exchanges planned for next year?
Yes, mobility projects to Spain (Tudela) and Malta are being developed, while the partnership with Vantaa is expected to continue with Finnish teachers coming for job shadowing.