On Sunday, 18th of January 2026, our class arrived at Vienna Airport. After about two hours, we landed in Naples. From there, we took a ferry boat for about 40 minutes to reach Procida, a small island in the Bay of Naples.
When we arrived on the island of Procida, we were warmly welcomed by the Erasmus team from our partner school. They guided us to our accommodation, Hostelletella and Apartment and helped us get settled. The room arrangement was as follows: six girls shared one room, four boys stayed together in another room, and two other girls had a separate room. We also had our own kitchen, where we cooked for ourselves during our stay. In addition, we had a beautiful balcony with a great view.
Later that day, we walked around the city, explored Procida, and got our first impressions of the island. During our free time, we bought pizza and ate it together on the balcony, which was a very nice and relaxing experience. (Nicole, Laura)
Our day (Monday, 19th of January) in Procida began with a warm welcome by the Head Teacher, Prof. Maria Saletta Longobardo, in her office. She greeted us personally and provided a brief introduction to the school, its history, and the Erasmus program. Her hospitality immediately made us feel at ease, and we were impressed by the beautiful decor and friendly atmosphere of the school.
Following the welcome, we participated in a guided tour of both the school and the nearby Sea Museum. The tour was led by students Michael Siniscalchi and Carmen Migliaccio, who were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. They explained the various classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas of the school, and we were particularly fascinated by the exhibits in the museum, which included marine life, historical fishing equipment, and local artifacts, giving us a vivid sense of the island’s cultural and maritime heritage.
After the tour, we joined the Italian students in their regular classes to observe and participate in lessons. This gave us the chance to experience their teaching methodologies first hand. We noticed that classes were highly interactive, with a strong focus on discussion and student participation. Some lessons included group activities, while others involved presentations or creative exercises. It was interesting to compare the teaching styles with those we are familiar with in Vienna, and we appreciated the mix of traditional and innovative approaches.
Later in the morning, we attended a cultural workshop in the main classroom entitled “Procida between art, traditions, literature, and cinema”. The workshop included a traditional costume demonstration from Graziella and a short video clip showcasing local traditions. Ms. Assunta Vignali, Prof. A. Muro, and Prof. C. Sarnico curated a reading of an excerpt from Lamartine, performed by students Cristina Parascandolo and Isabel Granito, with participation from students of class 4GS, who were former participants in the „Premio Graziella“. The reading was beautifully performed, and the combination of literature, music, and visual material made the workshop engaging and immersive. We stayed in the classroom almost the entire time, fully immersed in the presentation of the traditional clothing and the story behind it.
At 12 o´clock, we enjoyed a coffee break generously offered by the parents of the Italian students. This informal time allowed us to chat with our hosts, taste some local pastries, and learn more about daily life on the island. The hospitality was very welcoming, and many of us took the opportunity to ask questions about Procida’s traditions and culture.
After the break, we attended a presentation of the contest “Take a souvenir photo for us”, curated by students Daniele Ingenito and Luca Scotto di Fasano. We were encouraged to take photos or short videos capturing the essence of the island, which we were to share on the last day of our trip. The presentation was inspiring, and it motivated us to look at Procida from new creative angles, noticing small details like colorful doors, narrow alleyways, and local fishermen at work.
Lunch followed at 1 pm, during which we enjoyed a variety of Italian dishes. The meal offered a chance to relax and interact informally with both the Italian students and our fellow classmates from Vienna. Conversations ranged from favorite foods to stories about past travels, creating a lively and friendly atmosphere.
In the afternoon, we took a guided tour of Terra Murata, the historical heart of Procida, led by Prof. Sarnico. We visited the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo and Palazzo d’Avalos, both of which were impressive in their architecture and historical significance. The views from Terra Murata were breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the island and the surrounding sea. Our guide shared fascinating stories about the abbey’s history and the palace’s former role, which helped us connect more deeply with the island’s past.
Later, we visited a small church where we listened to a performance by the local choir, “The Ladies of July.” Their singing added a charming atmosphere to the space, and it was a beautiful moment of local culture before we continued to our free time.
The day concluded with free time at 5:30 pm. Many of us used this opportunity to explore the area further, take photos, or simply relax by the waterfront. It was a great way to reflect on the day’s experiences and enjoy the unique ambiance of Procida.
Overall, Monday was a rich and immersive day, full of cultural, educational, and social experiences. The combination of guided tours, workshops, lessons, and informal interactions provided us with a well-rounded understanding of Procida’s heritage, local traditions, and the Italian school system.
On the 20th of January, we took part in a school trip to Pompeii and Naples together with Italian students. The purpose of the trip was to learn about Ancient Roman life and the history of Naples through guided visits at different locations.
We met at 6 am in the morning and ate breakfast together. At 6:50 we travelled by ferry to Naples. After arriving in Naples, we got on a bus that took us to Pompeii. At the Pompeii archaeological site, we entered the ruins and were guided by a woman. She explained that Pompeii was a Roman city that was destroyed in 79 AD by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. She told us that volcanic ash covered the city and preserved buildings, streets, and objects.
During the visit, she also showed us Roman houses and explained how the rooms were used for daily activities. She also explained how Roman streets were organised and how shops and bakeries were part of everyday life. The guide explained that public spaces were important for meetings, trade, and political activities. She also told us that many houses were decorated with wall paintings called frescoes, which showed mythology and daily life. In addition, she explained that Pompeii had an advanced water system with fountains and stepping stones in the streets. Another interesting fact was the plaster casts of people and animals, which show how suddenly the eruption happened.
After the visit to Pompeii, we returned by bus to Naples. The bus only took us to Naples, and from there we continued on foot. We walked to a train station. Inside the station, the guide explained that the pictures on the walls show other Italian train stations connected to important landmarks. She also explained that the station is part of an art project that turns public places into cultural spaces and shows how important transport is in Italy. After this, we had lunch in Via Toledo and galleria Umberto I.
In the afternoon, we visited Teatro San Carlo. Inside the theatre, a man guided us through the building. He explained that Teatro San Carlo is one of the oldest opera houses in Europe. He told us that the theatre was built for the royal family and is still used today for operas and concerts. He also explained how the structure of the theatre allows sound to travel clearly without microphones.
Later, we went back to Via Toledo and Galleria Umberto I. The guide explained that Via Toledo has been an important street for trade and daily life for many years. She also explained that Galleria Umberto I was built as a public shopping gallery and meeting place. We then had one hour of free time to walk around, observe the buildings, and buy souvenirs.
At the end of the day, we went back to the ferry and returned to Procida. The trip helped us understand Ancient Roman life and the history of Naples through guided explanations at important places. Overall, the trip was interesting and educational. (Retaj, Tuana)
On the fourth day of our Erasmus trip, the 21st of January, we started the school day at the Italian school with a volleyball tournament. First, the Austrian team competed against the Italian, followed by three matches with mixed teams. The students who did not take part in the games cheered for both sides.
Afterwards, we presented our country, city, and school to the Italian students, giving them an insight into our everyday life in Vienna. We also discussed the activities they would like to participate in when visiting Vienna in May. This was followed by lunch, which consisted of typical Italian dishes such as mini pizzas, kindly provided by the parents.
To get to know each other better, we took part in a speed conversation activity. Two rows of chairs were arranged so that everyone had the opportunity to talk to the person sitting opposite them. The questions were projected onto the blackboard and focused on personal topics such as our future plans and hobbies.
In the afternoon, we participated in a photo contest in which we were asked to capture Procida from our own perspective. Most of the photos showed the island’s breathtaking views or the sea, which best represents Procida.
After school, we decided to meet up with the Italian students and go to the centre of the island. We walked to Corricella, Procida’s oldest seaside village, whose origins date back to around the 10th century. It is famous for its pastel-coloured houses stacked above the water.
The day ended with our group returning to the hostel, where we rested after a long and eventful day. (Milana, Faisal)
On January 22nd , 2026, we began our day with breakfast. After enjoying our meal, we made our way to the school. Upon our arrival, we were divided into two groups: one representing urban life and the other embodying the serene lifestyle found on an island. Each group engaged in a spirited debate, preparing a series of compelling arguments to highlight the contrasts between city living and island life. For instance, a notable argument from the city group emphasized the convenience of urban amenities, such as quick access to shops, healthcare, and entertainment options. In contrast, the island group focused on the tranquility, natural beauty, and tight-knit community found in island living. After a lively debate, we were treated to a delicious lunch prepared by the students‘ parents. Their warmth and hospitality made the meal even more enjoyable, fostering a sense of community among us. Next, we held an award ceremony for the winners of the recent photo competition. Excitement buzzed in the room as students received their prizes, showcasing their creativity and ability to capture the essence of island life. A few hours later, we walked to Procida’s only farm in the nearby countryside. The farmers welcomed us warmly and gave an informative presentation about their farming practices and the unique crops they cultivate. Shortly after the presentation, we broke into groups of three for an engaging task that involved searching for various plants around the farm. This hands-on experience allowed us to connect with the environment and learn more about local flora. Later, our teacher guided us through the fascinating art of weaving with silk cocoons, illustrating the intricate process involved. We learned how these materials are transformed into beautiful textiles, and it was inspiring to see traditional craftsmanship in action. As the day came to a close, we gathered for a final dinner with our Italian classmates. This enriching experience not only deepened our appreciation for both city and island living but also strengthened the bonds of friendship among us all. (Ibo, Xue-Ling)
On Friday 23rd of January we woke up early as usual, around 7 am. Before leaving the island, we met up once more with the Erasmus students to receive our certificates. After that, we took the ferry boat back from Procida to Naples and then continued on to Naples Airport.
At the airport, we ate something together as a class and spent our last moments of the trip together. Later, we flew back to Vienna, where our Erasmus trip came to an end. During this trip, our class 6E was accompanied by Professor Grabmayer and Professor Tausig. It was a great experience and an unforgettable journey for all of us. (Nicole, Laura)
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