Around 60 students from across the EU GREEN European University Alliance gathered in Extremadura, Spain, from 19 to 23 October 2026 for the EU GREEN Sport and Cultural Event. Combining outdoor activities, cultural discovery and international cooperation, the five-day programme offered participants an opportunity to strengthen connections, explore the region and share experiences beyond the classroom.
Held in Cáceres and at El Anillo International Centre for Sports Innovation in Nature, the event brought together students from different European countries and backgrounds for a shared experience centred on sport, sustainability, inclusion and cultural exchange.
The programme was successfully completed in full, with favourable weather conditions allowing participants to enjoy all the planned outdoor activities. Beyond the sporting challenges, the event provided an opportunity to develop friendships, discover different cultures and strengthen the sense of belonging to the EU GREEN community.
Discovering Extremadura through sport and culture
The experience began on 19 October in Cáceres, where participants were welcomed with a guided tour of the city’s historic centre and an introductory dinner. These first activities provided an opportunity for students to meet their international peers before travelling to El Anillo the following morning.
Over the next three days, participants enjoyed a varied programme combining water sports, outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and zip-lining encouraged teamwork and cooperation, while the EU GREEN Challenge Lab introduced activities focused on biodiversity and cultural exchange.
The programme also highlighted Extremadura’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage. Students explored the historic village of Granadilla, took part in a cultural escape room in Hervás and enjoyed an evening of stargazing. An optional visit to the Roman city of Cáparra completed the cultural activities.
By combining physical activity, environmental awareness and opportunities for intercultural interaction, the event encouraged participants to engage with their surroundings while developing connections with fellow students from across Europe.
Building friendships beyond borders
One of the most significant outcomes of the event was the opportunity for students to establish personal connections across national, linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Participants highlighted the welcoming atmosphere and the friendships developed throughout the programme, demonstrating the value of international experiences that extend beyond traditional academic activities.
Jeeva, a participant from Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, shared his appreciation on behalf of the German university’s delegation:
“What made this experience even more memorable was the people we met and the connections we built. We were fortunate to interact with almost every group, regardless of their country, language, or background.”
Reflecting on the relationships established during the event, he added:
“We arrived as participants, shared experiences as friends, and left with memories and connections that will stay with us for a long time.”
His message also acknowledged the dedication of the organisers, instructors, catering staff and support teams who contributed to the successful delivery of the programme.
Strengthening the EU GREEN student community
The EU GREEN Sport and Cultural Event demonstrated how shared experiences outside the classroom can contribute to a more connected and inclusive European university community.
With approximately 60 students participating and all scheduled activities successfully completed, the event offered a valuable opportunity to promote intercultural understanding, wellbeing, environmental awareness and cooperation.
For EU GREEN, initiatives of this kind complement academic mobility and international collaboration by creating spaces where students can interact informally, discover new perspectives and develop a stronger connection with the Alliance.
The experience in Extremadura illustrated the importance of bringing students together around shared interests and values, reinforcing EU GREEN’s commitment to an inclusive, sustainable and student-centred European university community.
