Athénée de Luxembourg

Travel to learn, exchange to grow

Some journeys are transformative. The EDULINK project, led by the Athénée de Luxembourg, is one of them. For over ten years, this initiative has given 11th-grade students a unique educational and human experience in South Africa, in the Franschhoek region, in partnership with the NGO Athénée – action humanitaire and the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve (CWBR).

This project is far more than a school trip. It’s cultural immersion, deep exchange, and a powerful awakening to solidarity.

Joanne Goebbels Professor at Athénée de Luxembourg

a large group of people on a nature trail — © Athénée du Luxembourg

a person on a wasteland filled with rubbish — © Athénée du Luxembourg

An educational journey, built to last

Each year, fifteen students are selected to join this structured program. The journey is thoroughly prepared through weekly sessions in which students learn, research, and reflect – often preparing for their very first real-life encounter with a different social and cultural reality.

With the support of Œuvre Nationale, the 2024 edition was a resounding success. The teaching team reported no major difficulties and praised the exemplary maturity of the participants throughout the process.

A journey full of learning for everyone

The South African stay is designed as a mutual exchange. The students don’t just observe: they take part in local projects, meet on-site partners, engage with other young people, and confront their ideas, habits, and privileges.

“The most rewarding part is seeing the students’ reflections, realizations, and shared emotions as they live the experience.” These shared moments, exchanged glances, meaningful silences all become landmarks in their personal journey. They return changed: more aware, more engaged.

African elephants — © Athénée du Luxembourg

A ripple effect back home

Upon their return to Luxembourg, the impact continues. The students become project ambassadors, sharing their experience with classmates, families, and teachers. The associated NGO gains renewed support, and the school strengthens its commitment to global citizenship education.

The ripple effect is real. A small group lives a powerful experience and the entire school feels its benefits.

Joanne Goebbels Professor at Athénée de Luxembourg

A project worth sustaining

Given the clear impact, Athénée is committed to continuing EDULINK with the same energy, the same rigor, and the same vision of building lasting bridges across worlds.

“To invest in this kind of project is to invest in the future. In youth. In learning that leaves a lasting mark.”, Joanne Goebbels remarks.

A call to keep daring

“Let’s keep investing in the journeys that shape minds and change perspectives, because the young people who travel today are the compassionate and engaged adults of tomorrow.”

portrait of a man and a woman in a classroom — Joanne Goebbels (on the right)

© Rari Matei

This project was supported through the permanent fund “Voyages d’études et échanges”.

Find out more

Study trips and exchanges fund

The "Study trips and exchanges " fund is for primary and secondary schools and associations that want to encourage young people to have new experiences, travel, explore other cultures and meet other young people.