20/05/2025
"Bridging Cultures Through Cards: 39 Students
Celebrate Global Traditions in Holiday Exchange Project"
By Aliona Bujoreanu, EFL Teacher, 2nd Teaching Degree From September 2024 to April 2025, 39 enthusiastic students from „Mihai Eminescu", PI LT ,Cahul, Moldova took part in an inspiring international collaboration - the Holiday Exchanging Cards project, coordinated through iEARN. This initiative brought together schools from Slovenia, Qatar, India, Australia, and Moldova, promoting cross-cultural dialogue and creative communication among students from around the globe.
Kicking Off with Introductions
The project began with students introducing themselves on a shared Padlet platform (link), setting the stage for months of meaningful exchanges. It wasn’t just about cards — it was about making connections, learning from one another, and building friendships across continents.
Celebrating Diverse Holidays
In November, our students crafted and sent digital Halloween cards to peers in Qatar and Australia. This was followed by Thanksgiving and City Day cards, continuing the festive spirit. As part of the cultural exploration, students learned about unique Australian holidays such as National Homemade Bread Day, Remembrance Day, Vanilla Cupcake Day, and National Pickle Day — all of which sparked lively classroom discussions and curiosity.
A true highlight came when we received paper holiday cards from Australia. The excitement was palpable. Students described this moment as the most thrilling part of the project, a tangible reminder of their global friendships (card collection).
Gifts, Traditions, and Shared Joy
Our collaboration with Kirwan State High School in Australia went beyond cards. Students exchanged souvenirs, shared Christmas traditions, and offered glimpses into their school life through photos and creative presentations (photo archive).
In December, festive cheer arrived from Samarth International School in India and Šolska ulica 11 in Slovenia, who sent beautifully designed holiday cards that our students proudly displayed.
Sharing Spring Traditions and Cultural Heritage
Inspired by the international exchanges, our students began a local cultural outreach initiative. They presented their experiences to a primary school in Cahul and a local lyceum, where 3rd graders, with the guidance of their teachers, wrote friendly letters to international peers. These young learners also congratulated their friends on the arrival of spring, promoting Moldova’s rich traditions.
In February 2025, we sent our final cards to Qatar, India, Australia, and Slovenia, featuring spring motifs and explaining the Moldovan Martisor tradition — a symbol of renewal and hope — along with the beautiful legend of Martisor (Martisor card design).
Project Impact and Reflections
Looking back, this project was a remarkable journey of language practice, cultural exchange, and personal growth. Students not only enhanced their English skills, but also developed interpersonal collaboration, global awareness, and a deeper appreciation for national values and traditions.
As the local coordinator, I am proud to say this initiative significantly raised our school's international profile, and left a lasting impact on every participant. The Holiday Exchanging Cards project was more than an academic activity — it was a celebration of human connection across borders.
