Monday 16 March
In the morning excitement was at its peak – soon we would gather the students from the four schools together and begin our work. I must admit, not used to Southern European customs, I had anxiously googled the proper way to greet the other teachers the previous night. A kiss on the cheek seemed to be customary. Although Google was of some help, many questions were left unanswered – What was the right number of kisses? Were smooching noises mandatory or thought as a sign of bad taste? I decided to adopt an Italian air of nonchalance and go with the flow, putting my decisively Finnish needs of personal space aside for a while.
After some initial awkwardness, I felt my embarrassment fade away. What I learned is that even the Italians cannot fully agree on the number of kisses when greeting. One source told me that two kisses are expected of acquaintances and three is the norm for close friends. Someone else thought two kisses a sign of bad luck and insisted three to always be the correct number. From my own experience, I can tell you that two kisses seem to prevail, but approaching the situation with an open mind might be the best trick. Additionally, I think it's best to wait for your more experienced partner to lean in first, to find out which cheek to begin with. This way you can make sure you don't accidentally kiss your colleague or friend square on the lips - A true Finnish nightmare!
Following a warm welcome ceremony at Liceo Scientifico Peano the students were presented with an inspiring challenge: to act as architects of an ideal future society and, in doing so, develop innovative solutions to some of Europe’s most pressing issues. The Italian teachers behind the project, Annalisa Rosati and Marzia Presti, introduced the concept of “Eutopia,” playfully describing it as a “good place to be built together.” The term itself combines the Greek prefix eu- (“good”) with topos (“place”), capturing the spirit of the initiative.
The first stage of the project focused on brainstorming ideas to improve current systems. Mixed groups, composed of students from all four schools, exchanged perspectives. Despite their diverse backgrounds, they quickly realized how many concerns and aspirations they shared.
One key question guided their discussions: What might the ideal school of the future look like? Many groups envisioned more flexible, student-centered environments where learning by doing is valued alongside traditional subjects. Students also spoke of a need for shorter school days, less homework and more freedom of choice regarding their studies.
As a Finn, it was surprising to realize many of the things we take for granted in Finland, such as free school lunches and longer breaks between lessons, were in fact something that the Italian students were hoping to import to their own system. On the other hand, Finnish students were eager to adopt the shorter schooldays that are common in Italy, as our lessons often end at 4 pm, whereas the Italian school finishes at 2 pm. Both the Finnish and Italian youth were united in their hope that the ban on mobile devices in their schools would be lifted - a wish perhaps not shared by the teachers present.
Environmental sustainability was another major focus. One group suggested a forward-thinking solution to the energy crisis: New types of roads and walkways, which could harvest the mechanical energy from pedestrians or vehicles. The kinetic energy of road users would then be turned into electricity and used locally.
The conversation also extended to leisure and entertainment. Rather than isolating individuals, students imagined experiences that foster connection. They designed a festival for young people. In the students’ vision young people would be able to attend the festival free of charge. The event would be organized according to green principles and would offer a creative platform for filmmakers, bands and artists to share their art on.
Finally, attention turned to the future of work. Some students expressed a strong desire for a healthier balance between professional life and personal well-being. Ideas such as flexible schedules, meaningful employment, and fair wages were recurring themes. Ultimately, they envisioned a society in which individuals can contribute productively while still enjoying time for family, rest, and personal interests.
