What happens when you combine Italian language learning, sustainability, teamwork, and the excitement of an escape room? You create an unforgettable Erasmus experience!
Over the course of three dynamic mornings, a group of 17–18-year-old students embarked on an immersive A2 level Italian journey where every activity became part of a mission. Their goal? To complete exciting challenges, improve their Italian, and ultimately earn the prestigious title of Sustainability Ambassador.
Each of the three mornings focused on one of the three pillars of sustainability: social, environmental, and economic. Through these themes, students not only expanded their understanding of sustainable development but also discovered how language can become a powerful tool for discussing real world issues.
Rather than following a traditional lesson format, the course was designed as a gamified escape room. Every challenge unlocked new opportunities to communicate, collaborate, and think creatively. Along the way, students practised essential language skills by understanding short texts and conversations, asking and answering questions, expressing opinions, agreeing and disagreeing politely, describing everyday habits, making suggestions, and confidently using Italian vocabulary related to sustainability.
Students communicated through mime, competed in an Italian memory race and carried out a class survey on sustainable behaviours. Every activity encouraged interaction, teamwork, and plenty of laughter, creating a supportive environment where speaking a foreign language felt natural and enjoyable.
One of the most exciting moments was the LEGO® sustainability challenge. Working in teams, students designed innovative projects for a more sustainable future, combining creativity, problem-solving, and Italian communication skills. It was inspiring to see how language learning could become a bridge to innovation and collaboration.
Throughout the three mornings, teams collected points by solving missions, completing language challenges, and demonstrating excellent cooperation. Bonus points rewarded creativity, active participation, and team spirit. The winning team proudly received the title of Sustainability ambassadors, recognising not only their success in the game but also the values they had demonstrated throughout the experience.
More importantly, everyone walked away as a winner. Students gained confidence in speaking Italian, strengthened their communication skills and explored sustainability in an engaging and meaningful way. Their enthusiasm proved once again that learning happens best when curiosity, emotions, and collaboration come together.
Because learning a language is much more than memorising grammar, it is about communicating, solving problems together, and creating experiences that remain long after the course has ended.
So… what are you waiting for? Accept the sustainability ambassador challenge and discover how fun learning Italian can be and JUMP with us!
Author: Sonia Simpatico (JUMP Trainer)
