Global Chatmates 2.0 – A Project That Connects the World : From Europe to Latin America - Jelena Kovačević

Ekonomska škola Požega is proud to have successfully completed another international project titled Global Chatmates 2.0, which took place from October 2024 to April 2025.

This project brought together teachers and students from five countries—Croatia, Greece, Latvia, Brazil, and Chile—with the aim of enhancing mutual communication skills and promoting cultural exchange among young people. Learning and using English in an authentic setting were also the key goals of the project.

Global Chatmates 2.0 is a continuation of last year’s highly successful project, in which the partner schools were from Jordan, Peru, Kyrgyzstan, and Greece.

The project was recognized as an example of successful and high-quality school collaboration, an innovative educational approach, and a long-term impact on students and was awarded the European Quality Label by the European Commission.

The continuation of this initiative enabled deeper connections among students and teachers worldwide and further confirmed Ekonomska škola Požega as a leader in promoting international cooperation and educational innovation.

Project Activities

This year’s project was successfully completed by 43 students from five countries. Through online meetings (virtual mobilities) and creative activities, they had the opportunity to learn about various cultures and develop a deeper understanding of the importance of international cooperation and dialogue.

The collaboration unfolded as follows: students and teachers met online at the end of September 2024 to introduce themselves and receive guidelines for the successful implementation of the project. After the initial meeting, students were divided into 13 international groups and independently organized six thematic meetings based on pre-defined topics and guidelines—ranging from personal introductions to presentations about their countries, cities, landmarks, education systems, schools, music, food, festivals, and holidays. In the final stage, they even exchanged basic language lessons with their project partners. The project concluded with a final meeting for all participants, during which students played a Kahoot quiz and shared their impressions.

The Role of Ekonomska škola Požega

The project saw active participation from nine students of Ekonomska škola Požega, specifically from 11 year students, i.e. classes 3.h and 3.c, who engaged enthusiastically in all activities and contributed significantly to the project's success. Their involvement was guided and supported under the mentorship of their English teacher, Ms. Jelena Kovačević, ensuring both personal growth and the achievement of project goals.

In addition to improving students' language and communication skills, the project also emphasized the importance of digital literacy and creative expression. Through tasks such as creating digital posters, video materials, and writing blogs, students developed their ICT skills, which enabled them to become active members of the global digital community.

Global Chatmates 2.0 was an incredible opportunity for students to engage in international projects, explore new cultures, and make friends across the globe. It also helped the school gain recognition in a broader international context as a place of innovative education and cultural collaboration.

The project concluded successfully, with a large number of satisfied participants. Teachers are proud of their students’ contributions and look forward to new partnerships and projects that, like this one, will support students’ further personal and professional development.

The project was coordinated by English teachers: Jelena Kovačević from Ekonomska škola Požega in Croatia, Sofia Konstantinea from Geniko Lykeio Thourias in Greece, Ieva Vaivode from Ķekavas vidusskola in Latvia, and Maggie Baeza Rojas from Colegio Manquecura Cuidad de los Valles in Chile.

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- Jelena Kovačević

from Ekonomska škola Požega in Croatia