In January 2026, as part of the eTwinning project “A Song for Our Souls in an English-Speaking World”, the students enrolled in the11th grade at Liceul Teoretic "Radu Vlădescu", in Pătârlagele town, Romania, took part in a series of creative and reflective activities built around the Romanian song “Acasă / Home” by Smiley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bORzlBW5QFU which they had voted for as the most representative Romanian song.
The eTwinning project "A Song for Our Souls in An English-Speaking World" uses music as a learning tool to explore language, culture, values, and personal identity in a meaningful and engaging way. The activities began with listening to and discussing the song, focusing on its core message: enjoying life while staying true to oneself and never forgetting one’s roots. The students translated the lyrics in English and analyzed them, identifying key ideas such as balance, friendship, responsibility, and the importance of “home” as more than a physical place, and more of a moral and emotional anchor or safe haven.
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To deepen their cultural understanding, the learners then connected the song’s message with Romanian proverbs, discovering how traditional wisdom reflects the same values expressed in modern music. This helped the project participants understand Romanian mentality, including moderation in life, respect for one's identity (and community), the belief that people are judged by their deeds rather than their words etc.
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The project activity also included a reflective worksheet and discussion tasks that encouraged critical thinking and personal expression. The students answered questions about what “home” means to them, compared Romanian values with those of other cultures, and reflected on how music can communicate identity across borders. Through video activities and group discussions, they practised English in an authentic context while developing confidence and creativity.
Overall, these activities offered clear educational benefits: improved language skills, stronger cultural awareness, increased motivation, and deeper self-reflection. By working with a familiar Romanian song and presenting its message in English, the students became active cultural ambassadors, learning that their own traditions and values are meaningful and worth sharing with the world.
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