The Language and Culture Exchange (LACE) Programme was successfully launched at the University of Nicosia (UNIC) on Friday, 20 March, marking another important step in fostering intercultural dialogue within the NEOLAiA European University Alliance.
The LACE Programme is designed to enhance linguistic diversity and cultural understanding across partner institutions. Through this initiative, students from NEOLAiA universities take on the role of cultural ambassadors, sharing their native languages and traditions with the wider academic community.
The inaugural session at UNIC featured Alicia Isabel Martin Carmona, a postgraduate student from the University of Jaén, who introduced participants to the Spanish language and culture. Attendees were guided through basic Spanish expressions for everyday communication, making the session accessible even to complete beginners.
Beyond language learning, the event offered a rich cultural experience. Participants explored Spanish music and were introduced to traditional folklore, including the legend of the Lizard of Jaén. The session stood out for its interactive format, encouraging active participation and engagement.
Students also had the opportunity to practice their Spanish skills in small groups alongside native speakers studying at UNIC through the Erasmus+ programme. This peer-to-peer interaction created a dynamic and immersive learning environment, strengthening both linguistic confidence and cross-cultural connections.
The LACE Programme is part of NEOLAiA’s Work Package 7, which focuses on building a plurilingual and intercultural European University. By bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, the initiative not only promotes language acquisition but also nurtures mutual understanding and collaboration across borders.
With a strong start at UNIC, the LACE Programme is set to continue enriching student experiences and reinforcing the values of cultural exchange and European cooperation.
Text by: University of Nicosia
