A teacher training course in Iceland: A week to remember in Reykjavik



11 July 2025

This week was so much more than a course. It was a celebration of teaching, learning, culture, and connection. We shared ideas, laughed together, supported one another, and built bonds that will no doubt outlast our time in Iceland. It went by faster than we wished, but the memories will stay with us.
Teachers on a guided walking tour of Reykjavik during Erasmus+ training week with Platform21

This week was so much more than a course. It was a celebration of teaching, learning, culture, and connection. We shared ideas, laughed together, supported one another, and built bonds that will no doubt outlast our time in Iceland. It went by faster than we wished, but the memories will stay with us.

From 11 to 17 May, I had the incredible privilege of co-leading a week of teacher training courses in Iceland, together with my wonderful colleague Irena. We welcomed more than 30 teachers from 11 different countries to the vibrant city of Reykjavik for two of our most dynamic and inspiring courses:

  • Soft Skills for the 21st Century: 4Cs – Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity, and
  • AI in Education: Best Tools for Schools.

From the very first day, the energy was electric. Teachers introduced their schools and home countries during our warm welcome session, and over drinks we broke the ice, shared laughs, and began forming what would soon become real friendships. You could feel that this was going to be a special week.

Ana Mladina Puljak presenting Platform21 teacher training centre during a welcome event for Erasmus+ course in Reykjavik, Iceland
Our Welcome events are a perfect opportunity for everyone to present their schools, their cities and get to know each other.

Group photo of Erasmus+ teachers at welcome event during Platform21 teacher training in Reykjavik, Iceland
One room, 12 countries, endless energy. This is what the Erasmus+ spirit looks like, and we can’t wait to do it again!

A journey of learning, sharing, and growing

Each day was filled with fresh insights—not just into the topics we explored, but into each other’s perspectives, experiences, and creative ideas.
In the Soft Skills course, we worked on practical ways to build 21st-century competencies into our classrooms. Meanwhile, the AI in Education course gave teachers hands-on experience with the best tools available for modern classrooms, from ChatGPT and MagicSchool to Gamma.

But this week wasn’t only about learning from the trainers—it was also about learning from each other. The diversity of the group created space for rich discussions, playful activities, and unexpected “aha” moments.

Tjörnin Lake in Reykjavik captured during Erasmus+ teacher training experience in Iceland
Moments of stillness in the heart of Reykjavik. Tjörnin Lake was our peaceful pause during a dynamic week of learning and laughter.

Charming Reykjavik street scenery photographed during Erasmus+ teacher training in Iceland with Platform21
This city steals your heart, one street at a time. Every corner of Reykjavik added to the story of our Icelandic Erasmus+ adventure.

Rainbow Street in Reykjavik explored during teacher training course in Iceland
Colorful streets, colorful minds. Exploring Reykjavik’s Rainbow Street felt just like our course: bold, inspiring, and full of joy.

 

Exploring Reykjavik and the Golden Circle

Reykjavik, with its colorful muralstranquil Tjörnin Lake, and a wonderfully sunny atmosphere (we were there during Iceland’s hottest week in 60 years!), was the perfect setting for this course. A heartfelt thank you to Marteinn, our brilliant local guide, who led us on a walking tour that revealed the rich history and culture of this remarkable city.

Mid-week, we set off on the Golden Circle Tour, an unforgettable journey through Iceland’s natural wonders:

  • Kerið Crater, a vivid red volcanic caldera
  • Friðheimar Tomato Farm, where we dined on tomato soup in a greenhouse
  • Þingvellir National Park, where continents meet
  • The ever-impressive Geysir geothermal area
  • And the thunderous beauty of Gullfoss Waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural landmarks

Each stop left us more amazed than the last. Later, many of us also treated ourselves to a relaxing soak in the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s world-famous geothermal spa. Floating in the warm, mineral-rich waters surrounded by lava fields felt like the perfect way to reflect on all we’d experienced and learned.

Þingvellir National Park explored by teacher training course participants in Iceland
Standing on the edge of two continents in Þingvellir National Park—and in the middle of an unforgettable Erasmus+ learning journey. Will you be standing here with us next time?

Geysir geothermal area visited by Erasmus+ teachers during Golden Circle tour in Iceland with PLatform21
Nature inspiring learning at every turn.

Erasmus+ course participants posing at Gullfoss waterfall during teacher training by Platform21 in Iceland
One group, 12 countries, and a million smiles in front of the mighty Gullfoss. Nothing brings people together like an Erasmus+ course in a beautiful country.

Until we meet again… or join me in October! 🍂

This week was so much more than a course. It was a celebration of teaching, learning, culture, and connection. We shared ideas, laughed together, supported one another, and built bonds that will no doubt outlast our time in Iceland. It went by faster than we wished, but the memories will stay with us.

If you’re considering teacher training courses in Iceland, I can say from the heart – you won’t regret it. I’m already counting down the days to our next course in October.
Will you join me?

 

Teachers participating in project-based learning session during Erasmus+ course with Platform21 in Reykjavik, Iceland
No boring lectures here! Our project-based approach keeps teachers engaged, active, and inspired—just like their students will be.

Teachers collaborating on a communication activity during Erasmus+ training course in Iceland with Platform21
If you think you communicate clearly, let us challenge you!

Interactive drama-based session exploring narrative skills during Erasmus+ teacher course in Iceland with Platform21
Yes, that’s Cinderella on the screen, and no, it’s not a fairy tale. It’s how we teach narrative skills, soft skills, and creativity through drama. Would you dare to try it?

Teachers bonding through laughter during Iceland teacher training week, part of Erasmus+ programme, Platform21
No serious faces allowed! Learning works best when it’s fun, relaxed, and filled with laughter, and our training week in Iceland had all three.

Teachers relaxing at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland during Platform21 Erasmus+ teacher training course
After a day of developing soft skills in the classroom, we recharged in the magical waters of the Blue Lagoon. A once-in-a-lifetime kind of soak.



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