We hear plenty of bad news about the EU, but here is an account of some of the good stuff to come out of co-operation and friendship with our neighbours.

A week ago I returned from a short training course, funded by Comenius, an EU programme designed to develop knowledge and understanding about European cultures and languages.

I spent a week in Turkey with 20 other teachers from nine countries in Europe and I learnt some new computer skills. I also discovered much about my new friends and saw life from their perspective.

It made me realise we do have some things to be grateful for.

We think we have rather too much rain and too little sun – but Spanish and Portuguese teachers like to escape to the UK, particularly Scotland or even to Scandinavia, to enjoy cool temperatures in the summer.

Teachers from Finland and Sweden have great lifestyles and the best education systems in the world but also the longest, darkest winters to contend with.

The Greek and Portuguese people I met were lovely, with an enthusiasm that was inspiring. Yet they face tough times and have had savage pay cuts.

All the people I met work hard for a living and are committed to providing an excellent education for their students.

I’m so pleased to have had this opportunity, I wanted to share it.

Comenius is not just for teachers; it’s for anyone who works in a school. There are other schemes for other sections of society.

Clare Cheetham, Colebrook Road, Brighton