What is ESN?

       

ESN Header Picture

Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is the biggest student association in Europe. It was established on 16 October 1989 and legally registered in 1990 to support and develop student exchange.

ESN is present in more than 900 Higher Education Institutions in 41 countries. The network includes around 15,000 active members supported by 25,000 buddies. In total, ESN involves around 40,000 young people offering services to more than 220,000 international students every year.

ESN works in Higher Education by:

  • Offering services to 200,000 students
  • 15,000 active members (34,000 including buddies)
  • Operating mainly on a volunteer basis
  • Maintaining an annual growth rate of 12% since 2005

ESN operates on three levels: local, national, and international.

We work to create a more mobile and flexible education environment by supporting student exchange and offering intercultural experiences also to students who cannot go abroad ("internationalisation at home").

Aims & Principles

In summary, ESN:

  • Works in the interest of international students
  • Improves the social and practical integration of international students
  • Represents the needs and rights of international students at all levels
  • Provides relevant information about mobility programmes
  • Motivates students to study abroad
  • Supports the reintegration of homecoming students
  • Improves and expands accessibility to student mobility
  • Cares about its volunteers
  • Promotes volunteering and active citizenship

Who are we for?

Homecoming students

Students returning from exchange receive support during reintegration at home while staying connected to an international environment. Many local ESN sections were founded by former exchange students who wanted to continue contributing after their return.

Exchange students

The main focus of ESN is on current exchange students, who often face social, academic, and practical challenges in a new environment. ESN supports them through cultural events, social activities, trips, film nights, language exchanges, international food festivals, and more.

Many ESN sections also offer mentor systems that help international students adapt to life in their new university and country.

ESN also encourages future exchange students to gain international experience and cultural understanding.