More about ESN

Erasmus Student Network is a large organisation. Here are some of the other parts of the organisation and projects:

Erasmus Student Network (ESN)

Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is the biggest student association in Europe. It was born on the 16th October 1989 and legally registered in 1990 for supporting and developing student exchange.

We are present in more than 900 Higher Education Institutions from 40 countries. The network is constantly developing and expanding. We have around 15,000 active members that are in many sections supported by so-called buddies mainly taking care of international students. Thus, ESN involves around 40,000 young people offering its services to around 220,000 international students every year.

ESN is working in Higher Education (HE):

• offering services to 200,000 students

• 15,000 active members (34,000 with the buddies included)

• mainly on a volunteer basis

• with an average annual growth rate of 12% since 2005

ESN is operating on three levels: local, national, and international.

ESN works for the creation of a more mobile and flexible education environment by supporting and developing the student exchange from different levels, and providing an intercultural experience also to those students who cannot access a period abroad ("internationalisation at home").

Exchange students

However, the main focus of ESN is placed on current exchange students, who often face problems (and feel abandoned) in their new environments. Therefore, ESN offers help in academic, social and practical integration process. This is mainly done through activities in the local sections, which include cultural and social events such as trips to various places within the country, film nights, language projects, international food festivals and last, but not least, parties. In addition to that, many sections have introduced mentor systems, which help the international students mainly in academic and practical integration.

ESN also provides relevant information and encourages the future exchange students to gain the international experience and gain relevant insight into different cultures.

ESN International

Address: Rue Hydraulique 15, Brussels

Erasmus Student Network has its main office in Brussels - this is where the International Board has its seat. The Board is elected once a year at the Annual General Meeting of ESN, the general assembly.

The International Board represents ESN towards the external stakeholders, keeps the network connected, coordinates the international projects as well as stands for the rights of exchange students. The International Board consists of 5 people: President, Vice President, Treasurer, External Relations and Web Projects Administrator - each responsible for its own field of work.

If you have ideas or comments for the International Board, feel free to contact us!