ESN

Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is an international, non-profit student organization that coordinates and supports student mobility and integration. It operates primarily in Europe but extends its network through member groups in other regions. ESN’s mission is to help students make the most of their international experiences by providing information, practical support, intercultural activities, and opportunities for civic participation. The organization aims to empower students and advocate for their rights within higher education and international exchange.

The ESN network comprises hundreds of local sections at universities and colleges, organized into national groups and coordinated by an international board. Governance includes a General Assembly, where member groups elect representatives, and an International Council that approves policy and budgets. The organization is funded through member contributions, project grants, and partnerships with the European Union and other entities.

Activities include welcome programs for incoming students, buddy and mentoring schemes, language tandems, cultural events, volunteering opportunities, and training for student volunteers and staff. ESN also runs the ESNcard, a discount and benefits program used by many exchange students to access services during their stay. In addition to practical support, ESN engages in advocacy on issues such as recognition of periods abroad, portability of grants and loans, and the overall quality of exchange experiences.

ESN emerged from the Erasmus program community in the late 1980s and has since grown into a broad network that collaborates with higher education institutions and European bodies to improve mobility policies and student experiences.