What is ESN?
Erasmus Student Network (ESN)
Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is the biggest student association in Europe. It was born on the 16th of October 1989 and legally registered in 1990 to support and develop student exchange.
Today, ESN is present in more than 900 Higher Education Institutions across 40 countries. The network keeps growing and expanding through local sections, active members, buddies, and an international student-focused mission.
A student network built around mobility, exchange, and belonging
ESN involves around 15,000 active members, and around 40,000 young people if buddies are included. Every year, the network offers support and services to hundreds of thousands of international students.
- offering services to 350,000 students
- 15,000 active members and 40,000 with buddies included
- working mainly on a volunteer basis
- growing at an average annual rate of 12% since 2005
ESN operates on three levels: local, national, and international.
The network works for a more mobile and flexible education environment by supporting and developing student exchange from different levels, while also bringing intercultural experience to students who cannot access a period abroad.
What ESN works for
In synthesis, ESN:
- works in the interest of international students
- works to improve the social and practical integration of international students
- represents the needs and rights of international students on local, national, and international level
- provides relevant information about mobility programmes
- motivates students to study abroad
- works with the reintegration of homecoming students
- contributes to the improvement and accessibility of student mobility
- cares about its members
- values volunteering and active citizenship
The principles that shape ESN
These values guide how ESN builds community, supports students, and creates experiences that are not only international, but also meaningful, human, and forward-looking.
Social Inclusion
Ensuring every student feels welcomed, respected, and included.
Education & Youth
Encouraging learning, growth, and active participation.
Sustainability
Encouraging eco-friendly choices for a greener future.
Culture
Promoting cultural discovery and exchange through shared experiences.
Skills & Employability
Helping students develop practical skills for future careers.
Health & Wellbeing
Supporting balance, safety, and mental wellbeing.
Students before, during, and after exchange
Homecoming students
Students returning from exchange are supported in their reintegration process by staying connected to an international environment. Many local sections were created by former exchange students who wanted to continue that spirit or improve the support they themselves once needed.
Exchange students
The main focus of ESN is on current exchange students, who often face challenges and uncertainty in their new environments. ESN helps with academic, social, and practical integration through local activities, cultural and social events, trips, film nights, language projects, international food festivals, parties, and mentor systems.
ESN also provides relevant information and encourages future exchange students to gain international experience and build meaningful understanding across cultures.
More information is one click away, but the core idea is simple: ESN exists to make mobility more human, more accessible, and more connected.