About ESN
Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is one of the biggest student associations 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 1000 Higher Education Institutions from over 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 350,000 international students every year.
ESN in Higher Education
- Offering services to 350,000 students
- 15,000 active members (40,000 with the buddies included)
- Mainly on a volunteer basis
- Average annual growth rate of 12% since 2005
ESN is operating on three levels: local, national and international. We work 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").
Aims & principles
- 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 the 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
Who are we for?
Homecoming students
Students returning from an exchange are supported in the reintegration process in their home countries by keeping contact with an international environment. Many local sections are set up by former exchange students, often because they've had good experiences during their exchange or felt a lack of support during theirs.
Exchange students
The main focus of ESN is placed on current exchange students, who often face challenges in their new environment. We offer help with academic, social and practical integration through cultural events, trips, language projects, food festivals, parties and mentor/buddy systems.
ESN also provides relevant information and encourages future exchange students to gain international experience and relevant insight into different cultures.
The Values, Vision and the Strategic Priorities 2025–2031 of the Erasmus Student Network were discussed and approved at the General Assembly Spring 2025 meeting in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Vision, mission & values
Vision
By 2031, the Erasmus Student Network will be the leading organisation supporting international mobility, providing space for competence development and student engagement to three million members of the Erasmus Generation, empowering them to become change-makers in society.
Mission
Enrichment of society through international students.
Values
Unity in diversity, diversity in the unity - we all have different backgrounds, but share one common aim and goal.
Students helping students - we passionately commit ourselves to volunteering for the benefit of others.
Fun in friendship and respect - we enjoy relations based on respect.
International dimension of life - we are open-minded, mobile and like to discover, explore, co-operate and interact to break borders.
Love for Europe and beyond as an area of peace and cultural exchange - we live and benefit from the cultural richness of Europe to the utmost.
Openness with tolerance - we understand and accept others and learn from them.
Cooperation in integration - we share a holistic view towards internationality.