ESN International: The European Network

Founded in 1989 on the initiative of the Erasmus Bureau of the European Community, Erasmus Student Network (ESN AISBL) is the largest non-profit international student association in Europe. Our mission is clear: to represent the interests of international students and enrich society through their experience.

Since 2010, ESN has been a full member of the prestigious European Youth Forum.

ESN in the World: The Numbers

Present in 44 Countries (from Iceland to Turkey)

Over 510 Local Sections

More than 15,000 Active Volunteers

About 350,000 Students supported every year

How does the Network work?

ESN operates and coordinates on three fundamental levels:

  • 1. International Level (Brussels)

    The executive body is the International Board, which interacts with European institutions. The key event is the AGM (Annual General Meeting), where delegates from all sections decide the future of the network.
  • 2. National Level

    In every country, a National Board coordinates the local sections. Representatives from all countries form the CNR (Council of National Representatives), the consultative body of ESN.
  • 3. Local Level

    It is the beating heart! University sections (like ESN ASSI Parma) work directly on the field with students.

"Students helping students"

It is our guiding principle. Our volunteers are former Erasmus students (who want to share their experience) or future outgoing students (preparing for a different cultural background). We help both arriving students (incoming) and departing ones (outgoing).