ESN International news

With the cold, desolate winter feeling slowly being replaced with rays of sunshine, one cannot help but feel more optimistic about the grand scheme of things. To evoke even more good vibes, allow us to introduce you to this month’s Section in The Spotlight: ESN URJC!

(Don’t worry, unlike at the Oscars Ceremony, we’re 100% sure it’s not La La Land.)

ESN Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (or more conveniently known as ESN URJC) is a Madrid-based ESN section which has been in operation since 2004. Considering the fact that their university receives around 800 international annually, it is a feat of gargantuan proportions that they manage to keep everyone satisfied and up to speed with only 30 active members (did I mention that they only had 10 members just 2 years ago?), as that roughly gives us a ratio of one ESN member for every 26.7 incoming exchange students. Impressive.

The structure of the section puts into practice both trusted and innovative methods of organisation, ranging from efficient and sturdy work groups which deal with the vast majority of ESN matters, a local Board of Directors and their own Communication Committee (more on this later!)

In terms of actually taking care of international students, members of ESN URJC have created a truly rich plethora of different events ranging from the tested and trusted Orientation Days, Tandem meetings and parties with other sections from Madrid to more unconventional events such as the “Integration Weekend”: an action packed event with a complete ban on using social media and mobile phones!

“It’s an unusual three-day trip which aims to get involved the international students in the Spanish culture through non-stop activities and it’s the perfect occasion for making the first friendships abroad”

Without a doubt, members of ESN URJC are most proud of their very own Communication Committee which has been responsible for all the great content the section has been providing. Ranging from aftermovies of parties, thematic Christmas videos and wonderful content on their other social media channels (make sure to follow them!), their positive content is bound to make anyone happy, even if  the weather outside is more reminiscent of Siberia than Europe. ESN URJC believes that through the power of communication special bonds can be formed between incoming exchange students and ESNers. All this effort and commitment sure does pay off after seeing the satisfied faces of students from all around the world.

“Our goal is that the exchange students consider us not just coordinators but their friends, and they can count on us in any moment”

In just two years, ESN URJC has tripled in size, it has revamped its structure to be more efficient and its members are full of energy and optimism. They’re a perfect example of a section that has found new motivation to fulfil the core missions of ESN despite the long years of functioning behind it. We salute you!

By Chris Ptasinski

Witten by Ana-Marija Ramić - the winner of "Mobility is My Lifestyle" contest, organised by Mov'in Europe. 

On 15th January 2017, I started a great adventure. By winning the “Mobility is My Lifestyle” competition organised by Mov'in Europe, StudentUniverse, Hostelling International and Thalys, I got the chance to travel and explore some of Europe's most famous cities: Brussels – the capital of Europe, Paris – the city of light and love, Frankfurt - the major financial centre of the European continent, the Golden City of Prague and last but not least, Budapest – the Pearl of the Danube.

The 2-week journey was a huge challenge. Not only for me, but for my family too! This was the first time I was actually travelling alone and the excitement was overwhelming. I found out about the winning the trip on Christmas Eve, and it turned out to be the best present ever.

In each country I was welcomed by amazing people from the Erasmus Student Network who took me on city tours and introduced me to more amazing people and their lives as a part of the Erasmus community. And this is my journey.

Due to bad weather, my first flight was late so I didn't catch the second plane on time. And I must admit, at first that seemed horrible, but then I got coupons for free food and my second airline gave me more free food; suddenly tragedy seemed like a blessing.

Arriving to Brussels a bit later than expected (but with a full stomach!), I was warmly welcomed by Audrė, the Communication Officer of Mov'in Europe, who then took me to check in my hostel - Jacques Brel Youth Hostel. At first sight, I loved it! It was located in the heart of the city with lovely staff, a cool bar and other spots to hang out! After a quick look around, Audrė showed me the city.

We visited many attractions, such as the Grand Place, Manneken and Jeanneke Pis, Royal Palace with Parc de Bruxelles, Fritland (best place for Belgian fries) and of course the Atomium. Needless to say, I slept like a baby after such a long and exciting day.

During my stay in Brussels, I also had the chance to meet the fabulous crew of the Erasmus Student Network at their office, where we had breakfast (thank you Gaffar). I was shown around the office and given loads of ESN merchandise. The atmosphere was really family-like and it was so amazing to meet people who are behind this project. I felt like I was really close to tearing up from happiness!

After 3 days in Brussels with Audrė, it was time to move on. Paris was the next stop, and this time I didn't fly – I was offered a train from Brussels to Paris. Wonderful, right?  Thalys (a high-speed train operator) arranged that movie-like ride. So, in just a bit more than an hour I was in Paris! I was hosted at Yves Robert Hostel - an eco-friendly accomodation located in an old warehouse of a French railway company (it's a wow here!) just a few subway stops from the beautiful Montmartre. The first afternoon I was welcomed by Paul who took me to the Louvre and many other places of which I can't correctly remember the names, but the photos will tell!

The next day I met up with Lisa and Julien, who took me on intense tour of Paris. We visited dozens of places, sneaked into Sorbonne University, ate the best bagels and had our eyes always looking at wonderful architecture. After 12 hours of mainly walking and seeing as much as possible in such a short period, I ended my night overlooking Paris from Montmartre, full of positive feelings and just with a tiny bit of pain in my legs. Basically, every night I would pass out on my bed trying to steal a bit of rest before continuing the journey. And the next dawn, it was time to continue. I had a fairy helper, Ombeline, to get me to the airport, and then I sat on a plane to Frankfurt am Main.

Frankfurt had a different city vibe from Brussels and Paris, but I loved it all the same. Again located in the city centre (shout out to Hostelling International), in the Haus der Jugend Hostel, and picked up by Aïtem, I had a chance to visit places other tourists wouldn't have a chance to. We also visited Goethe University and student dorms where I had a chance to meet and to speak with many Erasmus students, and there I already made up my mind that I will find a way to become an Erasmus student myself.

What I really didn't expect was the amount of Croatian people in Frankfurt. On every corner I could hear Croatian, which turned out to be a life-saver when I was taking the subway to the airport at 3 a.m. Not really the safest and smartest way, but it was definitely an interesting experience. The fact that I met a group of Croatians who live "a village away" from my home in Pula is especially surprising!

A few hours after that, I found myself in Prague and settled in Downtown Hostel, which turned out to be the best hostel ever. My host for the city was Andy, and after a tour of the city and trying Czech cuisine, she had to work, while I had to find a way to meet people and see the city even more. Luckily, my hostel had all planned it out! Many activities for their guests, such as family dinner, Ghost tour of Prague and a pub crawl. That way I found myself in a group of people from USA all the way to Siberia and to New Zealand. Some were solo travellers, some groups of friends; some younger, some older; but we all became friends and great explorers of Prague.

As my last stop of the journey – Budapest was sugar on top. Cold sugar I must say! The temperatures were freezing and even the Danube River could witness that, but nonetheless I was warmly welcomed by Aventura Boutique Hostel and my city host Ámir. My hostel shared with me some leaflets and because I had a bit more time in Budapest, I joined a free walking tour, again surrounded with people from all around the world. And in the evening a tour of popular Ruin pubs of Pest.

As my journey came to an end, I was becoming really emotional. I felt and still feel such gratitude for this opportunity and for the luck I had – literally, every day in every city it was sunny; 10 flights went great; amazing accommodation; amazing hosts; amazing people and a lot of amazing memories.

I learned a lot in just these two weeks. A lot about myself (that I need to learn how to cook something more than hotdogs) and a lot about other people and other cultures. It is really hard to put into words what a big impact this had on me. It strengthened me in many ways and it also strengthened my will to continue exploring the world. The biggest cultural shock wasn't even being in 5 different countries in such a short time – it was more of a shock coming back home to my small town of Pula, and being back at the school desk.

To anyone that has been thinking about travelling or doing an Erasmus exchange and doesn't feel like they have courage for doing something like this - do it. Just do it. You will experience something incredible and realise you have more courage than you thought. And even though there might be some downs (for example slipping on the icy streets of Brussels, ouch), you will have so many good things coming to you that you will feel like you are floating on a cloud.

And here I am, 3 weeks after my journey, still floating on a cloud with a clear vision - that mobility is my lifestyle. And who knows? Maybe it is yours too. Give it a try. No regretting guaranteed.

I want to say "thank you" to:

• the Sun for shining all of the days;
• Erasmus Student Network and  Mov'in Europe for creating this idea and getting everyone together for the competition, and giving me this opportunity;
• StudentUniverse for literally allowing me to float on the clouds;
• Hostelling International for hosting me and making me feel at home in their hostels;
• Thalys for taking me on a movie-like train ride to Paris;
• And every person who welcomed me and hosted me in their lives, and to all of those I met on the road as fellow travellers.

The weather is frosty, exam season is upon so, we are still waging war with a buildup holiday weight, but at least La La Land is as good as they say. You know who else is as good as they say? Our Section in the Spotlight for February: ESN UJ Cracow.

ESN UJ was established back in 2001, and today they are one of the largest sections in Poland. The section recruits twice a year, with the beginning of the semester, and in one cycle they welcome between 40 and 50 new members. If you want to join ESN UJ, you have to fill out an online application, and if you are lucky they send you an invitation for an interview. However, if you wish to become a regular member you need to be engaged in the work of the section. After each recruitment cycle, they organise Training & Integration Camp which serves as strong motivational factor for freshmen to try hard enough to obtain the status of a regular member.

They organise activities for other members, some of which include bowling, ice skating, karaoke, and similar activities. To ensure good communication with other sections in Cracow, they organise Trainings United. Exchange students are welcome to apply for a membership in their section as well. Two years ago, an Erasmus student from England acted as a Party coordinator. They often organise events, such as Eurodinner and Cultural Evenings, which provide a chance for exchange students to get involved. No wonder they won an award for the best ESN section back in 2013!

The section is divided into four parts: Board, Coordinators, Members and Freshmen. The Board is in charge of the entire section, while Coordinators are responsible for their teams and projects. They have 14 teams and projects, some of which include Culture, Tandem, Discover Europe, ESNband, Travel, and many more. ESNcard team in their section works especially hard - at the moment, they have more than 40 partners! Now you know whom to turn to when it comes to partnership tips and tricks.

“ESNband is an apple of our eye - it is a band consisting of ESNers and Erasmus students who meet every week to practice together. At the end of every semester, we throw gigs and the afterparty. There is nothing better than seeing your friends rocking the stage!”

Team coordinators and members are working hard to turn an exchange period in Cracow into an unforgettable experience for everyone. They organise everything, from sport events, band practices, remarkable parties, language meetings, city games, museum visits, to extraordinary travels. They are especially proud of their flagship project, Erasmus Date Auction, a huge charity event involving international students and ESN members who offer their free time in exchange for money for a noble cause. The project is carried out in cooperation with other sections in Cracow, and last year they have managed to collect €1665 for a centre of permanent stay for people with autistic disorder.

Speaking of what they are proud of, they find the work of their ExchangeAbility and SocialErasmus teams extra delightful. They try their best to stay active in the community by organising visits and events in cooperation with orphanages, animal shelters, hospitals, schools and similar institutions. They also prompt local students to take part in their events, especially during Tandem Language Meetings and by taking part in their Mentor Project. Apart from being active in the local community, their members are also active on the national level of ESN Poland and international level of ESN AISBL.

However, the project that makes them unique is ESNdrama, project created by the Culture team for ESN members and Erasmus students who are in love with art and drama. The project consists of weekly practices and a final performance at the end of the academic year.

“It is a perfect opportunity for creative international students to develop and strengthen their acting skills while integrating with Polish students!”

After successful section cooperation with ESN PW Warsaw, as well as international cooperation with sections ISC CTU in Prague, ESN VŠE Praha - Buddy System, ESN TU Dresden and Faranto Verein Dresden, 150 events organised in every academic year, and 15 years of existence we can proudly say that ESN UJ Cracow is one of the most dazzling stars in our network!

Written by Tajana Mohnacki

The next ESNsurvey questionnaire has been launched!

This year’s edition of the ESNsurvey is focused on  homecoming exchange students with disabilities and students with disabilities without any mobility experience. It aims to explore the challenges and enablers of international exchange programmes for students with disabilities across Europe.

1.4% of Erasmus beneficiaries are students who have chosen to disclose their disability and apply for the Erasmus+ supplementary grant in order to participate in an exchange. ESN’s previous research shows that there are still barriers for students to go on mobility and adding a disability into the equation often makes it feel impossible for some students.

ESN wants to understand the situation as much as we can and find out which conditions and itnerventions at universities contribute to a more accessible atmosphere. Both mobile and non-mobile students with disabilities take part in the process of internationalisation of higher education, and it is in ESN’s interest to understand in which way and to what extent these two benefit the student. How can universities improve the access and inclusion of both local and international students with disabilities? This is our main question, and hence this year's topic: Accessible Mobility.

The questionnaire is divided in nine parts and will deal with the subjects of support services of sending institutions, information provision, participation, barriers and opportunities, grants and funding, and satisfaction with the experience. 
 
Additionally, by gathering information about demographics and the study abroad context, we want to discover the effect, on mobility, of certain variables such as nationality, country of study abroad, length of study abroad, finances, accommodation, etc. The ESNsurvey 2017 aims to map the challenges and enablers of mobility for students with disabilities across Europe. We believe that the results of the survey will help various stakeholders, policy makers and practitioners improve the accessibility and inclusivity of higher education and the structures of international exchange programmes.

For the results of previous surveys, visit ESN.org/ESNsurvey

What is ESNsurvey?

ESNsurvey is the biggest European-wide research project conducted solely by volunteers. The Erasmus Student Network uses the results to advocate for improvements of exchange programmes in Europe. As every year, we hope that thousands of  students all around Europe will fill in the survey and tell us their experiences and perceptions related to student mobility. 

On 26th January, the European Commission launched the celebrations for the 30th anniversary of Erasmus+. The campaign kicked off with a festive launch at the Parliamentarium in Brussels.

2017 marks the 30th anniversary of Erasmus - one of the most successful programmes of the European Union.

Established in 1987 as a student exchange programme, it has since given 9 million the chance to live abroad. Over the years, the programme has continuously grown, bringing all the EU's schemes for education, training, youth and sport mobility under one banner.

Today, Erasmus+ brings far-reaching benefits to Europe. It is widely said that Erasmus plays a significant role in fostering European identity and improving youth employability. 

The anniversary campaign began with a press conference held at the European Commission. In a room filled with journalists, Commissioner Tibor Navracsics highlighted the impact and reach of the Erasmus+ Programme, simultaneously releasing the latest figures. Joining him onstage with personal testimonials were Erasmus+ alumni, Michael Ward and Simona Bisboaca. 

The opening speeches were followed by a question-and-answer panel with the audience, tackling the topics of European integration and the future of the programme.

The launch event, held at the Parlamentarium on the other side of the European Quarter, saw a ceremonial opening with a performance by our very own Kelly Claeys, member of ESN Belgium. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Commissioners Tibor Navracsics (Education, Culture, Youth and Sport) and Marianne Thyssen (Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility) as well as Ms Silvia Costa MEP.

A notable announcement made during the event was the establishment of the new 'Erasmus Pro', an initiative that aims towards 1 million young European apprentices by 2020.

The floor was shared with Erasmus+ ambassadors - alumni of the programme from its different funding opportunities, sharing their success stories. Besides live testimonials, the screening of inspirational video clips enhanced the message of the plusses in Erasmus+.

ESN also saw a strong representation of over 20 members, demonstrating the support that the network has lent to the programme since its founding in 1989, two years after the establishment of the Erasmus programme.

With such a festive opening, 2017 looks set to be an exciting year ahead, with a host of events organised on the European as well as national levels. For more information, visit the official Erasmus+ 30th anniversary website and the Facebook page of Erasmus+.

On 24th January 2017, ESN and Pernod Ricard signed a partnership agreement to renew the two organisations' collaboration for the 7th consecutive year.

Organised in the framework of the 30th anniversary of Erasmus+, the official contract renewal ceremony was held at Sofitel Brussels and preceded by a lively debate hosted by EurActiv.

The debate, on the theme of a responsible lifestyle for European students, was graced by the presence of Ms Martine Reicherts, Director-General for Education and Culture of the European Commission, who delivered the opening speech.

The debate also featured Mr Xavier Prats-Monne, Director-General for Health and Food Safety; Ms Martina Dlabajovà MEP; Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard; and Safi Sabuni, President of the Erasmus Student Network as panellists.

A stimulating discussion ensued, with the audience engaging in a lively debate with the panellists. Topics such as cultural differences in alcohol consumption patterns across Europe saw much contribution from the audience, while questions related to alcohol and marketing stirred the audience considerably.

Despite the sometimes challenging nature of the debate, the atmosphere was overwhelmingly positive, with several audience members contributing with their tips on responsible alcohol consumption for youth. ESN representatives from 30 countries also shared their experiences with Erasmus students in encouraging responsible drinking.

Online, participants interacted with each other on Twitter, seeking to capture the atmosphere of the debate and share their advice.

.@ESN_Int "Free distribution of water is one way to ensure #ResponsibleParty " #eaDebates

— Euractiv Health (@eaHealthEU) January 24, 2017

The event was partially streamed on the Erasmus Student Network's Facebook page, to a live online audience of over 1,700.

Acknowledging the importance of raising awareness on the dangers of binge-drinking, Alexandre Ricard says of his approach of encouraging the responsible consumption of alcohol:

"I'm a big believer in education and empowerment." - Alexander Ricard, CEO. #EADebates #ResponsibleParty pic.twitter.com/G7f7W5Ym75

— ESN International (@ESN_Int) January 24, 2017

At the closure of the debate, Safi Sabuni and Alexandre Ricard took the stage for the official contract renewal ceremony, putting pen to paper on a partnership initially established in 2010.

Over the years, the partnership has grown from strength to strength. Since 2010, the program has organised close to 500 “responsible parties” in 32 countries across Europe and raised awareness about the need for convivial and responsible consumption of alcoholic drinks amongst 330,000 students.

Alex Ricard "I look forward to another year of our successful partnership with @ESN_Int. Thank you for being committed to #ResponsibleParty"

— Pernod Ricard (@Pernod_Ricard) January 24, 2017

In 2016, the 2nd annual Responsible Party Questionnaire yielded over 30,000 responses, a significant improvement compared to the previous years. Preliminary results demonstrate the success of the project - 85% of student respondents view the program positively and 92% of them find the tips they are given very useful.

About Responsible Party

Since 2010, Pernod Ricard and the pan-European association ESN which supports students on university exchanges across more than 39 European countries, have together been organising Responsible Parties during which “ambassador” students raise awareness amongst their peers of the importance of drinking responsibly. Awareness has been raised among 330,000 students since the programme was launched. The ambassadors deliver positive messages about drinking alcohol responsibly and hand out information during student parties.

Is your ESN section/country organising an event in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Erasmus+? Register your event here!

2017 marks the 30th anniversary or the Erasmus+ programme - a milestone for Europe!

An enduring European success story, Erasmus+ is a cultural phenomenon that has been credited with fostering a pan-European identity. The current programme, running from 2014 to 2020, is set to provide mobility opportunities to over 4 million people. Erasmus+ has also been said to boost employability and job mobility. According to the Erasmus Impact Study, young people who study or train abroad are half as likely to face long-term unemployment.

In celebration of this momentous occasion, a website has been launched to bring together all key players in Erasmus+.

As the key student organisation supporting Erasmus+, ESN has been actively involved in European student mobility for over 27 years. Founded in 1989, 2 years after the establishment of the Erasmus programme, ESN is now a network of over 500 student organisations in 40 countries across Europe. Every day, our members provide services on a voluntary basis to over 220,000 students, under the principle of Students Helping Students.

"The idea to create a student network supporting the Erasmus exchange programme was born in January 1989. The Erasmus Bureau invited 32 ex-Erasmus students to come to Ghent in order to evaluate the Erasmus exchange programme up until then."

ESN History Book, 25th Anniversary Edition

Amongst the 32 were a group of students who believed that a more practical, peer-to-peer approach was necessary to facilitate the mobility process. The rest, as they say, is history.

Today, more than 27 years later, ESN is proud to be a close collaborator of the European Commission, working together in a multitude of ways to constantly improve and facilitate youth mobility. Especially in times like these, times of rising xenophobia and Euroskepticism, ESN believes it is ever more important to expose ourselves to other cultures and travel widely - values espoused by Erasmus of Rotterdam, the famous philosopher who lends his name to our cause.

Throughout the year, ESN's member organisations will be organising various events and activities under the scope of the 30th anniversary celebrations. Check out all of ESN's celebratory events here!

Many of our sections will also be collaborating with national-level celebrations organised by Erasmus+ National Agencies. To keep informed on ESN's celebrations, be sure to follow the Erasmus Student Network on Facebook!

We wish you all a happy 2017, and many happy years of travelling ahead!

#ErasmusPlus

On Tuesday 24th January 2017, EurActiv, in collaboration with the Erasmus Student Network and Pernod Ricard, will host a high-level debate on the topic of experiences around the Erasmus programme and the road towards a more responsible and safe behaviour of young adults.

Opening Speech:
Martine Reicherts - Director-General for Education and Culture, European Commission

Chair:
Dan Luca - Senior Director, EurActiv (Chair)

Moderator:
Sarantis Michalopoulos - Journalist, EurActiv (Moderator)

Panellists:
Xavier Prats-Monne Director-General for Health and Food Safety, European Commission
Vannessa Debiais-Santon Head of Sector Erasmus+, European Commission
Alexandre Ricard Chairman and CEO, Pernod Ricard
Martina Dlabajovà MEP
Safi Sabuni President, Erasmus Student Network

Questions will include:

• What are the experiences and expectations of Erasmus students?
• How can responsible partying be promoted among students?
• What are the roles for student organisations, stakeholders and policymakers?

RSVP for the event and join the debate on Twitter via the hashtags #EADebates and #ResponsibleParty! For more details, visit Euractiv's event page.

Attachment Files:  EurActiv Forum - Towards a responsible lifestyle of the European students.pdf

We kick off 2017 with a visit to the capital of Bavaria, Munich! A city full of culture, fantastic traditions, wonderful spirit and an ESN section, which manages to combine all of these elements together to create something very special indeed. Say hello to ESN MESA München, the first Section in the Spotlight of 2017!

Their rather long history began in 1999. The section, which back then was known as Munich Erasmus Student Association (or MESA, in short) was founded by former exchange students who wished nothing than to support incoming exchange students on their new journeys in Munich universities. They took the next step of embracing the ESN spirit by officially joining the network in 2003. Since that fateful year things have really began to kick off for them!

The ESN MESA team functions thanks to the guidance and vision of their 9 member board of executives. More importantly though, ESN MESA consists of international members and members of other Munich universities, creating a truly diverse environment in which people of different backgrounds can improve themselves.

While new members are treated to a lovely organisational workshop, older members can enjoy the so called “Stammtisch”, a bi-weekly informal meeting where exchange students and ESN MESA members can mingle in interesting locations. ESN MESA also organises a “Team Building weekend” once a semester where old and new members alike have a chance to become a team.

”We always stay in the countryside to reduce distractions, be within the team and enjoy one afternoon hiking or relaxing in nature.The weekends are a huge success in case of motivation, growing together as team and integrating the new members.”

ESN MESA also organises around 50 activities for Erasmus Students per semester. From cultural events such as visiting opera houses and museums to very original ideas such as “Kastenlauf”, a peculiar beer-cart-race which was awarded the StarAward in 2008! Despite all these great events, the one flagship project which makes ESN MESA stand out from the rest is their ESN Oktoberfest project. By inviting exchange students from different regions (and countries too!) they create a truly unique opportunity for Erasmus students to experience one of Bavaria’s most well-known events, Oktoberfest.

“This event is not just a lot of fun and a taste of Bavarian culture for everyone joining - it as well strengthens the cooperation of the regional sections.”

Apart from being one of the regional precursors in making exchange students happy, ESN MESA has not forgotten about their ESN spirit. By frequently organising SocialErasmus events like cleaning up cities after floods and helping out in refugee camps and animal shelters, and eagerly creating ExchangeAbility events such as Dinner in the Dark and Wheelchair Basketball, ESN MESA truly shows that they understand that a little compassion can go a long way.

Sure, ESN MESA is a section which frequently excels in organising national events like the German National Platform in 2015, or the Cultural Medley in 2007, and that many members of ESN MESA end up in the National Board of Germany (5 members over the last two boards!), but the real magic of this section lies in the fact that they’re willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. They’re not afraid of breaking the mould and creating something truly visionary and breakthrough, which can probably be summarised by their section mascot, a lovely Wolfpertinger! (Don’t worry, I also had to google what that is!)

On 11th December 2016, ESN welcomed its 40th country, Belarus, as a member of the network.

At the Council of National Delegates meeting in Krakow last weekend, representatives of 39 ESN member countries unanimously approved the ascension of ESN Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno (ESN YKSUG), thereby simultaneously approving the establishment of ESN's 40th member country, Belarus.

Belarus is the 3rd new country to have joined ESN in 2016 after Azerbaijan's re-entry into the network in February and Liechtenstein's ascension in May. This makes 2016 a year of unprecedented growth for ESN, pushing the network past the 40-country mark for the first time in history.

Member countries of the Erasmus Student Network

This milestone is an important one, as we enter into 2017, a year that marks the 30th anniversary of the Erasmus programme as well as the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. Having been founded in 1989, the Erasmus Student Network is proud to be offering services to an increasing number of international and exchange students over the years.

This month also sees the release of the latest figures from ESN's annual census, known internally as the Section Questionnaire (SQ'16). SQ'16 reflects an increased interest in mobility and internationalisation, especially amongst Erasmus+ partner countries, with higher figures reported across the board.

Now with 525 local associations supporting international and exchange students across 40 countries in Europe, ESN covers over 1,000 Higher Education Institutions, a majority of which are closely linked to their International Relations Offices. In total, over 15,000 volunteers serve about 220,000 international students, by organising a range of activities to integrate those new to their host countries and improve the quality of mobility experiences.

Visit ESN.org/sections for an overview of all ESN's member associations and countries.