What is the Erasmus Student Network?
ESN VU Amsterdam is part of the international organization ESN. The organization is run by an international board and has 452 sections in 37 different countries. To see all the different sections and read more about ESN check out the website. ESN The Netherlands also has a national board which makes sure there is cooperation between the different sections in one country.
What they offer for homecoming students:
The students who are returning from exchange are being supported in 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 have had good experiences from their exchange period or because they felt a lack of help during their exchange. They also understand better the issues and challenges in a foreign environment.
What they offer for exchange students:
However, the main focus of ESN is placed on current exchange students, who often face problems (and feel abandoned) in their new environments. Therefore, ESN offers help in academic, social and practical integration process. This is mainly done through activities in the local sections, which include cultural and social events such as trips to various places within the country, film nights, language projects, international food festivals and last, but not least, parties. In addition to that, many sections have introduced mentor systems, which help the international students mainly in academic and practical integration.
ESN also provides relevant information and encourages the future exchange students to gain the international experience and gain relevant insight to different cultures.
For more information about ESN The Netherlands check out the website www.esn-nl.org