Erasmus Student Network ESN

Overview

The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Belgium is the national branch of the Europe-wide non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and representing international students. Operating under the motto “Students Helping Students,” ESN Belgium fosters student mobility in higher education throughout the country. It provides opportunities for cultural understanding and self-development, aiming to enrich society by facilitating international student experiences.

History and Legal Framework

ESN Belgium is part of the Erasmus Student Network, which was founded in 1989 following a meeting in Ghent, Belgium, where 32 former Erasmus students gathered to discuss the challenges faced during their exchanges. This initiative led to the establishment of ESN as a student-led organization committed to supporting international students. ESN Belgium operates as a non-profit organization (ASBL/VZW) and collaborates with various stakeholders, including higher education institutions and governmental bodies, to promote student mobility and integration.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

ESN Belgium's mission is to represent international students and provide opportunities for cultural understanding and self-development under the principle of “Students Helping Students.” Its objectives include:

• Facilitating the integration of international students into Belgian society.
• Promoting intercultural exchange and understanding.
• Supporting students in their academic and personal development.
• Advocating for the rights and needs of international students.
• Enhancing the visibility and attractiveness of Belgian higher education institutions.

These objectives align with ESN's broader mission to enrich society through international students and contribute to the internationalization of higher education.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

ESN Belgium operates as a decentralized network consisting of local sections across various Belgian cities. Each local section is an autonomous entity responsible for organizing activities and supporting international students in their respective areas. The national organization coordinates these local sections, providing guidance and resources while maintaining a collaborative and inclusive approach. ESN Belgium is governed by a board elected from its members, ensuring that decisions reflect the interests and needs of the student community.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

While ESN Belgium itself is not an accrediting body, it plays a crucial role in supporting the quality assurance processes within higher education. By actively participating in initiatives such as the Erasmus Impact Study, ESN contributes to evaluating the effects of student mobility on skills development, employability, and the internationalization of higher education institutions. These contributions help inform policies and practices that enhance the quality of higher education in Belgium and beyond.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

ESN Belgium is an integral part of the Erasmus Student Network, which operates in 45 countries with over 500 local sections. This extensive network allows for collaboration and exchange of best practices among student organizations across Europe. ESN Belgium also engages in partnerships with higher education institutions, governmental agencies, and other stakeholders to promote student mobility and support international students. Through these collaborations, ESN Belgium contributes to the development and implementation of policies that facilitate and enhance the student exchange experience.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

ESN Belgium continues to have a significant impact on higher education by:

• Enhancing the internationalization of Belgian universities through increased student mobility.
• Supporting the integration of international students, thereby enriching the cultural diversity of academic communities.
• Providing feedback and insights to higher education institutions on the needs and experiences of international students.
• Advocating for policies that improve the quality and accessibility of student exchanges.

Looking forward, ESN Belgium aims to expand its reach and impact by strengthening its network, increasing student engagement, and continuing to advocate for the rights and needs of international students in Belgium.

Summary

ESN Belgium is a vital organization that supports and represents international students in Belgium. Through its network of local sections, ESN Belgium facilitates cultural exchange, supports student integration, and contributes to the internationalization of higher education. Its commitment to the principle of “Students Helping Students” ensures that international students have the resources and support they need to succeed academically and personally during their time in Belgium.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ESN Belgium?
   ESN Belgium is the national branch of the Erasmus Student Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and representing international students in Belgium.
2. How does ESN Belgium support international students?
   ESN Belgium supports international students by facilitating their integration into Belgian society, promoting intercultural exchange, supporting their academic and personal development, and advocating for their rights and needs.
3. Is ESN Belgium affiliated with any higher education institutions?
   Yes, ESN Belgium collaborates with various higher education institutions in Belgium to promote student mobility and support international students.
4. Can Belgian students participate in ESN activities?
   While ESN Belgium primarily supports international students, Belgian students are encouraged to participate in ESN activities to engage in cultural exchange and support their international peers.
5. How can I get involved with ESN Belgium?
   Students interested in getting involved with ESN Belgium can contact their local ESN section to learn about volunteer opportunities and upcoming events.

Organization Name

Erasmus Student Network

Acronym

ESN

Year of Establishment

16/10/1989

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

International

Recognized by

European Commission, Council of Europe

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Rue Hydraulique / Waterkrachtstraat, 15
Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode
1210 Brussels Belgium

Phone

+32 (2) 256 7427

Fax

List of national offices members Erasmus Student Network (ESN):

Albania

• ESN Albania

Armenia

• ESN Armenia

Austria

• ESN Austria

Azerbaijan

• ESN Azerbaijan

Belgium

• ESN Belgium

Bosnia and Herzegovina

• ESN Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bulgaria

• ESN Bulgaria

Croatia

• ESN Croatia

Cyprus

• ESN Cyprus

Czech Republic

• ESN Czech Republic

Denmark

• ESN Denmark

Estonia

• ESN Estonia

Finland

• ESN Finland

France

• ESN France

Georgia

• ESN Georgia

Germany

• ESN Germany

Greece

• ESN Greece

Hungary

• ESN Hungary

Ireland

• ESN Ireland

Italy

• ESN Italy

Jordan

• ESN Jordan

Kazakhstan

• ESN Kazakhstan

Latvia

• ESN Latvia

Liechtenstein

• ESN Liechtenstein

Lithuania

• ESN Lithuania

Luxembourg

• ESN Luxembourg

Malta

• ESN Malta

Moldova

• ESN Moldova

Montenegro

• ESN Montenegro

North Macedonia

• ESN North Macedonia

Norway

• ESN Norway

Poland

• ESN Poland

Portugal

• ESN Portugal

Romania

• ESN Romania

Russia

• ESN Russia

Serbia

• ESN Serbia

Slovakia

• ESN Slovakia

Slovenia

• ESN Slovenia

Spain

• ESN Spain

Sweden

• ESN Sweden

Switzerland

• ESN Switzerland

the Netherlands

• ESN the Netherlands

Türkiye

• ESN Türkiye

UK

• ESN UK

Ukraine

• ESN Ukraine

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Erasmus Student Network's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Erasmus Student Network's X page

LinkedIn

Erasmus Student Network's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

Erasmus Student Network's YouTube channel

Instagram

Erasmus Student Network's Instagram page

Wikipedia Article

Erasmus Student Network's Wikipedia article

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