ESN History

The history of Erasmus Student Network
In 1987 a plan to create an extensive mobility scheme for higher education was approved by the European Community (EC). One part of this was the Erasmus program- exchange program for students in order to provide the opportunity to spend part of their studies abroad.

In 1989 the Erasmus Bureau invited 32 former Erasmus Students for an evaluation meeting in Ghent, Belgium. This meeting was a starting point for Erasmus Student Network. The problems that became obvious in the evaluation were the main tasks for the founders of ESN International to work on. Behind all this stood the idea “students helping students”, which is remained the most important moto in the work of ESN.

ESN sections were founded in various European universities, and with financial support from the EC, in October, 1990 the meeting for the official founding of ESN International was organized in Copenhagen, Denmark with 49 participants from almost all member states of the EC. ESN International became a legal association. Desiree Majoor from Utrecht, Netherlands became the first president in ESN history.

By 1994 ESN already had 60 sections in 14 countries and it was growing year by year. Unfortunately some of the sections also disappeared.

10 years from then,2004, ESN network consists of 170 sections in and outside Europe, from Scandinavia to Morocco. New technology has tremendously improved collaboration between sections and frequent meetings strengthen the ties between ESN members as well as serve the possibility to change ideas and work together for a better future.

Inside the network the greeting “Pallomeri!” is widely used. What does it mean? Originally it has a funny meaning: the pool filled with small coloured balls in the shopping centres or in McDonalds’, where kids can play. In ESN the meaning is:
Pan- European
Association
Leading
Local
Organization
Making
Erasmus
Richer
Inside

The interest among students to spend part of their studies abroad is continuously increasing. It is the best opportunity to establish international contacts, have a valuable insight into different culture and gain from an unforgettable experience. As The Bologna declaration, signed by European Ministers of Education in 1999, states, the aim to reach 1 million exchange students by the year 2010, ESN network is more needed than ever.