From November 27th - December 10th, ESN sections all over our network in Austria as well as the other 39 ESN countries engaged in activities and organise events raising awareness about volunteering and disability.

 

This year the Erasmus+ programme celebrates its 30th anniversary. In order to show the students and young people how student mobility is enriched by volunteering, ESN is organising the Social Inclusion Days every semester. A two-week initiative will provide opportunities for international students to learn how one can contribute to improvement of society as European citizens. During the last edition, the focus wass on the importance of the social impact international volunteers have upon the local communities and upon making inclusive events.

 


"In line with the European Union Youth Strategy, it is part of ESNs mission to enrich the experience of international students by making them more aware of the need to be inclusive and of its powerful positive consequences. It is our firm belief that the Social Inclusion Days will make a strong contribution to the cause and that these students will return home as more active and socially engaged citizens". - João Pinto, President of Erasmus Student Network AISBL

 

Our mission is to provide young citizens with the opportunity to do more during their mobility experience, to make a difference and create a positive social change through volunteering. Besides this, international volunteers have a better chance in expanding their knowledge of other cultures and educational systems and in having a first-hand experience with the locals. Through their engagement, students enrich their curricula, gain experiences, knowledge, understanding and a sense of appreciation for Europe. Also, they will show others that the mobility does not only consist of travelling or studying abroad but also of active engagement. While celebrating and enjoying their Erasmus+ experience, students and young people had a chance to take part in activities such as food drives and donations, fundraisers, clothes donations, animal shelter visits, educational workshops, conferences, and many more events that promote social inclusion.

 

Thanks to the Erasmus programme, ESN has such an amazing opportunity to help students make the most of their mobility and to make society better for everyone.

 

Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is the biggest student association in Europe. Present at over 1000 Higher Education Institutions, it unites over 500 local associations in 40 countries. More than 15,000 volunteers take care of international colleagues under the motto “Students helping students”. ESN works for the creation of a more mobile and flexible education environment by supporting and developing the student exchange from different levels and providing an intercultural experience.