Network Award

ESN Spain’s Erasmus+ Co-funding Observatory and Grant Calculator (erasmus.esn-spain.org) is a project that has been going on for a while now, and this year it has been the most impactful yet, becoming the main information source for potential international students looking for mobility experiences abroad: learning mobilities, volunteering, internships, and job opportunities. The portal includes public and private European, national, regional, and local funding for mobility so that every student and young person, regardless of their interests and location, can search for the information that suits them best and the funding available for every opportunity.

Our main objective is to create a portal with all the information both local and international students would need regarding their mobility, since there is currently nowhere where they can find all this information compiled and therefore don’t always receive all the information that they would benefit from when planning to go on mobility, especially in financial terms. This is the first compilation of Erasmus+ and mobility grants ever made in Spain and has been well valued by the Spanish National Agencies and the Spanish Youth Council, among others. It has been said to fulfill a public utility service.

Evaluation team:
• This award was selected by vote from the network

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Cooperation Award

The idea of this cooperation between ESN sections of the Balkan area and the Adriatic coast of Italy is a consequence of the reality of UniAdrion, an association of higher education institutions in the Adriatic-Ionian region, which brings together a network of 53 universities. ESN-AIR was kicked off by a five-day summer school organised by ESN Ancona in September 2022. The school hosted different representatives from universities: members of UniAdrion, ESNers from partner sections, and students from Balkan areas. During this event, we discussed the idea of ESN-AIR, the real possibilities, the reason why we wanted to do it, and our objectives.

After this, we continued to collaborate through online meetings to design our project, until we officially submitted our project, “ESN-AIR: Engaging Students for Enhancing Internationalisation Practices in the Adriatic-Ionian Region,” for the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE). In July 2023, our project was approved by the European Union! ESN Ancona hosted the National Platform of ESN Italy, in which representatives from ESN Albania, ESN Bosnia, and ESN Sarajevo took part in the National Platform as staff. On this occasion, ESN-AIR was first introduced to the whole ESN Italy Network by the opening conference named “ESN-AIR: Civic Engagement and Cooperation with Universities."

There was an idea to bring together a group of remarkable people to see if they could become something more. To see if they could work together when we needed to organise the event, we never could alone. With this in mind, we gathered a team from all around Finland to build the National Events Committee. This project turned into a 3-day event on a cruise ship with a Helsinki-Stockholm round trip. With a crew that grows each semester, the organising committee of Pirates of the Baltic Sea now consists of ESNers from all around Europe.

After the 10th edition in 2016, we decided to evolve this national event into an international one, so we invited the Baltics (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) sections to join us. In 2018, around the 15th edition, we started to include ESN Poland as well. Recently, we managed to include ESN Norway and ESN Denmark. Last semester, we finally made it official with ESN Sweden to support each other with their event called “Sea Battle” on mutual grounds, and they will be our official partners from now on. We are aiming to reach all NEP sections and more by the 25th edition, so people from all around the world can join this event.

EPFL and UNIL are two neighbouring universities in Lausanne. Our collaboration started in the academic year 2002–2003. This collaboration has spawned significant achievements, including the Titanic Lémanique, our yearly gala cruise since 2013 and the largest ESN event in Switzerland, as well as the Council of National Representatives (CNR) 2015, a widely acclaimed event at the time, with the Council of National Delegates (CND) 2017 following soon after, the Summer Transformation Program (STP) in 2017, nominated for an ESN StarAward the same year, and the National Assembly I (NAI) in 2022 and its raging success with its Scandinavian theme. Moreover, members from Lausanne have formed a sizable portion of the Swiss National Level ever since its inception back in 2001.

As hinted by the above, significant historical research work was conducted during the pandemic to uncover our origins, which mostly remained hidden in the memories and hard drives of our former members, 70 of which we traced, contacted, and interviewed to gain insights into our history of the last 25 years. A historical piece is currently being written using the hundreds of pages of notes and thousands of documents collected during this two-year-long treasure hunt.

Back in 2021, ESN UZ, previously known as Erasmus Support Centre UZ, became an ESN candidate section. As ESN UAM Poznań, we were assigned the role of a buddy section, having the task of addressing any concerns of the candidate section and supporting its development. Fast forward to 2022, when ESN UZ becomes a full-fledged section of ESN. We maintained our cooperation as buddy sections. We still support each other and share tips, as we believe that both sections, the younger and the more experienced, can learn a lot from each other.

The latest result of this cooperation was a buddy trip to Zielona Góra with ESN UAM Poznań. Both international students and their buddies (who are local students helping the international students integrate into Polish society and supporting them in daily activities) visited our ESN friends in Zielona Góra. Owing to this, our cooperation has gained a two-tier character—not only on the section level, where ESNers from two different sections work together, but also on the international level, as the trip was a perfect occasion for the integration of Polish students and their international buddies.

Evaluation team:
• Olga Mizgajska, Network Committee of ESN
• Robert Sima, Network Committee of ESN
• Theodoros Markou, Network Committee and ESN Wiki Coordinator of ESN

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Culture Award

Culture Day is part of our Introduction Week, during which we welcome almost 2000 new international students to our city. This, together with more than 250 volunteers, makes it one of the biggest introduction weeks in the Netherlands. The core idea of Introduction Week is to welcome international students to Groningen, give them a group of friends, introduce them to our city and everything it has to offer, and create memories that last for the rest of their lives—basically, giving them the best possible start to their student life.

Culture Day is meant to show them the cultural side of Groningen. For this day, we invite many other (cultural) student associations or other organisations to give interactive workshops around the theme of "culture" in its broadest sense. The diverse workshops cover all aspects of culture and allow students to engage actively in cultural practices. So, all in all, Culture Day brought together diverse cultural activities and elements, cultures from all over the world and cultures from their new home country and city, and all of that in a lovely festival setting.

Incontro Culturale Erasmus (ICE) 2023, organised by ESN Italy, brought together 1800 participants from 40 cities across Italy. The event aimed to gather international students in a city filled with cultural landmarks such as Rome, as well as emphasise active citizenship and the path towards the European elections, aligning with the overarching project Erasmus Generation in Action (EGiA).

ICE is a single 4-day activity, taking place in November each year since 2008. It usually covers the weekend, starting on Thursday and ending on Sunday, and involves the following activities: an opening conference, a guided city tour, and night activities on Thursday. From Friday morning to Saturday morning, participants have a number of options to choose from, including an additional city tour (on a different route than the Thursday one), visits to Musei Vaticani, and other important museums all over Rome, often without a fee thanks to the institutional stakeholders’ support. On Saturday afternoon, a flag parade ran from Piazza dell’Esquilino to Altare della Patria (Piazza Venezia), passing by Via dei Fori Imperiali. On Saturday night, Musei Capitolini was open for free exclusively for those attending Incontro Culturale Erasmus 2023. On Sunday morning, additional museums were available for all participants to choose from.

The Beauty of Romania project is based on events organised in all the cities where ESN Romania is active, with the aim of integrating the Erasmus students into Romanian culture. The campaign engaged participants in the country's history with visits to landmarks like the Citadel of Alba Iulia, the Palace of Parliament of Bucharest, the Astra Museum of Sibiu, and the captivating museums of history and natural sciences in Suceava. Each site unveiled layers of Romania's past, from medieval fortresses to the beauty of modern parliamentary structures. Adding an interactive twist, quiz nights in Brasov, Pitesti, and Timisoara engaged participants in a playful exploration of Romania's diverse facets. The quizzes became a dynamic way to foster community and test knowledge about the country's history, traditions, and geography. But not lately, the evenings in Bucharest, Iasi, and Targu Mures have been filled with traditional Romanian cuisine.

The fact that Ukraine currently experiences a different reality compared to other ESN countries is quite obvious. Due to the war, the majority of foreign students in Chernivtsi were forced to leave, significantly impacting society. Both the ESN Chernivtsi team and the city's youth were concerned about the lack of intercultural exchange. To address this, we conducted a survey to understand the war's effects on this aspect. The survey revealed a stark contrast between the peaceful past and the current situation, inspiring the "Cultural Fusion" project. The project was aimed at creating a welcoming environment for both local and foreign students who decided to stay in the country, promoting integration, intercultural exchange, and mutual understanding. Through a series of diverse events, including cultural forums, workshops, and art therapy sessions, participants engaged in discussions, activities, and creative expression, all conducted in English. By addressing topics such as racism, stereotypes, and personal experiences, the project aimed to cultivate a more inclusive and tolerant community, bridging cultural divides and fostering connections among young people from different backgrounds.

Evaluation team:
• Smith Donkor of Erasmus Play

Pre-evaluation team:
• Lise Benette Hovd, NEP Regional Coordinator of ESN
• Camille Odent, WEP Regional Coordinator of ESN
• Justin Racu, SEEP Regional Coordinator of ESN

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Education Award

Throughout 2023, ESN UK produced a research project entitled ‘International Student Perspective UK’. Culminating in an 80-page research report published in September 2023, the project analysed the experiences of international students who have studied in the UK and compared these with the perceptions of study in the UK from students across Europe and beyond. This analysis was driven by over 1000 responses to a survey, open from March to May 2023, covering topics such as barriers to mobility and opinions on studying in the UK.

The survey was extensive, with different ‘tracts’ that provided different questions based upon your own situation as a student; for example, students who had studied in the UK were specifically presented with questions about study experience, and students who had taken part in ESN activities were provided with individual questions about their impact. While the report was published in September 2023, the ‘project’ of International Student Perspective UK continues both in terms of outreach (with results being presented to university networks and conferences) and continued research, with spin-off reports focusing on the value of ESN to universities (linked below) or further analysis on student experience as a reaction to policy changes. To read the entire report, see the link below: https://esnuk.org/international-student-perspective-uk.

The Mobility+ Program is a collaboration between ESN Poland and the "Włączamy Mobilność" organisation aimed at addressing the barriers encountered by people with disabilities who wish to study abroad. The project seeks to enhance accessibility and promote independence among individuals with disabilities by implementing comprehensive solutions within the realm of mobility. It aims to develop the knowledge and competencies of universities in the Podlaskie region of Poland to increase the accessibility of study abroad opportunities. The project operates under the motto "Wymiany studenckie bez ograniczeń" (eng. Student exchanges without barriers), emphasising the goal of facilitating inclusive mobility experiences for all participants.

ESN Poland plays a crucial role in the Mobility+ program, leveraging its expertise in promoting academic mobility and fostering peer-to-peer support related to academic mobility. As a key organisation dedicated to enhancing and advocating for academic mobility in Poland, ESN Poland brings valuable insights, resources, and networks to the collaboration with the Włączamy Mobilność organisation. This initiative was born out of the recognition that, thus far, Poland lacked comprehensive research addressing the concept of inclusive mobility, particularly concerning people with disabilities. By bridging this gap, the project seeks to create a more inclusive environment and open up study abroad opportunities to individuals of all abilities, thus fostering greater diversity and international cooperation within the academic community.

Embark on a 4-day journey that unfolded from July 3rd to July 6th, weaving a tapestry of enriching experiences. On the first day, our volunteers dived into intercultural learning, meeting representatives from the European Federation for Intercultural Learning (EFIL) and exploring the ESN Office. Day two featured a city tour of Brussels, visits to the House of the European Union and the Parlamentarium, and an afternoon at the European Youth Forum with a workshop on advocacy led by communication experts. The third day delved into the European Parliament, a meeting with Italian MEP Brando Benifei, workshops by ESN International, and an exclusive visit to DG EAC, providing insights into Erasmus+ project management.

As well, volunteers had the chance to attend a parallel session at the European Parliament, which was hosting a debate among MEPs on the topic of migration. At night, volunteers and the international board gathered at an Italian restaurant, fostering connections. The final day unfolded with an exploration of European governance at the European Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee, concluding our journey on a profound note. This chronicle of experiences represents not just a physical journey but a deep dive into European institutions, cultivating knowledge, connections, and advocacy.

Evaluation team:
• Catarina Moleiro of Coimbra Group

pre-evaluation team:
• Sara Tagliabracci, Global Mobility Coordinator of ESN
• Rik Peelen, Education Community Manager of ESN

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Employability Award

Erasmus Leaders is Greece's largest and most comprehensive two-day youth fair, which takes place in Athens. The event aims to connect hundreds of students and young people from all over Greece with companies offering employment opportunities and with groups and institutions providing volunteering, education, and mobility opportunities. The innovation here is that there are many fairs about careers, education, volunteering, and mobility in Greece. However, there is only one event combining all of these in one event, providing our country's ultimate youth map opportunities: Erasmus Leaders by ESN Greece.

During the youth fair, a leading exhibition with booths of companies, embassies, universities, institutions, and voluntary groups provides job and personal development opportunities. In addition to developing opportunities for young professionals, companies, groups, and institutions can also look for the people they need to meet their job opening needs, interact with them, and promote their activities and programs. The event has no fee for the participants. With more than 70 partners, 45 speakers, and 22 workshops and panels, it connected more than 550 participants with development opportunities. At least 500 CVs were shared with exhibitors, giving a massive lead for the event's next edition and making ESN Greece the talk of the town.

The ESNinBusiness Project is a long-term major national project that has been continuing since 2013. The most important goal of this project is to ensure professional visibility. This project, which aims to hold meetings with companies, reach agreements on suitable grounds, and provide internship and job opportunities, aims to help ESNers gain a place in business life more easily. It helps ESNers feel the contribution of the competencies they have gained during their volunteering in their professional business lives. It brings ESNers together with senior executives. The purpose of starting the project is to benefit from the experiences of alumni.

The ESNinBusiness Project has been addressing ESNers as its direct target audience for 10 years. It is also possible to specify specific target audiences among ESNers. The Alumni Network is an important audience for this project. Because of the various activities carried out inside, it is not the one who is helped, but the one who helps. The Alumni Network, which is on the helping side, is trying to be included in the context of the project. It is determined as the target audience at the point of inclusion.

ESN on the Job Market is a strategic project undertaken by ESN Poland. This project aims to empower volunteers by providing them with tools, networking opportunities, and employability skills to enhance their prospects in the job market. The project focuses on fostering competence, development, and employability among its youth members. An internal group dedicated to sharing professional job offers was revamped and contributed to fostering a sense of community and collaboration among ESN volunteers. Volunteers gained access to job opportunities tailored to their interests and skill sets, enhancing their prospects in the job market.

ESN Poland continued to pursue a strategic partnership with Talent Days, a professional job-matching service provider, allowing ESN volunteers premium access to potential employers and career opportunities. By leveraging the resources and expertise of Talent Days, ESN Poland enhanced its ability to support volunteers in their job search and career development efforts. Through these initiatives, ESN on the Job Market contributes significantly to the competence development and employability of ESN Poland members.

Evaluation team:
• Íñigo Cruz Martinez of Ya Semos Europeos

Pre-evaluation team:
• Neli Kalinova, Education and Youth Policy Coordinator of ESN
• Nathan Lusseau, Liaison Officer for European Youth Forum of ESN
• Hazal Sude Satkin, HR Manager of International Committee of Education of ESN

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Environmental Sustainability Award

The SWAP event took place two times in 2023 at the University of Tampere. The project is in collaboration with Tampere University and the Salvation Army. During the two separate times that the events took place, people could bring clothes and accessories they don't need in their wardrobe any more and freely take any clothes or accessories they want from the large racks installed in the hallway. The event was freely accessible to anyone passing by, whether student or staff, and free coffee, tea, and vegan snacks were offered throughout the day. The main idea was to create a space for people to not only declutter and get new second-hand clothes—especially for exchange students who need winter clothes to face the harsh Finnish winter—but to also spark discussion over the sustainability issues of fast fashion and the larger theme. Documentary films were also shown during the events in a very nearby lecture hall. The first occurrence of the event was also organised during the Student Union's Well-Being Week, which had the community as a main focus for that edition. At the end of the event, we were able to donate all the good-condition clothes to the Salvation Army's own second-hand stores (iCare in Finland).

"Clean the City with ESN ULiège" was a community-driven environmental initiative aimed at promoting sustainability and civic responsibility among Erasmus students and local residents. Organised by ESN ULiège, the event involved volunteers gathering for two hours to collect litter in various parts of the city. Equipped with gloves, litter pickers, and garbage bags provided by BeWapp, a Belgian environmental organisation, our team diligently worked to clean the city streets and public spaces. This hands-on initiative not only resulted in a tangible improvement in the cleanliness of the city but also served as a powerful tool for raising awareness about environmental issues. To amplify our message and engage a wider audience, we utilised social media platforms, creating an Instagram post and story. Additionally, our efforts and the importance of environmental conservation were highlighted in a local radio segment, further extending the reach and impact of our activity.

Through "Clean the City with ESN ULiège," we sought to inspire positive change and demonstrate the significant impact collective action can have on our local environment. This initiative reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement, aligning perfectly with the values and objectives of the Environmental Sustainability Award.

The project consisted of a series of worksheets and playful activities for elementary and middle school pupils, aimed at creating toys and tools and recycling material that would otherwise be trashed. We involved an external trainer from another environmental non-governmental organisation (NGO) who provided the expertise, together with our local Eduk8 (ESN education program) trainer who designed the workshops accordingly using non-formal education (NFE) methods, to deliver the participants sessions that they would take advantage of when carrying out the practical activities that we collected under the name of 'Creative Recycling'.

The target were pupils from elementary and middle school, all attending the NGO 'Birilà' which we collaborate with, and, by reflection, their families. All these people come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and as such, they rarely have the opportunity to get to know the international environment that we, as ESN, provide to the local community by involving our international students in volunteer projects.

Evaluation team:
• Kavita Kooijman of Eurail

Evaluation team:
• Anna Kowalczyk, Social Impact Team Project Officer and Liaison Officer for Environmental Sustainability of ESN
• Angeliki Drakaki, Network Committee Member of ESN

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Fundraising Award

Motivated by the success of the Charity flea market we organised in 2022. When we collected funds for Ukrainian refugee families in Dubrovnik, we decided to organise another Charity flea market this year, focusing on collecting funds for the Down syndrome association of Dubrovnik-Neretva County (DSA). The event was held 25-26th March, the same week as World Down Syndrome Day, which is on March 21st. Charity flea is a two-day event during which people can buy second-hand items, mostly clothing, that were previously donated by other people. Collected funds are then donated to the DSA, and remaining clothes are sorted and donated to foster homes, retirement homes, the Red Cross, Caritas, and, through communication with local authorities, anonymously to families in need.

The initiative also aimed to educate the community about the importance of reducing personal carbon footprints through reusing and upcycling items. By involving the local community in donating and purchasing second-hand items, the event encouraged a shift in perception, breaking the stigma associated with second-hand clothing being solely for those in poverty.

The core idea of the event was to give our international students the experience of a typical Italian fair with different games meant for everyone. There was also a fundraising part where contestants could pay an entry fee, which went towards the fundraiser, and win valuable prizes. It was mainly a sports and cultural event with a particular focus on teamwork, inclusion, and general fun.

The main aim was to provide a fun and inclusive event for all the students while also keeping in mind the fundraising nature of the event. The target groups were mainly international students and ESN volunteers, but also local associations like the association "Girasoli," to whom the funds raised by the fundraiser went. All of the participants learned a lot about Italian culture and also developed team spirit and camaraderie; however, the main impact was on the aforementioned association, "Girasoli," which holds lessons for children in hospitals who are unable to attend school.

The association was very grateful for our donation and is still in regular contact with us. The collected resources (around 250 euros) were donated directly to the association "Girasoli," after which an informal meeting was organised between them and our local board.

Christmas in a Box is, in essence, a campaign that seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by children in vulnerable situations, emphasising the importance of acting in solidarity and spreading the true Christmas spirit. By highlighting the specific needs of underprivileged children, this campaign aims to evoke empathy and compassion within the community. Our primary objective was to make a positive impact on the lives of these children during the holiday season. By collecting and donating essential items, focusing on essential items (such as baby food, creams, or diapers), we aim to provide practical support to these families, particularly the little ones, and contribute to creating a festive atmosphere.

By raising awareness about their challenges, the campaign fosters empathy and compassion within the community. The specific needs highlighted likely lead to increased support, potentially resulting in tangible benefits such as donations, aid, and improved well-being for the children in vulnerable situations. We collaborate with Sorriso-Ninho dos Pequeninos, an association to whom we donate goods. Additionally, our commercial partner, O Reitor, generously provided space for collecting donations throughout December. This partnership facilitates the collection and distribution of essential items, ensuring a successful campaign to support those in need during the holiday season.

Evaluation team:
• Ayberk Yavuz, Treasurer of ESN
• Elena Barletta, Business & Finance Community Manager of ESN
• Sara Azavedo, ESNcard Team Member of ESN

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Health and Well-being Award

Our collaborative initiative for World AIDS Day involved organising events and launching a social media campaign across multiple cities in Italy. Partnering with the associations of the Italian Red Cross Young (Giovani CRI) and the Italian Secretariat of Medicine Students (SISM Italia), we aimed to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and promote preventive measures among young people. Additionally, we joined forces to release a joint press statement highlighting our collective efforts, including the Italian Red Cross #LoveRed campaign (https://cri.it/lovered/), which included an HIV screening service and emphasised destigmatising HIV/AIDS and promoting a message of love and support.

It was a series of connected activities spanning the period leading up to World AIDS Day, including local-level educational events, workshops, and a social media campaign. The joint press release, along with the #LoveRed campaign served as key components of our overall strategy to engage and educate our target audience, always underscoring that prevention has to always be the everyday choice and not only during World AIDS Day.

The core idea of the First Aid Training workshop, conducted during BNPII Liège, was to empower ESN volunteers with essential first aid skills, enhancing their preparedness to handle medical emergencies. This workshop falls under the category of health and well-being initiatives, with a primary focus on practical first aid training.

Our workshop was meticulously designed and led by a last-year medical student who also serves as an assistant in first aid classes at the University of Liège (ULiège). The training was tailored to address the specific needs and scenarios ESN volunteers might encounter, especially in dynamic environments such as Erasmus events. These scenarios include, but are not limited to, managing situations where someone is excessively intoxicated, responding to injuries at events, performing CPR, and understanding the protocols in case of accidents. This workshop was not just about imparting knowledge; it aimed to instil confidence in our volunteers, ensuring they feel prepared and capable of providing first aid, whether during their Erasmus activities or in their daily lives. By equipping them with these vital skills, we contribute to creating a safer and more responsive community within the ESN network.

Mobility for Environmental Sustainability and Health, or MESH, is a project created by the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) in Portugal. MESH creates the concept of sustainable student mobility, by combining health and environmental sustainability, in Portugal.It connects a series of activities. Firstly, the Erasmus National Meeting in April 2023. This is the biggest event organised in Portugal for international students. ENM is organised by ESN Portugal, and it gathers around 1000 youngsters from around the world.

This event is designed to celebrate diversity and the Erasmus+ program, and it is located in the south of Portugal, in Albufeira. ENM has different actions to promote healthy and responsible lifestyles. The event is designed to be environmentally friendly.Secondly, the Erasmus National Games, which took place in November in Coimbra (Portugal), On the first day of our national sports events, the Erasmus National Games, ESN Portugal organised activities promoting healthy habits. The goal was to inform them about issues connected with topics such as health, sports, and food habits while showing them the beautiful Portuguese city of Coimbra.

Similarly structured to the real Erasmus Olympics, the National Erasmus Games 2023 had students from different ESN sections, exchange students, local students, and international full-time students challenging each other in four different disciplines (volleyball, badminton, futsal, and table tennis). It was a nation-wide event that had participants coming from various parts of Lithuania. The event happened in the capital city of Lithuania, which garnered more attention and participation due to the city's location and accessibility.

The National Erasmus Games 2023's main goal was to spread the culture of practicing one or more sports disciplines during the students' mobility period in Lithuania. It aimed to build a sense of community and cultural enrichment among foreign students and Lithuanian ones. One of the other objectives of the National Erasmus Games was to cultivate a sense of unity and personal development because "the things you learn from sports—setting goals, being part of a team, confidence—are invaluable. It's not about trophies and ribbons. It's about accepting challenges and being fearful of the elements." Summer Sanders is a former American swimmer and two-time gold medalist.

Chill'Ness VII: Back to Nature, a major national camp event organised by ESN Türkiye, took place from May 19th to May 21st, 2023. A total of 666 participants attended this event. This edition of Chill'Ness, known as "Back to Nature Edition," was held in Izmir/Foça. Izmir is located in the Aegean Region of Turkey, and Foça is one of its districts. Foça has clean air for most of the year due to the prevailing wind, and many areas of the district are under strict environmental protection due to the beauty of its small bays. In this context, the camp event focused on health and well-being, given the location. Chill'Ness VII: Back to Nature spanned three days, taking place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The event highlighted health and well-being topics through various workshops and activities.

On the occasion of World AIDS Day, we organised, a few days later, an event dedicated to it. We spent an afternoon in the name of entertainment but, first of all, dedicated to promoting greater awareness of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. We played a lot of games correlated with sexuality, focusing on the importance of contraceptives and sexual consent. All important issues, which are supposed to be a common knowledge base for everybody, are sometimes ignored or people don't have enough cognizance. It was an afternoon dedicated to sexual education, but that entertained everyone; every game was different and engaging, and in the end, the winning person received a little present.

Evaluation team:
• Carlos Robledo Martín, International Erasmus Games Coordinator of ESN
• João Leitão, International Erasmus Games Community of ESN
• Edgar Geraldes, International Erasmus Games Communication of ESN

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HR Award

MemberMan 2.0 (from Member Management) is a tool for HR management. Over the last two years, the national board and, more specifically, the positions of National WPA and National Vice President have worked collaboratively, and many changes and adjustments have resulted in creating a basis for HR management. Although the project was mainly developed by our WPA, we have to mention the critical contribution of the local WPAs, who helped with their evaluations and comments or suggestions in the final shaping of the tool.

But the most important thing in the process of creating this HR management tool was the fact that each local vice president shared with the national board the practices, knowledge, ideas, and tactics used in each section to create a tool adapted to the needs of the network and to shape the MemberMan structure.The tool's uses are divided into two major categories based on the need for HR management progress: Α. recruitment and management of new applications for membership in local associations; and Β. managing and organising existing members.

ESNer Invitation is an initiative to financially support local members to join local events from other ESN sections. Every section can share a few of their events with the initiative, then the events are shared with the network, and any member can apply to join the event, and they will be fully reimbursed for their travel and participation fees. Currently, the budget allows 1 member per section per semester to join 1 ESNer Invitation event, but most of the time there is some budget left, and some sections can send multiple members per semester.

The ESNer Invitation is focused on promoting collaboration and sharing of best practices among the Swiss ESN network. The ESNer Invitation project has the potential to expand beyond Switzerland to other neighboring countries such as Germany, Austria, France, or Italy, helping to further increase collaboration and sharing of best practices between local sections. Additionally, as the project continues to grow and become better known, it is likely that more and more members will become interested in participating in events, further contributing to the growth and success of the project.

With COVID, there was a "standstill" in our section; basically, the retention of volunteers became difficult, as did getting new people to join at that time. As a result, the process of passing on information got worse because the pre-Covid people didn't stay in the section and the post-Covid people hadn't experienced ESN Porto other than through the computer. This created a gap and a need to adapt and learn. This year's board felt it was necessary to listen to all the past generations and decided to create a knowledge transfer day with our alumni.

The main objectives of this initiative were to re-establish relations between current members and alumni, to learn more about the section and how it worked in past years, and to find out what best practices existed before that are no longer being implemented. Our relationship with the alumni became much closer, and after this day, they began to show more willingness to help us with what we needed; they became more present in the section again, and that was very good because having a close relationship with the alumni guarantees less loss of knowledge.

Inspired by the solution at the national level of our organisation, ESN Poland, we decided to transfer the draft regulations to the local level for our section. The idea of creating a document to regulate the activities of coordinators, our projects, and groups lived with us for quite a while, but unfortunately, it was not until spring 2023 that we were able to get down to implementing this idea. We involved those interested in the implementation of such a document, members of our section, together with the alumni of our section, in a brainstorming session to create the best possible regulations. We wanted those coordinating projects and groups in our section to have clear and transparent regulations for their work for the entire duration of their function or project existence. We are still in the phase of assessing the impact since its adoption, as it only happened 8 months ago and we are still collecting information from our members about it, but the positive effects of its implementation in our section were visible from the very beginning.

Being directed to Erasmus Student Network volunteers, the workshop was created with the aim of not only giving information about burnout and the way it can be expressed in the associative life but also promoting insight and providing tools to manage possible stressful situations. All of this, complementing it with meme material from Michael Scott (the character of The Office TV Series), so as to make it easy-going and achievable, taking into account the delicacy of the topic. Being held during our local training event, this workshop takes into consideration the amount of workload our association can sometimes imply. Moreover, it looks for the expression and sharing of individual and collective stressful experiences that volunteers may have found themselves in while proposing, organising, and coordinating the variety of activities that ESN Santander offers.

Volunteers who hold a position in our section. In this case, the five members of the local board and the four chairs In the case of vacant positions, the board has made the corresponding podcasts. The initiative was the creation of a podcast that would encompass what each of the positions we have at ESN Barcelona UPF does, in the style of Meet Your Boardies. In this way, each of the episodes was destined for a different position, making a total of 10 recordings corresponding to: In each chapter, the person(s) holding the position had complete freedom to structure, explain, and assemble their chapter as they saw fit. This has resulted in having a very complete, relaxed, and original podcast that, we believe, has helped to exceed the objectives set.

Evaluation team:
• Daria Ionescu, HR Manager of ESN
• Laura Franke, HR & Network Community Manager of ESN
• Andreia Raluca Ivan, HR Manager of Network Committee of ESN

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IT Award

The ARTEMIS project was created to meet the need for a platform that would allow international students to match or connect with buddies from local universities. This project focuses on creating an open-source platform usable by any section with minimal setup and straightforward management. The online system allows separate registration for students and volunteers. The system includes an integrated system for managing international students, local volunteers (members and buddies), and their information. Another advantage is the creation of events. The ARTEMIS project was created to meet the need for a platform that would allow international students to match or connect with buddies from local universities, for which members and students are able to sign. For the semester overview, there are integrated statistics and a mailing system for easier and quicker mass communication to all the users.

The main focus of ARTEMIS is to simplify the management of international students and local volunteers and their information in one place, offering features like data export and event management. The practice involves the management of students, including data exports and setting arrival dates to facilitate students’ pickups.

Jupiter is an event management system and section management platform programmed and continuously updated by ESN Italy’s CommIT Development Area. It consists of a fully integrated platform, through which sections have full control over many of the aspects regulating the life of the association, starting from the creation and management of events, passing through the Treasury, to the updating of members’ books. The source code belongs to ESN Italy, and it is constantly updated by the members of CommIT, who periodically add new features (requested by the sections) and deal with the resolution of problems encountered by volunteers in using them, just like in a real software house.

Given the security and robustness of the platform, the CommIT Development Area released an update in the last year (June 2023) that would allow local sections to register for national events and local events in which all Italian sections can participate in a way that is transparent to the OCs in such a simple way that it resulted in the management of national events (ICE, EN) being transferred entirely to Jupiter starting September 2023.

EventUpp is the portal of ESN Portugal, where all the ESNcard and event sales are processed online or physically at the offices of our sections. Sections have been able to easily sell ESNcards and manage events, event payments, event participants, event check-ins, etc. International students are able to easily purchase an ESNcard online or pre-order one for later payment at the office; pay for events in the same manner; and check-in to events easily. The project has yielded great results for ESN Portugal, having reached all our primary objectives successfully. ESN Spain even joined in on the platform in 2023. The main room for improvement lies in making the tool easier to manage for treasurers, as right now the workload required to do a refund could be reduced. Furthermore, new features such as a waiting list would benefit the experience of international students and are currently being worked on.

Evaluation team:
• Ivo Rosario, IT Community Manager of ESN
• Dimitris Kritsotakis, IT Committee of ESN
• Darwyn Bruelemans, Web Project Administrator of ESN

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Social Impact Award

"Unity in diversity." We all like that motto; however, not a lot of people talk about neurodiversity and disability diversity. The idea of the Understanding Project is to help people understand those two groups. We organised workshops, lectures, impulse presentations, and games to help students get in the shoes of those who are different. For one week, experts from all over Germany came to give their perspectives on ADHD, autism, etc.

We partnered with the inclusion department of our university to try to include as many people as possible in the project. All activities were offered in a hybrid format (online and in person) so that people with depression or who have problems with executive brain function could participate. The students that participated all gave very positive feedback and wished for more. The project will probably be repeated in 2024.

The Social Impact Week is a new project that we launched for the first time in March 2023, and due to its success, it will, from now on, be a yearly recurring initiative. The idea is that this week, we dedicate each day to one of the six causes of ESN (culture, education, and youth; environmental sustainability; health and well-being; skills and employability; and social inclusion). This means that we hosted events around the chosen cause each day from Sunday to Friday. Our idea behind it was to give the causes of ESN more visibility and to raise awareness for the topics standing behind these causes.

The main objective of Social Impact Week was, as the name already says, to have a positive social impact on our student community and society overall. It allowed us to raise awareness for multiple social challenges that affect society and individuals in their personal lives. This was also meant to give more visibility to ESN's causes and showcase that ESN is more than a fun get-together and that there is a big mission behind the project we are proud to be part of.

Become a Protagonist of the Erasmus Generation! (Be-PEG!)" Project was implemented from February 2022 until May 2023. The project developed around the objective of promoting Erasmus opportunities for young people through different activities and increasing the visibility of Erasmus opportunities among young people on a local, national, and international level. The main idea that drove the entire project was that the project’s activities could foster intercultural understanding and strengthen the feeling among young people of belonging to Europe.The project foresaw three different activities: Erasmus in School, a national event, and an Erasmus Generation Video.

Overall, the impact of the project was multi-faceted, contributing to the promotion of Erasmus opportunities, fostering intercultural dialogue, and empowering individuals within the target groups to become active protagonists in the Erasmus Generation.

The Erasmus Olympic Games of ESN Sofia is a Social Impact Days campaign that consists of 10-12 Olympic-style events for our Erasmus students. Almost every day we had a different Olympic event in 2 weeks. The events were divided into 3 categories - sports, intellectual, and creative activities. The events are organised by the ESN Sofia collaboration team with support and logistical help from all sections in Sofia. All the collected entrance fees and donations from the separate Olympic disciplines will be donated to charity (Foster Home).

Anyone could participate in our games: Erasmus students, local international students, as well as people with disabilities or special accessibility needs. We wanted to create a sense of community through sports, creative, and intellectual disciplines. The main inclusive element of our campaign was giving back to our local community by donating the entrance fee + additional donations to a charity cause. The object of the cause is children and youth from a foster home, and we believe that we will make an impact on them. At the end of the campaign, we collected a good amount of donation money.

Christmas Cards for Nursing Home Residents was a social impact event in which members gathered in a local café to make and write Christmas cards, which were gifted to residents of nursing homes in the local area who may not have many relatives or friends left to receive cards from. The event provided students with the opportunity to have a direct impact on someone’s enjoyment of Christmas and the chance to engage in a fun activity to get into the Christmas spirit and get creative in a mindful way, which also served as a de-stresser just before our Christmas exams.

The outcome was hugely positive. Nursing home staff reported delight on the part of the recipients of our cards, saying the cards were read with interest, and many residents were curious to look up in an atlas the countries from which their penpal had come. The event was so successful that we hope to turn it into a recurring one, with plans to complete a Valentine's Day card event and a birthday card event as well.

Sign language is a means of communication for individuals with hearing differences. We underscore the importance of inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their hearing ability, has the right to communicate effectively. We wanted to acknowledge the need for inclusive communication and highlight the importance of sign language as a means of ensuring equal access for everyone. It underscores the role of sign languages in breaking down communication barriers between individuals with hearing differences and those without. On Sign Language Day, our goal was to raise awareness about the importance of sign languages and celebrate the linguistic and cultural diversity of people with hearing differences. Our specific aim was to teach sign language to Erasmus students, instilling this awareness in them.

The event left an indelible mark on social inclusion. It was a testament to the power of unity in diversity. Language proficiency became irrelevant as the event drew in people from diverse linguistic backgrounds, breaking down barriers and fostering connections. The inclusive embrace welcomed individuals with different hearing abilities, children, and the elderly, turning an event into a unity of people.

Evaluation team:
• Adam Pawleta, Network Committee member and Eduk8 Team member of ESN
• Gellert Szarvas, Network Committee Spotlight Coordinator of ESN
• Simone Vassaluzzo, Social Impact Team Data Analyst of ESN

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Visibility Award

The "Connected We Stand Festival" is a 2-day multifaceted volunteering event dedicated to the civic community, taking place in Thessaloniki. Throughout its duration, parallel activities are carried out to raise awareness on issues related to solidarity, active participation, and a shift in mindset regarding social matters through everyday acts. The event was initiated by a conference that took place at Thessaloniki City Hall, featuring speeches, greetings, and statements from the organisers, local government officials, ministers, Members of the European Parliament, entrepreneurs, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The event also enjoyed the auspices of the National Tourism Organization, which belongs to the Ministry of Tourism.

ESN Thessaloniki, as an organiser, discussed its role as a volunteer organisation and representative of the youth in Thessaloniki and how much it greatly helps both local and international students by promoting mobility in the city. At the same time, there was a reference to how much ESN contributed to the spread of the Erasmus+ idea among the youth in an effort to adopt multicultural culture in Thessaloniki and beyond.

The campaign consists of promoting the hosting of erasmus by Portuguese families during the Christmas holidays. The main goal is to host international students for Christmas Eve or Christmas lunch, promoting intercultural understanding and integration among all international students on different mobilities. The project aims not only at the traditional Christmas celebrations but also at the spirit of inclusion, since regardless of their beliefs or religions, everyone is welcome to embrace Portuguese culture and gastronomy.

The outcome of the campaign was very positive, reaching 71 Portuguese families who received a total of 137 students on mobility programs. We also stood out at the national level, as we were featured on national public and private television networks. We also had a lot of visibility by being showcased on the Portuguese televised news on Christmas Eve and the Christmas Lunch edition. This brought more attention to ESN as a whole structure and the activities that we promote.

ESN Riga collaborates with the Resilience Centre and Riga on a campaign emphasising team-building activities and workshops. The core idea is to encourage local youth, particularly those facing challenges, to pursue Erasmus opportunities. The campaign's main aim was to foster inclusivity and resilience by encouraging local youth, particularly those facing challenges, to embrace Erasmus opportunities. Simultaneously, it aimed to provide international students with a platform for self-education and meaningful engagement within the local community during their exchange. The objectives included inspiring Erasmus participation among local youth, facilitating team-building activities, empowering international students to address local challenges, fostering reciprocal learning, enhancing resilience and inclusivity, establishing lasting partnerships, and raising awareness about the campaign's goals. The overarching purpose was to bridge gaps, create opportunities, and contribute to the personal development of both local and international participants.

The campaign turned out to have positive outcomes, fostering awareness, collaboration, and engagement among the target groups. It inspired local youth to consider Erasmus programs, facilitated meaningful interactions between international and local students, and enhanced awareness and collaboration opportunities for ESN volunteers, institutions, and members of the Latvian National Youth Council. Overall, the campaign successfully contributed to a more inclusive and supportive environment.

ESN Cyprus recently ran a dynamic recruitment campaign targeting local and international students. The campaign emphasised the dual role of ESN in a student’s life: on the one hand, as a tool to enrich one’s student life, and on the other, as a fruitful atmosphere where volunteers can practically apply their academic knowledge. Within this recruitment campaign, we targeted people who were driven and motivated in many different fields and wanted to practically apply their academic knowledge within ESN: PR and Communication, Sports, International Relations, as well as Informatics, are only some of the fields we promoted.

The recruitment campaign garnered an overall total of 56 registrations. Notably, 23.2% (13 people) of these registrations were from people living outside Nicosia, whereas a striking percentage of 32.14% (18 people) are international students wanting to join ESN Cyprus. Considering these numbers, this recruitment campaign adequately achieved its objectives. Lastly, it is important to note that it is projected that approximately twenty (20) new members will be added to ESN Nicosia following the training sessions and the upcoming trial period.

ESN Poland, as a student organisation and NGO dedicated to supporting international mobility programs such as the Erasmus+ program, embarked on a campaign centred around the Polish parliamentary elections held in October 2023. The primary aim of this campaign was to mobilise young Polish voters, who constitute the main target audience of ESN Poland, to actively participate in the electoral process and exercise their democratic rights.

Recognizing the significance of youth engagement and active citizenship in shaping the future of democracy, ESN Poland utilised various social media platforms to disseminate key messages and foster awareness about the importance of voting. Through engaging and informative content, the campaign sought to empower young people with the knowledge and motivation to make informed decisions and contribute to the democratic process. By leveraging social media platforms, developing informative resources, and engaging local communities, ESN Poland successfully mobilised young Polish voters to exercise their civic rights and contribute to the democratic process. Through collective action and civic engagement, ESN Poland continues to advocate for a more inclusive, participatory, and democratic society.

Embracing Differences, Building Unity showcased diverse mobility experiences, promoting cultural understanding, and breaking stereotypes. Engaging videos on education, language exchange, and tolerance were intended to resonate globally among mobile youth, fostering active citizenship, a sense of community, and unity in diversity, creating a platform for positive dialogue. The series of videos was intended to raise awareness among the target audience about volunteering, inclusivity, and tolerance by presenting the positive impact of volunteering and education in the lives of people from various backgrounds and breaking stereotypes along the way. The campaign encourages viewers to consider participating in international programs, promoting personal growth, and contributing to positive societal changes.

The campaign increases the visibility of the organisation and what we stand for, and it puts ESN Croatia on the map as an advocate for tolerance, intercultural exchange, and positive societal change. The campaign not only showcased the transformative impact of mobility but also sparked meaningful conversations on tolerance and education.

Evaluation team:
• Sarah Expósito, Communication Committee Main Chair of ESN
• Giuseppe Mansella, Communication Committee Member of ESN
• Lidia González, Communication Committee Member of ESN

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Training Award

The "Beyond Biases - intercultural understanding between local and international youth" initiative in Latvia addresses the prevalent social stigma against foreigners hindering meaningful connections. In response to the challenge of ingrained biases, the initiative strategically immerses young adults in unfamiliar yet secure environments, guided by experienced trainers. By fostering diverse communities united by a shared purpose, participants engage in collaborative activities and open dialogues, dismantling the walls of prejudice that impede intercultural understanding. Through this transformative journey, participants gain insights, empathy, and skills to bridge cultural divides, inspiring them to actively contribute to the European stage. The initiative aims to replace social stigma with a culture of acceptance, collaboration, and shared growth, laying the foundation for a more inclusive society in Latvia and beyond. Ultimately, by challenging biases and promoting mutual respect, the initiative contributes to shaping a future where young adults play integral roles in the European Union.

The National Training is an annual training event organised by ESN Croatia in order to create a bond between the local volunteers, develop some soft and hard skills, and learn about different aspects of ESN. The 2023 edition is the 6th edition of the National Training, and it was thematically organised on the topic of the EU and its institutions. An invitation to attend was also extended to our neighbouring countries, so we had ESN volunteers from 5 different countries present at the event.

The aim of the event was to empower volunteers to advocate for local and international students' rights, enhance knowledge about EU institutions, boost youth engagement for the 2024 European Parliament election, and improve their capacity to design impactful activities for societal benefit on both local and national levels. Members also developed foundational soft and hard skills (and learned to identify them), focusing on advocacy, event and project management, and media literacy.

Erasmus Student Network Azerbaijan organised the "Training and Resources for Universities to Strengthen Transnational Partnerships” (TRUST) training project for international relations officers of universities in Baku, which lasted for 3 days from September 11th until September 13th, 2023. During the event, 35 international relations officers come together from the various universities across Azerbaijan to receive training on Erasmus + International Credit Mobility, Capacity Building in Higher Education, Jean Monnet Actions, EMJMD projects, etc. The project sought to empower them to actively and effectively engage in various internationalisation activities within and beyond the Erasmus+ program.

Objectives: Enhance Capacity: Promote Engagement in Erasmus+ Activities, Develop Specific Skills, Ensure Effective Management, and Proposal Writing. The TRUST project secured funding through a grant provided by the Erasmus+ Students and Alumni Alliance (ESAA).The TRUST project involved collaboration with several key partners, including ESN Georgia, the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the National Erasmus+ Office in Azerbaijan.

Held between October 27 and 29, 2023, MentorCamp brought together over 130 participants in a dynamic and engaging weekend aimed at fostering personal and professional growth within the ESN community. MentorCamp was designed as a comprehensive experience, providing participants with a deep dive into the structure, mission, vision, and causes of ESN. Through a series of workshops, team-building activities, and insightful sessions, participants not only gained a thorough understanding of ESN but also developed crucial skills for their roles within the organisation.

The 'Beyond Being a Mentor' session was a highlight, introducing participants to various positions within ESN and inspiring them to take on more responsibilities. This strategic approach to leadership development aimed to empower individuals to contribute actively to the organisation's mission and vision. MentorCamp addressed a broad spectrum of skills through diverse workshops such as event planning, elevator pitching, how to CV, stereotypes, culture shock, team cohesion, and how to prevent burnout. The inclusion of a Climate Fresk workshop, led by a certified facilitator, aligned with ESN's commitment to environmental sustainability.

The philosophy behind the training program of ESN Romania was to provide learning opportunities to the volunteers of our national organisation. We believe that human resources hold the key to any goal or achievement, and thus it is of utmost importance to empower them by creating a learning environment where they can develop their competences and expand their knowledge, skills, and attitude. This will allow them to perform well not only on their mandates and daily tasks but also in their lives outside of our network.

To achieve these, the following training initiatives were organised or created: Training the Local Boards’; National Induction Day; National Training Event; Local Boards’ Needs Assessment Form; Competences Assessment Form. The training events that were implemented by ESN Romania during the academic year 2022-2023 aimed to fulfil the objectives of the training program. Each training event had a different scope based on the needs of the addressed target group.

Evaluation team:
• Hanna-Barbara Dobra, Training & Activities Community Manager of ESN
• Christie Dear, WEP Training Coordinator of ESN
• Flora Szabo, NEP Training Coordinator of ESN

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Safety Award

Earthquake Simulation Training is the second part of the training we organise every year within the scope of security, which we started last year. Last year, we gave first aid training within the same scope. The reason why we are doing this in the field of earthquakes this year is that Turkey is a country with many active fault lines. Unfortunately, we may face an earthquake disaster at any moment, and we need to take various precautions. An example of this is the Hatay earthquake that occurred in our country on February 6, 2023. As a result of our research, we contacted the Earthquake Simulation Center and organised an experiential two and a half-hour training event. These trainings are usually given by seismology experts, disaster management experts, and rescue teams. We received training from Mr. Evren, who has been trained in this field, has taken part in earthquakes, and has worked for AKUT (Search and Rescue Association) in Turkey. We carried out the training at the earthquake simulation centres in Istanbul belonging to the Istanbul Başakşehir Municipality. We had to limit the number of participants as the institution we cooperated with allowed a maximum of 15 people to participate.

We created a booklet titled "Safe and Informed: A Guide to Sex Education and HIV Protection." The booklet aims to explain how to prevent STIs, including HIV, and explores the landscape of sexual consent. Our goal is to reach Erasmus students and assure them that they are not alone in this journey. Additionally, we provide information on where to find help in Istanbul, catering to both locals and non-locals alike. Continuing on this journey, we organised a panel discussion titled "Sex Education and HIV Protection" featuring Simay Yilmaz. In this engaging exploration of sex education and HIV protection, participants came together for an insightful online panel with the esteemed CBT psychologist, Simay Yilmaz. The event took place on December 4th at 7:30 p.m. and has left a lasting impact on those who joined this explorative venture.

The most impactful aspect of this project was the feedback from students, who expressed that they had never encountered anyone or any organisation providing information on this subject before. We produced 350 booklets for each event, emphasising their distribution. At every gathering, we highlighted the importance of the information to both volunteers and students.

The event consisted of an interactive presentation mixed with a workshop in order to give everyone the possibility to actively contribute to the subject. We organised it in collaboration with the Anti-Violence Center of our city because, since we're not experts on the sensitive subject, we needed help while treating it. The main goal of the event was to raise awareness among both exchange students and volunteers about the theme of consent in relationships. Also, we wanted to create a safe and peaceful atmosphere in which everyone could share experiences or just increase their awareness of the theme, guided by an expert who could give answers or suggestions in order to approach the subject in a respectful manner.

The activity has been perceived as what we wanted at the beginning: an occasion to improve our knowledge and to start a dialogue between young people about a very important subject that is now more and more the subject of discussion. Also, the trainer really appreciated the dialogue the whole group created, and she gave her availability for another event like this one, contributing to maintaining collaboration between us and the Center.

Evaluation team:
• Clíodhna Peters, Arbitration Board Main Arbitrator of ESN
• Dražen Vidaković, Arbitration Board Legal Expert of ESN
• Andy Mahfouz, Arbitration Board Secretary of ESN

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