Students from various EU countries, including Belgium, are coming together to discuss the future of the Erasmus exchange scheme.
The Erasmus+ scheme is the European Union’s official funding programme for education, training, youth, and sport.
It is widely considered one of the European Union’s most successful and impactful initiatives, having supported over 16 million participants since it began in 1987
From just 3,200 students across 11 countries in 1987, the programme has grown to support over 1.5 million mobility participants annually
Evolving into Erasmus+, it now covers not only higher education but also vocational training, school education, adult learning, youth work, and sports.
Students from across the EU will gather in in Braunschweig, Germany, from 15 to 18 October to attend the Western European Platform (WEP), an event which aims to give student volunteers opportunities to exchange knowledge, develop skills and contribute to the future of the Erasmus network.
The event will include representatives from the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) in Belgium.
Under this year’s theme, “World Wide WEP,” 150 volunteers from Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Germany, Liechtenstein, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Switzerland will gather in Germany this week to share knowledge, discuss common challenges and exchange ideas.
The programme includes plenary sessions, training workshops, Meet Your Colleagues meetings and Expertise Hubs.
These activities give participants the opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another and discuss how they can apply new ideas within their own national networks.
Through these discussions, students can contribute to the development of ESN across different countries and bring new knowledge and ideas back to their local communities.
Inés Godoy Monzón, Communication Manager of ESN Belgium, said,“I’m excited to see new volunteers step onto the international stage. WEP is an amazing opportunity to learn and understand how local actions can impact a much bigger picture.”
On October 10 and 11, around 70 participants from 16 Belgian sections came together in Liège for the first Big National Platform (BNP) of the academic year.
Organised three times a year, the BNP gives local sections and national representatives the opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss priorities and make decisions that shape the future of ESN Belgium.
Participants took part in workshops and discussions on topics including the three-year strategy, committees and international developments.
Monzón said, “The first BNP is always one of the most exciting moments. Seeing volunteers come together, share experiences and learn from each other shows the importance of building a strong community.”
Guided by its mission of “Enrichment of society through international students,” ESN promotes education and mobility by creating opportunities for students to learn from different cultures, share experiences and contribute to a more inclusive and connected society.
The Network is the largest student association in Europe, with its roots in Ghent, Belgium, and its international headquarters in Brussels.
The organisation operates at local, national and international levels, supporting international students and promoting mobility, health and well-being, cultural exchange, and student involvement, as well as boosting employability and skills.
