Welcome to the first blog post in our new series: ‘Spotlight on the ESN!‘ Our first contribution is from President of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) at Queen Mary, Caitlin Evans, who would like to introduce you to the ESN and how you can get involved!

What is ESN?

When you arrive at your study abroad uni and need to make a friend?
That’s ESN

When you come back from studying abroad and miss the diversity of cultures?
That’s ESN

When you want to go to the most unique nightclubs in the city at a discounted rate?
That’s ESN

When you don’t know which uni building your class is in?
That’s ESN

When you want to help others make the most of their study abroad?
That’s ESN

How does ESN operate?

Erasmus Student Network (ESN) looks a little different in every active country, but it always has the same principles at heart; promoting study abroad, supporting students on their exchanges, and reintegrating homecoming students.

The network runs on three levels:

• Local: Most sections operate within Higher Education Institutions (Our section represents students at QMUL, if you haven’t already guessed that!)
• National: ESN UK works to unify all the uni sections within the UK, arranging collaboration events and trips.
• International: ESN is active in 42 countries, offering services to around 350,000 international students each year. 

Who runs the Queen Mary section?

ESN QMUL runs like any other Queen Mary society — we work under the guidance of the Student’s Union, have an elected committee of volunteers, and offer welfare support as well as arranging socials and events!

Our current 2020/21 committee consists of:

President – Caitlin
Vice President Welfare – Emily S.
Treasurer – Yara
Communications – Emily M.
Events – Harriet
Local Representative – Brendan

Each member of the committee has experience in being an international student, and this is what drives the work we do with ESN QMUL. We know what it feels like to arrive in a totally new country knowing no one, and we also know how to make the most of every second of it! We are passionate about using our experience for the benefit of those going through the exact same thing, and we want every student to have the best experience possible.

If you are wanting to volunteer and add excellent skills/experience to your CV, you can apply for next year’s committee before the 14^th March 2021 or message our socials for more info! Interest form: https://forms.gle/JFBQbykNsrp6TFGJ9
Applications are open to Queen Mary students who will be on campus during the 2021/22 academic year.

What do members get?

• Access to all our section’s socials and cultural events (such as bowling nights, pub crawls, games nights, film nights, parties, language café meetings)
• Access to all of ESN UK’s events (such as trips around the UK)
• Fortnightly welfare drop-in hour for any chats or questions
• Option to join our 1-1 Buddy system
• ESN Card (which gets you great discounts at many local and international companies)
• A dedicated Committee to count on for whatever support you need (social, academic, practical integration)
• Opportunity to meet like-minded people from countries all over the world!
• Encouragement to engage in fund-raising campaigns

What are the ESN Causes?

ESN is driven by six core causes, which are at the heart of all our events and campaigns. If you’re passionate about any of these causes, you can reach out to us and get involved with our support, as well as awareness and fund raising initiatives!

Culture
Social Inclusion
Environmental Sustainability
Education and Youth
Skills and Employability
Health and Wellbeing

Where can I get involved?

You don’t have to be involved in an Erasmus program to join. As long as you have a past, present, or future interest in Study Abroad then we have something for you! Whether you want to reap up the benefits, get involved behind the scenes, or are just curious in finding out more, you’re more than welcome to message us on any of our below social media accounts. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Instagram: @esn_qmul
Facebook: ESN QMUL
Email: erasmusstudentnetwork@qmsu.org

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