The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is preparing to launch a new edition of the Social Inclusion Days, an initiative that aims to advocate for inclusive mobility programs, through activities that bring together international students and members of local communities, in more than 42 countries.
The Social Inclusion Days will take place between the 6th and the 20th of April 2021. During these two weeks, more than 500 local associations of ESN will organize activities and campaigns that promote the integration of international students into the local communities and vice-versa. With this initiative, international students will have opportunities to better understand their host communities and become aware of their issues; to work together with the volunteers on boosting the social inclusiveness of these communities; to spread awareness on social causes and to have a tangible impact, while increasing their sense of solidarity at the same time.
Due to the pandemic, this edition of the Social Inclusion Days will have a strong digital focus. Through online activities and campaigns, ESN aims to get people’s minds in motion around different topics, keeping them engaged, but safe at the same time.
The activities organized under the umbrella of the Social Inclusion Days will enable international students across Europe to have a social impact within the communities that host them, and the campaigns will provide them with information on how to engage with the local communities and how they function. As such, they have the chance to become active European citizens, who are aware and empathetic to societal issues, and who work together towards a better and inclusive future. This active and engaged attitude toward society is the driving force that will enable the Erasmus Generation to change the world.
“Now more than ever we have to show great solidarity with each other and contribute to the improvement of our society. With the Social Inclusion Days, we aim to mobilize thousands of international students across Europe and engage them in meaningful volunteering activities in their local communities.”
Kostis Giannidis, President of the Erasmus Student Network
Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is one of the biggest student associations in Europe. Present at over 1000 Higher Education Institutions, it unites over 530 local associations in 42 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 student exchange from different levels and providing an intercultural experience.