About ESN Portugal

The Erasmus Student Network Portugal, commonly known as ESN Portugal, is a non-profit organization that is part of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), the largest student organization in Europe, recognized and supported by the European Commission.

ESN Portugal has more than 500 young volunteers and works towards creating a more mobile and flexible educational environment, supporting and developing youth exchanges at different levels and providing guidance to around 14,000 participants in mobility programs in Portugal.

It develops recreational, cultural, social, sports, and civic activities under specific causes such as environmental sustainability, social inclusion, health and well-being, culture, employability, education, and youth.

The purpose of these activities is to facilitate the integration of international students into local communities, providing support whenever needed, with the aim of ensuring the best possible mobility experience. At the same time, ESN Portugal provides an intercultural experience for those who cannot access a period abroad (“internationalization at home”) and plays a key role in the reintegration of students returning from their mobility period.

National Presence

ESN Portugal was legally registered in 2009 and is present in 14 Portuguese cities through 13 sections, with the support of the Erasmus+ National Agency for Education and Training.

ESN Algarve ESN Aveiro ESN Açores ESN Castelo Branco ESN Coimbra ESN Covilhã ESN Évora ESN Lisbon ESN Minho ESN Porto ESN Tomar ESN UTAD

Mission

Enrichment of society through international students.

Vision

“By 2025, ESN will be the global network of the Erasmus Generation, committed to improving international education and providing self-development opportunities to two million young people.”

Our Objectives

In summary, ESN:

  • Works in the interest of international students
  • Improves social and practical integration
  • Represents students’ needs and rights
  • Provides information about mobility programs
  • Motivates students to study abroad
  • Supports the reintegration of returning students
  • Improves accessibility to student mobility
  • Takes care of its members
  • Values volunteering and active citizenship

Values

Unity in diversity, diversity in unity:
We have different backgrounds, but we share a common goal.
Students helping students:
We are passionately committed to volunteering for the benefit of others.
Fun in friendship and respect:
We enjoy relationships based on respect.
International dimension of life:
We are open-minded, mobile, and enjoy discovering, exploring, and breaking boundaries.
Love for Europe as an area of peace:
We live and benefit fully from Europe’s cultural richness.
Openness with tolerance:
We understand and accept others and learn from them.
Cooperation in integration:
We share a holistic vision of internationalization.

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