eXpress13 by Erasmus Student Network AISBL

Read about:

25th anniversary of Erasmus Ride for your Rights The history of ESN Organising AGM Granada

13th Edition Spring 2012

Now & Then Erasmus - changing lives, opening minds for 25 years

ESN COUNTRIES

ESN ROMANIA ESN SLOVAKIA

Editor in Chief Josefin Svensson Leo Smith Text and Photo Vincent Janiak Caroline Morand Katja Krohn Marco La Rosa Leo Smith Keti Zukakishvili Veeli Oeselg Joachim Wyssling Klemen Vovsek Remo Ughini Hendrik Schraa Davide Capecchi Giorgio Marinoni Josefin Svensson Vassiliki Sioziou Alicia Sanchez Hernandez Magda Porazinska JirkaMatoušek Mirko Hajnos, Mirka Svabova, Julia Marcincinova Jarka Krutakova Olina Hakalova Adam Kaiser Maroš Korman ESN Uni Wien ESN ASE Foggia Alina Osmakova I*ESN Tilburg Oana Irofte Nicoleta Popa Anca Oanea Adela Rujan Isabela Damoc Monica Magaon Ana Maria Croitoru Ioana Frânciuc Julian Walkowiak Johannes Trommer Language editor: Leo Smith Design: Josefin Svensson

Dear reader, 2012 brings many new things for ESN and every ESNer. On New Year ’s Eve many people start to think about the past and reflect on their achievements and mistakes throughout the previous year and they make resolutions how to make it better during the next year. So what should be the resolutions for the Erasmus Student Network for 2012? First of all, continue the amazing work the sections are doing on the local level and help and support international students. Second, become an even stronger network by working together and supporting each other wherever we can. Third, celebrate the amazing programme, which brought us all together and the reason why we exist. The Erasmus programme celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2012, but of course that cannot be considered old. In the beginning, only a few students dared themselves to go to another country and study there, although many things were unclear, unorganised and the students had to help themselves as no one was really prepared what was to come. ESN was born out of the student’s need of support from other students, studying at the same Higher Education Institution and the wish for better integration. Throughout the upcoming years the Erasmus programme and also ESN developed and became more professional, organised and well known. Today almost three million students have been abroad with the Erasmus programme and ESN is taking care of around 150.000 exchange students per year and has grown to almost 400 sections. The Annual General Meeting of our 400 sections will take place in Granada, Spain, exactly 10 years after the first AGM in Spain in Lugo in 2002. ESN had 159 sections in 22 countries at this time and it is great to see the growth in the network and the huge numbers of enthusiastic ESNers we have now. For me it is even greater to be in Spain for the AGM, as Spain is also the place where my ESN journey began. I was Erasmus in Oviedo, Spain in 2007 and joined ESN after I came back to Germany and since then the feeling of belonging to a group with the same mindset and aims never left me. I never imagined that ESN would have such an influenceon my life and made it even possible for me to be the Erasmus ambassador of Germany for 2012. I am proud to see that it has the same impact on other lives as well and that ESN has more ambassadors representing the great stories of the programme and the impact in Europe. I want to thank the Erasmus pioneers for having the courage to start all of this 25 years ago, all the students in the past years who brought the programme to the current point and I want to encourage all the current Erasmus students to shape the programme, Europe and the future by enjoying what the world can offer you and share your stories with everyone else. It might influence your life even more than you can imagine at the moment. Enjoy reading the magazine and who knows, you might be in here, telling your story sooner than you think. Katja Krohn Vice President ESN AISBL

TABLE OF CONTENTS Alumni

Ride for your Rights

Campus Europae

SHOW YOUR COUNTRY! 8

20 Romania

Slovakia ESN SLOVAKIA

ESN ROMANIA

HALLOWEEN MANIA IN ROMANIA

DUMPLINGS COMPETITION

ESN BRASOV

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS DAY 3

ESN IASI

SADDLE WITHOUT THE HORSE

ESN TIMISOARA

ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL

ESN UNIBUC

ESN CLUJ-NAPOCA

Now & Then ONCE UPON A TIME...

EXCHANGE YOUR LANGUAGE!

BE PROUD OF YOUR WORK IN ESN

GEORGIAN: ძალა ერთობაშია

ENGLISH: STRENGTH IN UNITY

SPANISH: LA ORGANIZACIÓN DE AGM GRANADA

ENGLISH: ORGANISING AGM GRANADA

ERASMUS CHANGED MY LIFE

ERASMUS PORTRAIT: JOHANNES GEHRINGER

ERASMUS PORTRAIT: IRIS HORNMANN

PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE

WHAT ESN DID TO MY LIFE

SECTIONS IN THE SPOTLIGHT ESN UNI WIEN

INTERNATIONAL! NEW YORKER

ESN A.S.E. FOGGIA

I*ESN TILBURG

ERASMUS – CHANGING LIVES, OPENING MINDS FOR 25 YEARS

RECIPE

Now & Then

Once upon a time...

Well, our brave students said “Yes!” by: Marco La Rosa

Once upon a time… so many magical tales begin with this sentence and the story of ESN is a bit magical. The tale will tell us about a few heroic and brave students that, hungry of multiculturalism, took their journey in a mysterious world called ErasmusSocrates. It is always difficult to write something about history, I mean, where should I start? Starting from the beginning as always is boring so, why don’t we start from now? Have you been in Erasmus? (yes, you reader, I’m talking to you!) Nowadays almost all the students know the word Erasmus and somewhat what it had to do with. Not surprisingly, among the people who went on an exchange

1989

First meeting among 32 Erasmus students and the Erasmus Bureau (European Commission).

many also know what ESN is. That is because the Erasmus moves over 200,000 students every year and ESN has more than 390 sections in Universities over Europe. Now, imagine being a student in 1987 and your Professor tells you “Hey! You know, there is this programme through which you can go on exchange, most probably you won’t have any assurance that your exams will be recognized once you come back and to cover your expenses you will receive 45€ (of course in the currency of the country) per month and if you have any questions, I’m not sure I can give you the information. Are you interested?” – What’s your answer?

In another country, with a different currency, a group of people working at something called the European Commission said “hey, look! There are people that joined the ErasmusSocrates programme!”. The group of people assumed that the programme could be empowered by the same people that experienced it. So in 1989 some of the first Erasmus students (32 of them) were invited to Ghent and met the Erasmus Bureau of the Commission – the first brick of Erasmus Student Network was laid. Let’s go back to Europe, 2012. How many incoming/outgoing students are there at your University? In mine there are around 1000 outgoing and almost as many incoming every year. You know what? In 1990 there were

2005

1994

Ding! 60 sections in 14 countries.

1990

The Board moves to Brussels, we have an office! ESNSurvey Project was launched for the first time.

2004

ESN is officially founded in Copenhagen, 49 participants present. Desiree Majoor is elected first President of ESN.

Ding! 170 sections. ESNCard Project was launched.

Did you know? Already on 16th of October 1989, the first section using the name Erasmus Student Network, was founded in Utrecht, The Netherlands. This is the day we celebrate as ESN‘s birthday

First logo of ESN

Current Logo of ESN

Did you know that there is a manual to guide you in how to use it correctly?

2006

New Corporate I Vision, Mission a

Now & Then

In 1990 ESN was officially founded in Copenhagen, Denmark. Desiree Majoor from ESN Utrecht, The Netherlands was the first elected President of ESN. At that “AGM” there were 49 people presents, but hey… did you know that at the AGM 2012 in Granada there are almost 600 participants? Since 1990 many things changed, we did not only grow in number of sections, but we rose the quality and the range of opportunities offered to exchange students. We don’t talk only about “Erasmus students”, but about “Exchange students”. We work on the national and international level to make the Erasmus programme

2007

Ding! 250 sections. ESN Satellite and Galaxy launched along with eXpress Magazine and Newsletter.

Identity and new and Values of ESN.

2009

better providing feedback and analysis (think about Survey and PRIME) to the European stakeholders. Quiz time! ….eh no! For the quiz time you will have to wait the AGM! You didn’t know? There will be a session organized about the history of ESN!

AGM Budapest 20 11

4-6 per year. There was no International Relations Office or a Transcript of Records. Think how many things has changed! And the same happened to ESN!

History Book 1989-2011

2012

2010

PRIME 2010 study launched.

ExchangeAbility project was launched. PRIME 2009 Project. 20 years of ESN <3

closing in on 400 sections... what will happen next? Will you make history?

2011

Ding! 364 sections. Visual Identity Manual adopted and SocialErasmus Project launched as flagship.

There is so m our h istory uch to say … so 100+ p much about a th creat ges Histor y Boo at a ed an d will k was very soon! be re Stay tuned leased !

SITS/Partners

Section in the Spotlight: January ESN Uni Wien by ESN Uni Wien ESN Uni Wien at the University of Vienna is not only the oldest but also the biggest section in Austria. Today, this section is one of seven sections located in the heart of the beautiful city of Vienna and cooperates on a regular base with the other lovely Viennese section in matters of joint parties, trips and weekly events.

The core team of ESN Uni Wien consists of ten elected members in charge of different tasks. This board’s work is supported by a team of 40 active members who organize and conduct events, trips and two intense orientation weeks at the beginning of each semester. In order to maintain a good team spirit the section regularly organizes team meetings and teambuilding events and weekends. As an international student at the University of Vienna you are offered two Orientation Weeks for a starter. During these two weeks ESN Uni Wien organizes tours, events and parties to introduce the city, it’s lifestyle and all the possibilities within ESN to the students: UN headquarters, Austrian parliament, beer breweries, chocolate factories, city tours, evenings at the ‘Heuriger’

NewYorker and ESN by NewYorker With more than 910 stores in 32 countries New Yorker belongs to one of the leading young fashion companies in Europe, offering its target audience a constantly updated and fashionable collection at attractive prices. The focus of the range is young fashion, jeans, sportswear and streetwear for a trend-conscious target group of 12 - 39 year olds – supplemented by a wide range of accessories and underwear. Since opening its first branch in 1971, New Yorker has never looked back.

By making investing strategically into the future, it has not only created new jobs, but also developed into an international clothing company, operating in today 32 countries. A staff of over 15,000 serves more than 26.8 million customers each month all over Europe. Taking responsibility towards society is an integral part of the corporate culture at New Yorker. In addition to providing funds and donations in kind for cultural and sporting events, New Yorker also supports and initiates numerous social projects as well as school

and a broad range of parties providing the introduction to the very Viennese atmosphere. In addition to this, we also invite our students to get to know surrounding places abroad and take them on trips to Bratislava, Prague, Budapest and Cracow. ESN Uni Wien is actively co-organizing national events such as the Summer Event in Carinthia and the national Skiing and Snowboard trips. On occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Erasmus program it‘s once again ESN Uni Wien setting the ball rolling for some amazing events in May 2012 with guests from ESN Bratislava and ESN Nitra. ESN Uni Wien is of course much more than just party. The section also organizes dancing and yoga lessons, flea markets, BBQs along the Danube, trea planting events and many more! They also cooperate with the Red Cross to organize blood donation events. No time to be bored as an International Student at Uni Wien! You’re always welcome to visit us!

collaborations – primarily aimed at giving the young generation a direction in life. The cooperation with ESN is also part of this engagement. Silvia Lange, Head of Marketing at New Yorker: “We are very proud to have this cooperation for the very first time. We will take active part in this cooperation and provide interesting and exciting projects for students. Furthermore New Yorker, as an international employer, has interesting job offers in several divisions.”

Now & Then

Now & Then: Be proud of your work in ESN! by Davide Capecchi Working for ESN had truly exchanged my life. I started my ESN life quite late, at twenty-six, in Milan. President of section, National Representative, President: it all came in a wave, from the first meetings with ESN Milano Statale to Rue de Trone 98, in Brussels. Three years run, normally, swiftly. Not those. They were dense of experiences, challenges, growth.

While serving as President of ESN I attended an MBA course for executives. I learnt about strategic planning, project management, accounting, cross-cultural management; being able to match these theoretical inputs with concrete implementation through ESN was a furtunate combination, that I recommend to all ESNrs.

As a President of local section, I had to motivate volunteers; to draft a budget and run activities, but first and foremost, to figure how to raise the profile of the organisation while recruiting new volunteers and communicating our work positively and effectively, responsibly taking initiatives and with pragmatism.

Many things, and all beautiful, happened to ESN and to me during those - by some extents â&#x20AC;&#x201C; exceptional, revolutionary years 2005-2007. After the end of my second mandate, I have been immediately hired by ERYICA, the European Youth Information and Counselling Agency, as its Director. I have worked now for five years in this capacity, in close cooperation with national governments and local administrators, NGOs, the European Commission and the Council of Europe. I can now value my work with ESN with a broader perspective.

www.newyorker.eu

As National Representative for Italy, I understood the meaning of supervising and supporting, along with how to positively influence decision-making processes, taking into account at once the general interest of ESN and the special needs of ESN Italy.

ESNrs have leadership, entrepreneurship, curiosity; they are flexible, social, open-minded; they speak fluently at least two languages, more often three or more, in addition to their own; they are adaptable, independent, energetic, innovative, up-to-date; effective, productive, pragmatic and non-ideological. These quality are rare to found at once (as a recruiter I can testify it) and very much sought for. Be proud of your work for ESN and go ahead with it!

Show your Country

Passport Slovakia - The heart of Europe by Mirko Hajnos, Mirka Svabova, Julia Marcincinova Myths about the exact centre of Europe are about to be busted! The heart of Europe is to be found only in a small beautiful country called Slovakia. Little Big Country Slovakia has the right to call itself the heart of Europe as to the size and hospitality of the people. The cultural heritage contains not only folklore traditions but also over 200 castles, chateaus, and manor houses. One of the castles, Spiš Castle, is considered the largest one in Central Europe as to the size. Lovers of nature will feel like in the seventh heaven; wandering through untouched natural parks, discovering caves, and climbing ice waterfalls in Slovak Paradise are very popular activities. The national pride of Slovaks, mountains High Tatras (Vysoké Tatry), is to be found on every postcard and photo. Wonderful thing about our nature is that you will never be thirsty! Yeah, we have lots of mineral springs that can heal body and soul and even more. If water is what you are searching for, you should visit Slovakia and try its special kind used for toasting before eating called SLIVOVICA; it is a special plum distillate. While toasting we use

the expression “na zdravie” because we believe in its healing powers – wine for a heart, beer for a stomach, strong distillate to kill germs in your body. In order not to offend the host you should never refuse to taste if you do not have a fairly good reason for it. Slovak cuisine is generally rich; sausages, sauerkraut, and sheep cheese will give you energy during the hard working day. The most important meal of the day (at midday) starts typically with a soup, we are indeed crazy about them; chicken, pea, lentil, bean, leek, tomato, cauliflower, broccoli, egg... thousand kinds of them. Getting up early in the morning is something that we are good at; therefore, we prefer lighter supper at 6 or 7 pm at the latest. And finally, the most unique delicacy of our cuisine is made out of sheep milk and is called BRYNDZA, once you try it, you’ll love it! Slovakia is not just Little Big Country; it is also the Hockey Republic. Gold medal from Ice Hockey Championship 2002 in Gothenburg, Sweden proves the quality of our team. Many Slovak players are regularly part of NHL teams;

Capital Bratislava Language Slovak Currency Euro (since 2009) Area 49 035 km2 Government Parliamentary republic EU Member Since 2004

we were also honoured to host Ice Hockey Championship 2011 in Slovakia. Very special tradition is kept during Easter; on Easter Monday boys pour water on girls. However strange it may sounds, it is true. Boys even get a reward for assuring that the girl will be healthy during the following year in a form of a chocolate egg. As to continue in a Slovak tradition, “na zdravie” guys!

Show your Country

ESN Slovakia

http://www.esn.sk does not have to be boring and monohttp://www.facebook.com/ESNSlovakia tonous because non-formal education

- Space for Education by Mirko Hajnos, Mirka Svabova, Julia Marcincinova Education is a very important attribute in today’s society and we are beginning to realize it more often than ever. Modern education is based on three fundamental pillars. The first pillar is a formal academic education provided by universities and colleges. The second pillar is represented by exchange mobilities, which allow students to experience international environment and give opportunities to work and study in

officially joined ESN with the first ESN section in Slovakia being ESN EUBA. However, the history of National Board started in 2010. At the moment, Slovakia has ten sections and one candidate section; sections cooperate together and help Erasmus students in every region of Slovakia. The year 2011 was crucial for further development of ESN Slovakia; it was the year when the first pillar of education took the priority in our agenda. During the Slovak National Platform in January 2011 in Banská Bystrica, ESN Slovakia signed a memorandum of cooperation and support with the Student Council for Higher Education of Slovak Republic. Moreover, the communication with the coordinators of Youth in Action programme and with the National Agency of Lifelong Learning started to be on the top level.

a foreign country with different culture in the European Union. The last third pillar covers non-formal education, which is very important for the career and personal development. ESN Slovakia offers mainly the third pillar of education.

During the summer semester of 2011 ESN Slovakia organized the 3rd volume of national event called International Student Days. Every year the organization of ISD is in the hands of different section, in 2011 it belonged to ESN UPJŠ Košice. Moreover, four new sections joined ESN in autumn of 2011, ESN PEU Bratislava, ESN VSEMVS Bratislava, ESN UKF Nitra, ESN UNIPO Prešov. ESN Slovakia covers more than 60 percent of foreign students in Slovakia, thanks to the intensive and positive relationship with the Student Council for Higher Education of SR.

The founding members of ESN Slovakia were Miroslav Radič and Martin Soták, students of the University of Economics in Bratislava. In 2004, they

Projects for the upcoming year, 2012, are focused mainly on education with non-formal elements. We want to present an education in its several forms; it

leads to perfect concept of education. Together with the National Agency we are preparing for the grandest project in our history, Erasmus Educational Route, in order to celebrate 25th anniversary of Erasmus. The project will concentrate on different aspects of education. From January on, Panel Discussion will take place with influential persons in the area of education on our universities. Furthermore, May will be very important for our development as it is devoted to the international SocialErasmus project focused on social responsibility, in which all sections will participate for the first time. ESN Slovakia is our space for education. For the future we are working to strengthen the cooperation between all our sections. Having 4 national platforms a year gives the idea a good start.

Link

Show your Country

Dumplings competition ESN UMB Banska Bystrica by Jarka Krutakova - Kjara, Mirka Svabova Potato dumplings, or as we say in Slovak language: Halušky, is a national Slovak meal with a secret magical ingredient. Would you like to know what it is? Come here and taste/Keep on reading.

them; Erasmus students - because they learned to cook a new dish, and our doorman as he took the honor to be the judge in the dumpling competition, so he got the chance to taste all of them.

ESN UMB in Banska Bystrica is passionate about sharing our culture and spirit with international students, therefore each semester a few Erasmus students are chosen to become Halušky masters - not just like passive eaters, but cooks as well.

What is the special ingredient then? Follow the instructions below

At this time, our dormitory changes into a cooking school and the magic ingredient is revealed. If you were walking around dormitory this year in November, you would see four international teams equipped with a paper with a recipe, all essential ingredients and a professional dumpling advisor (pure blooded Slovak buddy). The tasks for the teams were clear: Cook dumplings as fast as possible; Make the most delicious dumplings; and Eat dumplings like a Slovak (as fast as possible). Dumplings (Halušky) is a simple meal, but preparation can be tough sometimes. You must be always careful with the secret ingredient. (Un)surprisingly, all three categories were won by the same team this year which was made purely of Polish students. Maybe the fact, that they are our neighbors, has something to do with their great halušky cooking skills. ;) As a result, everyone was highly satisfied and delighted: Slovak buddies - because they ate dumplings without preparing

Recipe Ingredients: potatoes, flour, egg, salt, bacon and most important secret magic ingredient - BRYNDZA (special Slovak sheep cheese) 1. Peel the potatoes and shred them finely. 2. Add flour and one egg. Make a dough that is not too dense but not too watery. You may use more or less flour or add a little bit of water if it is too dense. 3. Add salt. 4. Boil water with salt. 5. Use the special tool (haluškovač) to drop dumplings into the boiling water. If not having this tool, you can use normal cutting board. 6. When dumplings are done they will float on top of the water, pick them out with a strainer. 7. Add BRYNDZA (Here is one suggestion from a man living in the US, because there is no BRYNDZA except in Slovakia: 1 package of Feta Cheese and 3/4 of a pack of cream cheese, and 3-4 tbsp of milk….. Heat everything together. Keep mixing it until it starts to boil and remove from the heat. ) 8. Cut up little pieces of bacon and fry them. Serve dumplings with the cheese sauce on top and sprinkle with the fried bacon pieces.

International Student Days 3 ESN UPJŠ Kosice by Olina Hakalova, Julia Marcincinova Very special event of ESN Slovakia is a national event called International Student Days. It connects Erasmus students from all over Slovakia at one place; students enjoy the international atmosphere and share their experiences of Erasmus life in different Slovak regions. The hosting city for the summer semester of 2011 was the city of Košice. To the OC’s delight

all sections of ESN Slovakia participated in this event, bringing altogether more than 80 Erasmus students from all over Slovakia to the capital of Eastern Slovakia. Date of the event was especially planned for the period of Ice Hockey World Championship 2011 (29 April – 1 May) so the atmosphere of International Student Days was twice as international.

The event began on Friday with an official ceremony held in the main building of the Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice. The rector of the university welcomed the participants; and also the representatives of international offices from all four universities located in Košice were present. Afterwards, each participant was given a welcome pack, we all gathered for a delicious dinner in the restaurant near the main square. Right after the dinner we joined the crowd on the main square to cheer

Show your Country for Slovak national team. As a surprise, our international group was welcomed by the moderator of the show preceding the match. The atmosphere was outstanding and the fact that Slovakia won over Slovenia by 3:1 was just another reason to continue our celebration in a private lounge in one of the finest nightclubs of Košice, Ibiza club. Saturday was dedicated to a wonderful project based on ideas of SocialErasmus. The idea was to help the Zoo in Košice in their usual functioning as gardening, cleaning the cages, painting fences or simply caring for the animals. This event had a great success, such a help from students was much appreciated by all the employees of the zoo. The OC believes, that such event inspired other sections, and that the SocialErasmus spirit will be spread not only through Slovakia. After the hard work, students enjoyed deserved lunch. Moreover, at the end of the day we had the opportunity to experience the private tour in the zoo and a bob slide which is located next to it. In the evening we had another great party, this time thematic one, “school boys, school girls”. Back to school party was a great success since some students left in the early morning hours. On Sunday morning, when there was nothing harder than waking up from bed, participants enjoyed beautiful weather in Old town of Košice. They had time to explore the city where due to the celebration of 1st May many cultural events took place. Some of them were lucky to find a stand with a free goulash soup! The others listened to Slovak bands and enjoyed the last moments with people they made new friendships with. International Student Days is always a great success but vol. 3 was special thanks to implementing the idea of SocialErasmus into cultural and social activities of Erasmus students while getting to know interesting places of Slovakia. It was a pleasure for the OC to host guests from 12 countries in order to proudly present beauties of the European Capital of Culture 2013, KOŠICE.

Saddle without the horse ESN Comenius University Bratislava by Adam Kaiser Let‘s explain the name of this article straight from the beginning. During Erasmus you hear a lot of memorable bon mot´s from the students but this one was addressed by the Comenius University main coordinator of international relations on account of my section. Basically it means that we are not lacking enthusiasm but usually there are not enough participants for all trips, so that way we often ride the saddle without the actual horse. However before one event we actually have to say “no” to some Erasmus-students. It‘s regular ESN paintball battle :) Don´t take me wrong we love our foreign students but they have tendency to cause many problems on every event so we created an opportunity for a payback every semester. Some may say it´s not a sport or that it supports aggressive behavior, but for many it´s a completely new experi-

ence offering extraordinary teambuilding potential. Friendships forged by the heat of a firefight last for a very long time. We are taking all the security measures possible and till now no one has ever got hurt or complained about the idea. You may say it soothes the character of a man but girls always create around 20% of all participants. Once we even had some student soldiers with us, and I must admit we never lost a game that time. There are still some things that can be improved, like sponsorship, prizes for winners or ESN uniform. The main goal is to have fun but for next time I will call for more board members to take part, because the core value of my section is “cooperation” and here they literally have your back. To sum it up, the world out there is not for people who procrastinate, but for those who are not afraid to fight.

Show your Country/SITS

Another brick in the wall ESN Bratislava Connections by Maroš Korman Roaming around our beautiful town not so long ago, among the shiny BMWs, gallons of beer and a handful of beggars, you could find four disconnected ESN sections caring for 500 exchange students. Sad story? Sad history. Thanks to a number of dedicated active ESNers such as Janka Zbonkova, Janka Gasperova, Adam Kaiser, Katarina Jasicova, Prokop Teper and Maros Korman, we have now upgraded to a brand new variant of regional cooperation. Today, we can proudly submit, that ESN Bratislava is not just another brick in the wall. We have created a working group covering all four sections in Bratislava with its own structure, its own ideas and even its own logo. From the outside, it works as any other section. But from the inside, tremendous

effort and approximation solutions are being forged to suit the needs of our incoming students and our active members. Lacking an institutionalized form, we are working on statutes right now, populating a carefully prepared management structure and building responsible and engaged teams. We are based on division of responsibility, transparent communication and Students-helping-students approach. We maintain detached buddy system as each ESN Section primarily takes care of its own incoming students. Where it all connects are the events. Once an idea has emerged, it can be submitted to the ESN BA member and delivered to the responsible team. Be it Parties Team, Trips Team, Cross-border Team or Culture team, these people grab the

idea and develop it into a practical and working project. The first project realized was the ESN Croatia trip 2 Bratislava. Parties, Culture and Cross-border teams were engaged with the supervision of the executive board. In about a week, they managed to prepare the project and bring it to a successful end. Proving such flexibility and care in the exam terms period can be seen as the manifest of ESN Bratislava qualities and we are working hard to maintain and upgrade the level that was already set. The next steps will be finalizing the statutes, obtaining legal personality under Slovak legal order, covering the joint ideas in Bratislava region and engaging in national and international events. We are dedicated to improve our flexibility and quality and increase our readiness to respond to offers and opportunities from all the levels of the network. If successful, we are looking forward to greeting you in Bratislava on an international event in no time.

Section in the Spotlight: December ESN A.S.E. Foggia By ESN A.S.A. Foggia ESN A.S.E. FOGGIA is a small section located in the south of Italy. We number a hundred Erasmus students and our volunteers are very active, dynamic and available. Our section helps the Erasmus students during their stay in Foggia. We contact the students before they arrive and once they arrive in our city, we’re at their disposal to help them in their new adventure. We are full of ideas; we meet twice a week to plan all our events and our activities. We organize education trips throughout Italy, the students can as well participate in the biggest events of ESN ITALY. Our section organizes parties, literary appetizers, football matches and many other wonderful activities. Among many of our activities we have organized a competition called "Best Erasmus” where the Erasmus students that follow our activities during the year can get a wonderful prize. Each event is worth one or more points and the person who collects the most points wins the contest. It’s real fun as well as an effective way to stay together. We organize parties with different themes each time. It may be "sunglasses party", "happy birthday party" and many other issues, most often suggested directly by the students. We seek to promote the beauty of our city and our beautiful land (Puglia region) with trips at very low prices. Our section is growing slowly due to the efforts of volunteers in Foggia. Their seriousness allows us to work in a peaceful and stimulating place where everyone acts with one goal in mind. The goal is to do everything we can to give the students who go on “Erasmus” a unique and unforgettable experience. As we say at the end of every event: “FOLLOW ESN”.

Now & Then

Now & Then: Erasmus changed my life! by Alina Osmakova Chinese proverb says that the one who returns from the journey is not the same as he who left. Especially, if this journey is an Erasmus exchange program... My journey starts on 24th of August 2011,in Riga when me and a friend of mine are getting on the fairy boat that will take us to Stockholm. About 16 hours on the fairy boat, then about 6 hours in the bus and voilà - we are finally in Jönköping! Jönköping is amazingly beautiful city with around 89,400 inhabitants. This city is famous by the second largest lake in Sweden Vättern and by the largest international university in Sweden - Jönköping university. And probably that was the main reason why I have choose exactly this university to go to – I really wanted to see as much as possible people from different parts of the world. But back to my story… So, we are at the central station now. Little bit nervous, little bit confused. Lots of international students around. Everyone is waiting for guys from student service who are supposed to pick up us. Time passes quickly (probably Swedish organisation will always stay the best one on the world, sorry Germans) and we are already in their cars . In 5 minutes we are „delivered” to the student house where we recieve all our necessery documents and keys from our apartments. After this procedure workers of student service drive us to our dorms where we are going to

spend the best time of our life. But first hours are promising to be the most exciting and thrilling. Someone is absolutely open and ready to make new friends immediately, someone is hesitating to start a conversation first. But what is a common feature of everyone– is a some sparkling light in our eyes. Everyone is so excited about what is going on. Everyone is looking forward to spend the following semester in this lovely homeland of Ikea, Astrid Lindgren and Ingmar Bergman. It is not a secret that parties help connect people. So, our students don’t waste time making parties in non stop regime. Indeed, after a few parties everyone is feeling like a one big family. No one is anymore shy to speak English, all culture bumps are dissapeared.

discover yourself. Unfortunately, the fact is that when your are happy time is running faster than when your are sad. So, the end of the year comes very quickly as well as last goodbye parties and mingles , tears and promises to see each other again. Nowadays, geography is not anymore devided by countries and boarders but by people who have same way of thinking. All this people will meet each

the one who returns from the journey is not the same as he who left. Especially, if this journey is an Erasmus exchange program... After introduction week starts real student life – lectures, assignments, group works. However, parties will always be a main ingredient of student life as well as travelling . Still, I wouldn’t say that it is only about having fun. Everyone is different and everyone came here for different reasons: to make new contacts, to meet a love of his life, to study and work, to improve English, to live independatly , to find himself all in all. Indeed, it is a time when you can

other again in their „after Erasmus life”. Or maybe not. Anyway, the most important part is already done – all these people whom you have met touched your life and made a small revolution in your head. So, the best tip for everyone who is just planning to go for exchange: forget about who you are NOW, THEN you will be another person.

Erasmus Portrait

Erasmus Portrait: Johannes Gehringer by Leo Smith Johannes was born in Austria and from an early age due to parental influences and a natural inquisitiveness developed an interest in world politics and as he grew older his international outlook became even stronger. With a range of study interests he decided to study both computer science at TU Wien as well as French and Indo-European linguistics at Universität Wien. It was both an interest in French culture and history fostered, in part, by him backpacking around France for 4 weeks that convinced him that the opportunity to go on exchange in France was one not to be missed out. So in 1991 Johannes took the leap and headed to (in his mind the only real option) Paris to study French culture and politics for 10 months and also to improve his language skills. However, this exchange was pre-Erasmus as Austria only joined Erasmus in 1992/93 and thus was rather atypical. His move to Paris was also facilitated by the fact that Johannes had completed an industrial traineeship in Sweden just beforehand, where he had made contacts and friends with young French trainees studying in Paris, and this network offered him a chance for local integration, a first place to stay and some friendly faces upon arrival. Without a formal Erasmus programme and ESN he was somewhat of a trailblazer and the first student to participate in an exchange to his host university, the New Sorbonne in Paris, from his Romance language department at Uni Wien. Thus, Johannes had to enroll at the university in Paris just like a regular student – because the administration was initially not aware of the exchange agreement – and to head into this unfamiliar world unsupported but with great enthusiasm and interest in what this experience could bring him. He really liked the fact that he felt “just like any other student”. What made his stay a bit more comfortable was the possibility to get grant support from a variety of sources and at that time there was not much competition, so he was free to enjoy the wonders of Paris (apart from the expensive restaurants). He was lucky enough to get a

place to stay at the Austrian Cultural Institute living in a dorm overlooking the top of the Eiffel tower, but unfortunately it felt like he was living in an ‘Austrian Ghetto’ sometimes. His life in Paris as a student was an enjoyable one, where, free of learning agreements and a strict study programme he could choose courses freely as he had almost all his courses done in Vienna and could participate in sports. He had the freedom to take courses at multiple universities and ‚Grandes Ecoles‘ just for the beauty and pleasure of learning and experiencing new things. Such things gave him an overview of the higher education landscape in France and it was a useful point of reference to see how education differs in countries. There were many things that Johannes learnt, skills he gained and experiences he will never forget both inside and outside of the academic exchange he participated in. He achieved one of his main aims, to improve his French, and this was shown by his ability to write his master’s thesis almost entirely in French entitled ‘Immigration ou invasion? Le discours politique en France sur l’immigration’, for which he was also able to do extensive research in Paris and follow specific seminars. Furthermore, he learnt a lot for his French studies by benefited from the richness of the cultural and artistic offerings in the city, and by attending concerts and theatrical performances. At university, he became involved in a dancing group doing ‘contact improvisation’ dancing, a hobby that continues today. Through this year in Paris, he gained energy to study and was motivated to take part in future international internships as a result, such as an industrial placement in Zaragoza. Johannes even wrote a handbook ‘Studying in Paris’ (1993) for Austrian students studying, doing training and research in Greater Paris to provide them with information, including on Erasmus, he wished he knew when

he arrived, which in some respects makes him seem like an ESNer. In 1994 he then had the chance to study for another full year in Chicago and months later to do an internship in Washington and by this point saw how his life was taking a “progressive slide abroad”. After such formative experiences on exchange he moved to Brussels to work for the European Commission in a variety of fields of expertise including data exchange with member states for DG Agriculture and managing projects within the area of external relations, mostly with the South Mediterranean and Africa. Also, the opportunity to work with the French foreign ministry took Johannes back to his second home, Paris, where many good friends and memories still reside. And by 2007 Johannes was working in his current position of programme manager of the Erasmus Programme, yet another positive impact of his exchange experience, and contact person to ESN within the Commission. His work and life had taken him in many directions and offered him many experiences, but his belief in the value of exchange, mobility and international cooperation that had been fostered throughout his entire life meant that he could put all of these skills and experiences into practice and contribute to the development and improvement of student mobility in the Erasmus programme and of education and training in Europe.

Section in the Spotlight

Section in the Spotlight: February I*ESN Tilburg by I*ESN Tilburg Tilburg is a small city in the south of the Netherlands with a highly recommended University to which approximately 1000 international students go to each year. Compared to other cities it is not very famous for its cultural heritage and touristy places and perhaps that’s the reason why it holds one of the most active sections in the network; I*ESN Tilburg, to make sure that international students will feel at home and have the time of their lives. To achieve this goal we form a team of 6 enthusiastic board members, always dressed in bright yellow, and are supported by our 40 mentors (for exchange students) and 35 buddies (for degree seeking students). Since on average we have 4 to 5 very diverse activities each week, we also have more than 10 committees to help us out. These committees consist of both Dutch as international students. A key factor in the success of our section is the weekly dinner that attracts 150-200 students every time. It once again proves that food & drinks bring people together, no matter where you’re from!

nage everything ourselves from buying the drinks to maintenance to security and we have a lot of bar volunteers (also international students) to help us serving the drinks during activities and parties. Because of municipality regulations we can only let official members into Carpe Diem and a limited number of guests. It’s the main reason that we already surpassed the 500 members this year! In Carpe Diem we can hold weekly theme parties & drinks, pub quizzes, bingo nights, movie nights, poker nights and we are able to watch live sports like the Superbowl or rugby and soccer matches. Having an own bar creates many opportunities for us to organize events that can be specially designed for the international student community and that’s why it’s such a great success. So if you’re ever in Tilburg, you are more than welcome to visit us in Carpe Diem, your home far away from home.

Something we are extremely proud of is that we managed to get our very own ESN bar! The name of the bar is Carpe Diem which stands for the life of an international student. We have to ma-

IN THE

Translation

ძალა ერთობაშია „ESN თბილისი უნივერსალისა“ და „ESN თბილისი ისუს“ სექციები ჯერ მხოლოდ რამდენიმე თვეს ითვლიან, თუმცა საქართველო უკვე ESN-ის ოჯახის სრულუფლებიანი წევრია. საქართველოში ESN-ის შექმნის იდეა 2009 წელს დაიბადა და მის რეალიზებას ორწლიანი შრომა დასჭირდა. თავიდან ყველას ერთნაირად გვაბნევდა უამრავი ახალი ტერმინი, დებულება, რეგულაცია, ერთმანეთისგან ვერ ვარჩევდით CND–სა და AGM–ს, SocialErasmus–სა და Prime-ს... თუმცა პირველმა CNR–მა დაგვანახა, რომ შეუძლებელი არაფერია. ტარტუში საოცრად თბილად მიგვიღეს. ESN-ურმა ცხოვრებამ სტარტი აიღო და ნენსის CNR–ზე წარმატებით დაგვირგვინდა – წინ სრული წევრობისაკენ! ყველაფერი კი ასე დაიწყო: ქართული უმაღლესი სასწავლებლების საერთაშორისო თანამშრომლობა შესამჩნევად გაღრმავდა და გაიზარდა სტუდენტების მობილობა. მაშინ, როდესაც ევროპაში სასწავლებლად წასული ქართველი სტუდენტების საუკეთესო მოგონებებს ESN ქმნიდა, საქართველოში ჩამოსულ

ქეთი ზუკაკიშვილი

საერთაშორისო სტუდენტებზე ზრუნვა მთლიანად უმაღლესი სასწავლებლების საერთაშორისო სამსახურებს უწევდათ. როგორც თბილისის სახელმწიფო უნივერსიტეტის საგარეო ურთიერთობების დეპარტამენტის უფროსი, თეა გერგედავა იხსენებს: „ძალიან გამახარა ESN–ის ქართველი მოხალისეების წამოწყებამ. თანამშრომლობაზეც სიამოვნებით დავთანხმდი. სტუდენტური ინიციატივები ყოველთვის სასიამოვნოა, მით უმეტეს, როცა საქმე ასეთ წარმატებულ საერთაშორისო ქსელს ეხება.“ წევრობის მოპოვებიდან სულ მალე საქართველოში დაინერგა „მენტორობის სისტემა“, დაიწყო SocialErasmus–ის პროექტებზე მუშაობა, დაიგეგმა ექსკურსიები, კინო–ჩვენებები; ქართველი დელეგატები ესწრებოდნენ საერთაშორისო შეხვედრებს სტამბულში, ტრონდჰეიმში, სიენაში... „ESN თბილისი უნივერსალის“ ვიცე– პრეზიდენტი გიორგი გიგუაშვილი იხსენებს: „CND სიენაზე ყოფნისას უდიდესი გამოცდილება მივიღეთ. სიახლეებს თანდათან ვნერგავთ ადგილობრივ დონეზე. გვსურს,

ESN ბარათი შემოვიღოთ; ასევე, მეზობელ სექციებთან ვაპირებთ თანამშრომლობის გაღრმავებას. იმედი გვაქვს, მალე რომელიმე საერთაშორისო შეხვედრას საქართველოშიც ვუმასპინძლებთ.“ „ESN თბილისი ისუ–ს“ პრეზიდენტი და საქართველოს ვიცე ეროვნული წარმომადგენელი, მირანდა ჯამბურია, საკუთარი სექციის აქტივობებზე საუბრობს და სამ მათგანს განსაკუთრებით გამოყოფს: „ოიკოს საქართველოსთან“ და თბილისის მერიასთან ერთად SocialErasmus–ის ფარგლებში განხორციელებულ გამწვანების პროექტს, კინო საღამოებსა და ალილოს: „7 იანვარს თბილისის გადატვირთულ ქუჩებში, ყველა გამოარჩევდა ეროვნულ კოსტუმებში გამოწყობილ ინდოელ სტუდენტებს. წარმოგიდგენიათ მართლმადედებლური შობის აღნიშვნა ინდოელი სტუდენტების მიერ ათასობით ქართველთან ერთად? შეგახსენებთ რომ ეს ESNია – რაც შევქმენით იმისათვის, რომ შევცვალოთ თქვენთან ერთად!“ დღეს, 4 ქართველი დელეგატი AGM–ის მოლოდინშია. გაორმაგებული წევრებით და ახალი იდეებით, ქართველი ESN–ელები მზად ვართ „შევცვალოთ ჩვენი ცხოვრება“... თქვენთან ერთად!

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Strength in unity By Keti Zukakishvili Even though “ESN Tbilisi Universal” and “ESN Tbilisi ISU” count only several months, Georgia has become an integral part of the ESN family. Creation of ESN sections in Georgia was initiated in 2009 and it took two years of efforts to realize this idea. The beginning was uneasy, with lots of new and confusing terms, Statutes and Standing Orders. It was hard to understand the difference between SocialErasmus and Prime. CNR, SEEP, CND, AGM sounded just Martian… But the very first CNR convinced us that for the motivated ones nothing is impossible! Warm reception in Tartu became a starting point for two Georgian sections. ESN life has begun! And at the CNR Nancy we got the full membership of ESN family! (So don’t forget to wish us Happy 1st Birthday on October 2, 2012!) How did everything start? Lately Georgian higher education institutions intensified their international relations and student mobility has been substantially increased. And even if the best memories of Georgian outgoing students were connected to local ESN sections, incoming students had

nothing similar to enjoy. The foreign relations’ offices were the only units they could address since a student body, undertaking similar tasks, just did not exist. That’s why creation of the ESN in Georgia was so welcome. The head of the International Department of Tbilisi State University, Ms. Tea Gergedava recalls her first encounter with ESN Georgia team: “I was very pleased to hear about this idea and, sure, agreed to cooperate. Student initiatives are always welcome, especially when it comes to becoming a part of such a successful international network.” Soon after the full membership, Georgian sections implemented the mentorship system, started the SocialErasmus activities, planned trips, movie nights… Georgian delegates have been present at the international events in Istanbul, Trondheim and Siena. “CND Siena has been a great experience” – goes Giorgi Giguashvili, the Vice President of ESN Tbilisi UNI section. “Soon we are planning to implement more ESN tools at local level, such as ESN Card. We will also be proactive to strengthen relations with

neighboring sections and plan some common projects. Hopefully, soon we will host an international event in Georgia.” The President of “ESN Tbilisi ISU” and the Vice NR of Georgia, Miranda Jamburia feels tempted for upcoming AGM. She summarizes their activities, especially underlining the following three: “A-lilo”, traditional Christmas celebration; G-reening project, implemented in cooperation with “Oikos Georgia” and Tbilisi City Hall; M-ovie nights. “Can you imagine Indian students celebrating Christmas and collecting donations for orphans with thousands of Georgians? On the 7th January, in the crowded, decorated Tbilisi streets you could easily find the most amazing performers in national costumes – our international friends celebrating the Georgian holiday with the other ESNers. Celebration was long, emotional and impressive. Why?! Because it’s the ESN World! The world we created to make a change together!” Now 4 Georgian delegates are looking forward to attending AGM. With doubled volunteers, tons of new ideas and high ESN spirit we are ready to (EX) CHANGE OUR LIVES… with YOU!

ESN Alumni

ESN Alumni....?

Alumni Board

By Klemen Vovsek, Hendrik Schraa, Remo Ughini, Veeli Oeselg and Joachim Wyssling

ESN Alumni....? What is this exactly? A bunch of oldies?? Nooo… Shammies with waistcoats?? Noo.. Some kind of metal?? … If you answered these questions with yes then YOU’RE the one for who this article is written for! Some of you might think that you will never get there! It however for sure happens! At some point you become a former active member of ESN and thus becoming radio-active ESN Alumnus! And actually, it doesn’t hurt... if you wear a helmet… :) Believe us, it feels great to be an Alumnus of such a great organisation as ESN! You of course have the choice of being a simple ESN Alumnus or to join the ESN Alumni network and that’s what the whole article here is about.

official ESN events (AGM, Regional Platforms, etc). The ESN Alumni Medley is electing once a year the Alumni Board and the last one took place in Parma in September 2011, during this meeting an Alumni Board has been elected - Veeli Oeselg, Joachim Wyssling, Remo Ughini, Klemen Vovsek and Hendrik Schraa. And as every Board must have some pillar to lean on, there is one for us too - the Action Plan, set by the Alumni Medley. The goals are set high as for the serious Alumni is behoved: This year we are planning to create a proper membership management for the network, via ESN Galaxy - most probably in combination with the ESN CV project, which aims to keeping trace of our volunteering activities within the network. Right now, our official database is already using the “role” system in Galaxy, with an automatic synchronization of our Alumni mailing-list. Secondly, we will create a clearer layout of the benefits of being part of the ESN Alumni network (professional networking opportunities via the social network LinkedIn or

In the ESN Alumni network you are going to meet old ESN mates, with whom you used to work with, but also some old reptiles! Old reptiles, which were there at the beginning, when ESN as a whole network was as big as your section is now! Now, can you imagine the potential the ESN Alumni network has with thousands of active ESN members leaving every year, but still kee- The potential and opportunities are ping contact with just unbelievable, be it on the professioeach other?!! The nal but also on the personal level potential and opportunities are just unbelievable, be it on personal networking opportunities by the professional but also on the personal creating activities via interest circles). level: The network has been created in Thirdly, actively support ESN and the order to stay in touch with the ESN spirit, Alumni network by a donation system as well called “the Pallomeri spirit”, meet from members who are occupying a former ESN colleagues and remember job in their life (how much could the good old times, but also to have a pro- Alumni network contribute to ESN if fessional networking platform as most of every year 200 Alumni donate 20€? We us are graduated and started a job. Fur- let you make the calculations!). And thermore it allows us to still contribute to ESN with our knowledge whenever needed, take active part in committees or different projects, give feedback to strategies, etc. We however still need to remember that ESN is a relatively young network; the Alumni network is thus also growing and is getting more and more its shapes!

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“

In the current situation the ESN Alumni members are given the opportunity to meet twice a year during the official Alumni Medleys, but also during

Veeli Oeselg Previous position: ESN Vice-President From Tartu, Estonia Role: Busy bee - zzZzzZZzzZZ - Pofff Joachim Wyssling Previous position: ESN Vice-President From Besançon, France Role: Always there when needed! - iiiiiiii :)) Remo Ughini Previous position: NR of Switzerland From Zürich, Switzerland Role: Half nerd, half Swiss - with the screenproof glasses Klemen Vovsek Previous position: NR of Slovenia From Maribor, Slovenia Role: Our fun-smart-creative mascot - TrA -LA-La Henrdrik Schraa Previous position: IT Committee Chair From Utrecht, the Netherlands Role: Mr-Alumni-Galaxy - big - but gentile noooo - gentle ;) ! last but not least, work on the structure of the network with the revision of the ESN Alumni charter and continue developing the national networks. The national Alumni networks are getting more and more developed in the recent years, with a very concrete example of the German network, which got even legally established and which is actively supporting their National Board. Thus, we have at the current stage already some National Alumni Coordinators, but are planning to develop them more and give them a clearer role within the network. This is to be defined through the ESN Alumni charter, to be revised, presented and voted on during the upcoming ESN Alumni Medley.

ESN Alumni But what is the Alumni Medley about? Well, the Alumni Medley is a bi-annual meeting of the Alumni members. The meetings are taking place already for many-many years, but only last year the event got the new name “Alumni Medley”. The main goal of the meetings is to bring the Alumni members together to help them to keep contacts, enjoy the time together and remember the good old times in ESN. Thus, in general the working time is during the meetings minimal. During the autumn meeting serious topics are covered such as elections of the new Alumni Board, Alumni network development, involvement of the Alumni in the activities of ESN International and so on. Soon it is time again for the next Alumni Medley and this time it is taking place in Zurich, Switzerland. The date is to be fixed, but it will for sure take place in May or June. The arrival day will be Thursday and departure day Sunday. Of course, also an exciting programme is planned. So stay tuned for more information, and keep some vacation days free to join the Alumni at the Medley! And what are Aluminiums doing for its members and ESN in general? Besides being a shoulder to cry on, the morning dew on a dry summer, an umbrella on a rainy day, a sugar for your daily coffee, the Alumni network also: ● Supports the development and growth of ESN and Alumni Network ● Promotes fellowship and social activity among alumni ● Promotes communication and pro-

vides information among alumni and develops opportunities for dialogue between alumni and other segments of the network ● Assist the network and its members as a responsible and accountable person ● Promotes fundraising within the network And since we have the opportunity to write this article, we’d like to use this to publish already a fancy call for national Alumni coordinators: “Dear fellow ESN-er … when you started your path - the path of mighty ESNer you were already flirting with once being the alumnius - but don’t get too frustrated .. that’s the circle of … hmm life ?? :)) .. anyway the real fun has just begun … and why not start it there where you started on the first place … this is your biggest excuse to call up your old mates with some freshies on a side and become an ALUMNI NATIONAL COORDINATOR yeeeeee …. … since the Aluminiums are becoming cooler and cooler do not wait that they totally freeze but take some initiative and call our ALY-LINE right now … and if you call in first you’ll recive a brand new CD from a world famous German moving star: “Gymnastik und Tanz fur Ältere” mit Peter Frankenfeld … yeee … and do not forget --- there can be only one --- ….. network awaits you … “ By the way, have you ever wondered what happens to active ESN members after they have left the big international scene? Here comes a first example of a former International Board members of ESN, who is now Alumni and has let ESN, shape her life: Veeli Oeselg “I joined ESN in 2007 and at the beginning war only an inactive local section member, who event didn’t attend all the different events. Somehow, I still got caught in the amazing world of ESN, and after being an OC member of NEP 2008 in Tartu started to play with the thought to run for the Vice President position of ESN International. After a challenging and emotional election campaign at AGM Utrecht I was fortunate and got elected for the International Board. I had a life-changing Board year 2009-2010 in Brussels together with Marketa, Tajana, Troels, Marc, Simone and Gosia. It was a pe-

riod in my life full of new friends, adventures, good and bad experiences, and a tremendous self-development. It changed my direction in life and also my attitude towards the world. Before the IB, I had been working only in the private sector, but after working in a NGO, I decided that I like working in a public sector organisation more. So, I applied for a job in Statistics in Estonia and was chosen for a structure fund project manager position mainly thanks to my previous experience with EU funding. Again, experience which I gained in ESN. However, after some time I realised that the job was just too easy for me, it lost it challenge and I was on a search for something new, something challenging and versatile as ESN. I ended up in Ernst & Young, where I am consulting public sector organisation (incl. ministries), evaluating the EU structure funds and conducting studies on different topics (incl. higher education). I do believe that I would not be able to do my job so good without my ESN experience. It is just the perfect place to learn about policy making, project management, holding trainings and workshop, and just working effectively. I also believe that ESN is like an addiction, a good addiction. Once you have been truly involved, you cannot really finish. So it is that even during my “afterlife” from the IB, I have been engaged in project and activities, where my competencies were needed. Such as also being a member of the Alumni Board :)”

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Passport

Welcome to Romania! by Oana Irofte Situated in the (South-East) Central part of Europe, Romania is a middle country, with a little bit less than 20 millions citizens, according to the 2011 census. Natural, Cultural and Traditional are the words that best capture the essence of Romania, a dynamic country, rich in history, art and scenic beauty. Romania offers the traveler countless unique travel experiences waiting to be discovered.

ture in Banat and established Timișoara as “the garden city.” Frequently referred to as “Little Vienna,” Timișoara has always been a progressive, cosmopolitan city. Băile Herculane, within driving distance of Timișoara, is an ancient Roman spa, developed in the 19th century as a fashionable resort. Legend has it that Hercules himself bathed in the strengthgiving natural springs.

Transylvania is home to some of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns, most notably Brașov, featuring Old Saxon architecture and citadel ruins; Sibiu with its cobblestone streets and pastel-colored houses; Sighișoara, adorned with a hilltop citadel, secret passageways and a 14th century clock tower. Transylvania’s multiethnic heritage (including German and Hungarian) is delightfully apparent in the folk costumes, architecture, cuisine, music and festivals. People here still make a living at such time-honored occupations as shepherds, weavers and carpenters.

Maramureș villages are distinguished by their unique wooden churches with tall spires and shingled roofs. Woodlands still account for more than four-fifths of the land surface of Maramureș. That’s why wood has long been the medium of expression for the region’s artisans.

The unique mix of architectural and cultural heritages in the history-rich provinces of Crișana and Banat stems from the fact that for centuries Romanians have lived here alongside Germans (Swabs), Serbians and Hungarians (Magyars). A trio of western Romania cities – Timișoara, Oradea and Arad - provides travelers with an insight into this region’s long past and colorful traditions. Habsburg rule until 1918 introduced Art Nouveau architec-

Moldova rivals Transylvania when it comes to rich folklore, natural beauty and astonishing history. Over the past 500 years, history, culture and religious life have molded Iași, the cultural capital of Moldova. Iași boasts an impressive number of Orthodox churches, almost 100, most of them located in the Golden Plateau. Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Moldova is the region of Bucovina, home to one of the world’s greatest art treasures: the UNESCO World heritage sites of the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries and featuring colorful exterior frescoes depicting dramatic religious scenes, these richly decorated houses of worships are unique in the world.

Capital Bucharest Language Romanian Population 19.04 Million Currency Romanian Leu Area 238 391 km2 Government Unitary semi-presidential Republic EU Member Since 2007

Dobrogea region is home to the Danube Delta, a 2,200-square-mile wildlife reserve designated by UNESCO as a “Reservation of the Biosphere”. South of the Delta, the historical city of Constanța serves as a major port on the Black Sea. Featuring several museums, historical monuments, fine mansions and a grand Casino, the city is the focal point of Black Sea coast tourism. Wallachia’s unique mix of historical and natural attractions promises a different experience each day. Discover heritage buildings and museums in the capital city, enjoy day trips to a royal palace or century-old monastery, hike up the mountains or follow the art trail of sculptor Constantin Brâncuși - the choice is yours. First documented in 1459 by Vlad Țepeș, Bucharest and its cultural scene are going to surprise you. Foreign visitors consider Romanians among the friendliest and most hospitable people on Earth. Romanians are by nature fun, loving, warm, hospitable, playful and have an innate sense of humor. For these reasons, it is the best place to choose as ERASMUS destination!

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ESN Romania - Have we met? by Nicoleta Popa

The start of ESN in Romania goes back to 2004-2005, when the first two sections joined the network: first, ESN ClujNapoca in December 2004, and one year later, ESN Bucharest entered the scene. Their collaboration grew stronger in 2006 and their activities had a positive impact on ERASMUS mobilities in the universities they had been representing. As years passed by, in 2008 ESN reached another important university centre in Romania with ESN Iași. This meant that we were anchored in all three main regions in Romania: Transylvania, Wallachia and Moldavia. We continued to grow in 2009, when ESN UniBuc (Bucharest) and MedESN UniBuc (Cluj-Napoca) joined the network. One year later, ESN Brașov was approved as a local section, and so appeared another city on our map. Last

but not least, at the end of 2011, we welcomed the newest section and city in our national network: ESN Timișoara. Even though we have lost two sections along the way (ESN ASE - former ESN Bucharest - in July 2011 and MedESN Cluj-Napoca in February 2012), our National Platform is now stronger than ever and we intend to have a sustainable growth in the following years! We are proud of managing the initiation of our National Board in 2011. Discussions started during a National Platform in November 2010 and, after working on a plan for it and opening a call for candidates, we managed to form the basis of the Board at the Platform in March 2011 and complete it by June. This has been an important step for us and the improvement of our national level in ESN.

Halloween mania in Romania! by Nicoleta Popa It’s only once a year that the most spooky stories are told, the scariest costumes are worn and garlic is at the top of the list of what-to-carrywith-you-at-all-times! And if that time of year catches you as an ERASMUS student in Romania, do not run away, but hurry to catch a spot for the ESN Romania National Event: Halloween in Transylvania! The first edition took place between 29th October – 1st November 2011 with around 260 participants - the bravest to take up our dare and wander around Dracula’s land! The trip

was fully planned with visits, activities and parties. The accommodation was in Poiana Brașov mountain resort, where during the evenings we had ice-breaking games, a bonfire and a Halloween costume party. In daytime, we visited three beautiful cities (Brașov, Sibiu and Sighișoara), Peleș and Pelișor castles and Fundata cave. On Halloween night, the ultimate challenge was a Treasure Hunt in Bran castle, where the man who inspired the

http://www.esn.ro http://www.facebook.com/ESN.Romania We are highly involved in the development of the ERASMUS programme in our country and collaborations for a better promotion and more improvements. Our most important collaboration is the National Agency (ANPCDEFP) in charge of ERASMUS and other community programmes. With their help, we have managed to conduct, promote and disseminate results of the PRIME 2010 study in Romania, and we are also able to promote ESN to the universities around the country, students and other partners. We are supporters of the League of Romanian Students Abroad (LSRS) and their unique initiative to give an award to The Romanian ERASMUS Student of the Year during their annual Gala. The first award was given in January 2011 and now in 2012, two Romanian students were acknowledged for their ERASMUS study mobilities. Also, we are working closely with the Romanian Student ERASMUS Ambassador at the European Commission, Laura Popa, for improving the promotion of the programme in our country. 2012 is a celebration year for ERASMUS everywhere! Not only it is the 25th anniversary since the launch of the programme, but we are also celebrating 15 years since the beginning of the implementation of ERASMUS in Romania. For the future, we hope ERASMUS will continue to hold a key role for improving education and cultural exchanges, and ESN will support and help it for many years ahead to open more minds and continue changing lives! myth about Dracula, Vlad Țepeș, was our “host”. All these, while having to watch your back for the ERASMUS vampires – you wouldn’t want them to catch you! Scared enough? Beware: we plan an even more thrilling Halloween in Transylvania in 2012!

Link

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ESN Brașov

ESN Iași

ESN Timișoara

by Oana Irofte

by Anca Oanea

By Adela Rujan & Isabela Damoc

“Probably the best city in the world” was what I saw when I arrived in a small city in Romania. In a few weeks this city became my home. It was a great experience, I met great people that now I call family. About ESN Brasov, I have no words to describe it. They made an amazing job with all of us. Because of that, now I’m buddy in my city. Now I’m richer because of the experiences, the people, the city. Brasov was the most important experience in my life and it will always have a big place in my heart, for sure I will go back there, to remember everything that became for me “For sure the best city in the world”.

Iași, one of the biggest university centres in Romania, has an ESN section since 2009, which grew up with the help of its enthusiastic volunteers. We recruit volunteers every semester, after a series of interviews, which are followed by teambuildings, trainings and workshops where we mix pleasure with work. We are now 50 active volunteers, but we want to grow in the second semester to 90 volunteers.

“If your goal is studying, the ESN people help you find your courses. Do you want to know the art of the country? They take you to some exhibitions or cultural events. Do you want to party? Of course, you want to, and ESN is there to help you with that too!!! I really thank the people of ESN Organisation because they gave me the keys to have the best year of my life! “

Marlene Liliana Pereira Pinto from Oporto, Portugal »» Brașov (2010-2011) ESN Brașov has been part of ESN Romania since 2010 and represents the Erasmus students that come and go from

Brașov with exchange programmes. It is the smallest ESN section from Romania because of the limited number of members and students that choose Brasov as destination. Brașov is situated in the central part of the country, near the mountains. There is a lot of snow during winter and many sports such as skating, snowboarding or skiing, can be practiced. The beautiful lanscapes that surround this area attract Erasmus students to go hiking, climbing and to have picnics. A representative place for the center of the country is the Saint Ana’s Lake, in the Harghita Mountains, where ESN Brașov organises the last party of the Erasmus year. The youth and party spirit of ESN Brașov team help to organise special parties (Traffic Lights Party, The Carnival etc), special videos (The Two Words, Dragostea din tei) and SocialErasmus activities (Child’s Day, A Christmas Smile). The effort put into organizing activities for students is the clearest way of showing that ESN Brașov represents a big family that takes care of those who are part of it. To find more information about Brașov or ESN Brașov, contact us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/esn.brasov or e-mail: esn_brasov@yahoo.com.

ESN Iași works for 300 Erasmus and International students from 6 different Universities in the city and organizes around 2/3 events per week. We like to show them how Romanian life really is, by involving them in all kind of activities, like city tours, sport activities (bowling, football), karaoke and theme parties, offering the possibility to enjoy this experience and discover everything about the city. Our main purpose is to help Erasmus students integrate in the community, so we try to make events where they interact with local students from Iași. We do this in a special way: parties where all the participants (ESNers, Erasmus students and everyone attending) have to work together to win a prize - everybody loved ”Survivor Party” where mixed teams had to complete a long list of tricky challenges. We involve them in social activities to interact with kids (”International Santa”,”Back to School”) and old people (”Christmas Carols”), teach foreign languages to teenagers or show them how to cook ”sarmale”, our traditional dish (”Romania’s National Day”). Students coming to Iași have the chance to see other Romanian cities, during our trips to Transylvania (National Event ”Halloween in Transylvania”) and the 1st of May in Vama Veche (a seaside resort where everybody goes on 1st of May to party).

For most of us, the Erasmus experience is like a marathon of great, but sometimes stressful moments (exams, projects). Still, we have our own Pre-Exams Session Marathon with 5 different theme parties, with lots of prizes and surprises. If you want to visit us or do your Erasmus in Iași, you can find more information on http://www.facebook.com/esn.iasi or at esn.iasi@gmail.com.

Rosalie Gérard, Erasmus student from Orsay, France

What happens when you take 25 former Erasmus students, a common purpose, a great dose of enthusiasm and an academic year about to start? The milestone of ESN Timișoara! In January 2012, the hopes and dreams of this team became reality when they officially received the ESN status. They made it from zero to hero, across four months that comprised around 20 activities for the 65 Erasmus students of the West University of Timișoara. From September 2011 up to now, the Erasmus students in Timișoara attended events such as Welcome Day, International Dinner, Games Night, visits to museums, concerts and, of course, several theme parties. Few other places in Europe are as multicultural as Timișoara and what else could better go hand in hand with the Erasmus experience? This city is historically open to hosting under the same roof different nationalities, education and theatre performances in several languages, churches of so many religions in a community that is interested in discovering and learning from others. The small Erasmus community allows the ESN volunteers to cater their every need, from picking them up at the airport, showing them around the university and important places in the city, to taking them to the hospital when needed; from helping them in choosing the most appropriate courses to offering shopping advice; from offering guidance in finding a flat to making sure their personal interests are satisfied. In a nutshell, the ESN Timișoara members are by the side of their Erasmus students for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, at school and at parties.

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ESN UniBuc manian EILC in September get the extra experience of social and cultural life with ESN. In the beginning of the academically year, we bring ERASMUS students together for a Welcoming Meeting, Tour of the City and a Flag Party. Meanwhile, Romanian BE-Buddy mentors can help them get around the city, accommodate and solve their study issues. Students experience plenty in their free time and also during the twothree ESN events each week! Every Thursday there are diferent theme parties! They also interact during games, karaoke, international dinners, language tandem and SocialErasmus events. Culture is important, so visiting museums, seeing theater and opera plays or dance shows are

on the list. Talented students can join the ERASMUS Music Band and rock the world! Being in Romania for Halloween, it would be a waste not go to Transylvania for our National Event and get the creeps with ERASMUS students from other cities! On the 1st of December, we give them a taste of traditional dishes and dances while celebrating the National Day. Winter holidays can be an experience of Romanian traditions, sharing Secret Santa gifts and skiing. The coming of spring is celebrated on the 1st of March with a „Mărțișor” workshop. Spending the 1st of May in Vama Veche at the seaside is a student tradition they cannot miss and we also take them on a visit the wonderful castle in Balchik, Bulgaria. Having passed all the exams and the experience slowly coming to an end, they have a last Collection of Memories get-together to say goodbye to each other. All in all, we want to introduce to our ERASMUS students the main ingredient of the ESN UniBuc recipe for success: passion for volunteering!

By Ana Maria Croitoru & Ioana Frânciuc

tional one, and we want to make this possible through trips and international dinners.

By Monica Magaon & Nicoleta Popa Bucharest, the capital - a city of contrasts, that can surprise you, keep you on a rush and make you feel very welcome! Around 300 foreign ERASMUS students come here every year and meet… our ESN UniBuc team! We do our best to support them and make their stay as flourishing as possible. What is ERASMUS like in Bucharest? Firstly, students who take up the Ro-

ESN Cluj-Napoca Diversity, tolerance and cultural exchange are the key words which best describe ESN Cluj-Napoca. We take care of more than 200 students that come each year to enjoy the once-ina-lifetime Erasmus experience in ClujNapoca. We guide ourselves according to the quote of M. Scott Peck, as we share our similarities and celebrate our differences. We all have different cultural backgrounds, but we also have many things in common. Our purpose is to make the Erasmus students feel like home and we do our best to make it a real international experience. That’s why we place great importance on the interaction between students and encourage

them to discover other cultures and break the cultural barriers. We consider the Buddy program to be valuable, due to the fact that the Erasmus students not only receive support and help from the Romanian tutors that they are assigned to, but also because it is a good opportunity for them to interact with the Romanian society, learn from someone with the same age and make a valuable friend. ESN Cluj-Napoca puts a great emphasis on sports! That is why we often organize sports activities. Paragliding was definitely the most successful activity, followed by skating and bowling. We want the Erasmus to explore the Romanian culture as well as the interna-

“I have only good words to describe my Erasmus experience. It was one of the greatest things I have done in my life. The life in Cluj was amazing, there are a lot of things you can do like live music concerts, opera, classical music concerts, parks and a lot of things that I never could do in my country. The night life was simply epic, I could go out partying from Monday to Sunday without going back to the same place. Romanians are very good people and always tried to help and make my stay the best. In addition the Erasmus coordinators were always very attentive and they solved me all the problems.“ Gaizka Taro, Spain, (2010-2011)

Erasmus Portrait

Erasmus Portrait: Iris Hormann by Leo Smith Iris Hormann is of German nationality but currently lives and works across the border in the beautiful city of Zurich in Switzerland. She told us her age, but we won’t share it here, since a lady never reveals her age. But Iris is a proud mother of 4 children and is currently working as President of EF Languages Courses Abroad. In this position she is responsible for overseeing all global sales and marketing activities of EF’s language courses abroad in over 40 countries. EF is the world’s leading private education company specialized in language travel and cultural exchange and thus has many similar principles and values as our organisation, and in many respects this is what has brought us together. Iris studied North American Studies, Politics and Journalism whilst at university between 1993 and 1997. Her studies began in Bonn and she later moved to Berlin to continue her education, which was supplemented by her Erasmus experience in none of than the Home of ESN (and capital of Europe) Brussels. After successfully completing her studies in 19977 and catching the ‘international bug’ Iris embarked on her career with EF Education First in Berlin in 1998. But due to the global nature of the organisation she has had the wonderful opportunity to work in some of great cities and seats of learning worldwide such as Boston, London, Lucerne and Zurich, where she has worked in various sales and marketing functions for EF. The Erasmus adventure began for Iris in January 1995 and lasted until June in the same year. This wonderful opportunity presented itself to Iris in the 4th university semester of her studies, and she chose none other than the city of Brussels and the French-speaking Université Libre de Bruxelles. Her Erasmus experience was a fantastic semester full of many fond memories and experiences that remain dear to her till this day. Rather than being stuffed into an international student dorm upon arrival in Brussels, Iris was lucky enough to get a much more immersive and local experience by moving in with a local family. She commented how she will never forget the warm welcome the Belgian host family gave her, and the

assistance they gave her in integrating into Belgian culture and learning the language. She had the chance every morning to practice her French over a coffee or in the evening relaxing with a glass of wine, quite simply the perfect atmosphere to learn a language. The study programme that Iris chose at the ULB offered many unique opportunities due to the fact she was studying at the heart of the EU institutions. She mentioned how lectures would sometimes be given by prominent EU politicians at the ULB and these really triggered the interest in international politics. Also, she engaged in a variety of extra-curricular activities in Belgium to get the full experience of the country. In particular with friends, Iris organised a 2-week bike ride along the Belgian Coast at the end of my semester with several international Erasmus and Belgian friends who were also studying at the ULB to celebrate the end of their studies. This trip is held fondly in the memory and ever since Iris has returned to the coastline of Belgium many times. Iris’ Erasmus experience is to blame (shall we say) for her catching the famous ‘travel bug’ and she realised that travelling and getting to know new cultures would be an important part of her life from this point onwards. Thus she embarked on an international career with a company whose mission it is to conquer the barriers of language, culture and geography, very similar in many respects to the values embodied by the Erasmus programme and ESN. Through her work and personal quest to experience new cultures, Iris have travelled the world, and even in the last month she has stopped off in Tokyo, Almaty, Paris and Buenos Aires, and she rightly says that “travelling is definitely a very important element of my life.” Furthermore, she learnt many skills from her Erasmus experience, not necessarily those appearing in her CV, but important nonetheless. She felt that the Erasmus taught her open-mindedness, flexibility, tolerance, cultural awareness and ability to work with people from different cultures which ultimately helped her to pursue her dream of an international career.

With such a wonderful experience through the Erasmus programme, Iris has no doubts that students should endeavour to go abroad even for the shortest period of time, to get to know another culture, and she commented that “there is no better way to prepare yourself for today’s global world.” Even with students today perhaps having a much better skill set of the foreign language, are more travelled and due to the internet, are already more knowledgeable about other cultures, that should be no excuse for not going abroad as there is so many things you will only learn and see whilst bathing directly in the local culture. And last not least, when Iris was asked what could we do improve the exchange experience, she believes that a preparatory course to prepare students for their semester abroad refreshing their language skills but also preparing them some of the key aspects of the other culture would be really helpful at the beginning.

Did you know that this logo was created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Erasmus Programme

25Erasmus

Erasmus – changing lives, opening minds for 25 years by Josefin Svensson 1987, a year when most of us were young or not even born yet, it was the year the Erasmus programme was born, back then incorporated in the Socrates programmes. The programme was named after the Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus who much like the Erasmus students lived and worked in many European countries. With the start of the programme it was time to start one of the most prosperous journeys of the people in Europe, not only the one of the individual, but also the one to unite Europe. Now 25 years later this is the programme that has contributed the most towards the European identity and the European citizenship and been celebrated widely for its success. Being an Erasmus student is an opportunity to meet other cultures, other learning systems, new people, to learn another language, to become independent and most importantly a boost for ones personal development. After a stay abroad you are a different person, more tolerant, more open-minded, more flexible, more adaptive and you feel so much more a part of Europe. You may be from Norway, Spain, Greece or Czech Republic, nonetheless you are European. For the 25th anniversary the commission has chosen a student and staff ambassador from each of the Erasmus countries to represent the programme and be role models for

future generations. In 7 of the countries they are current or former ESNers! From Belgium, France, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Romania and the Netherlands, do you know your ambassador? During the year several conferences are held in its honor, of which one took place in Brussels this January and the next one will be in Copenhagen because of the current Danish presidency. Erasmus – changing lives, opening minds for 25 years. Erasmus Student Network founded 2 years after the programme when the first students came back from their stay abroad, now consisting of young, internationally minded people from all over Europe has every reason to celebrate the programme, without it there would be no network. So what is ESN doing to celebrate this? The answer is a lot of things! To begin with ESN hosted a logo competition in order to label all activities done in the honor of the programme. SocialErasmus (which you can read about in the previous issue on Volunteering) was launched as the flagship project of the year, promoting active citizenship among international students. 4-11th of May will be the dates to host the SocialErasmus week. The second big project, Ride for your Rights together with Campus Europae is the second edition of the project that aims to raise awareness for mobility rights.

The project will host a bike tour from Luxembourg to Brussels between 26-31st May and conferences along the way (you can read more about it in this issue). ESN is also introducing the “Erasmus Portraits” where we interview significant people that were effected by their Erasmus to honor the programme and much more. Around the network in a majority of the 36 countries ESN is celebrating the year. Do you know what is going on in your country?

Stay tuned what is happening in your country and around Europe http://ec.europa.eu http://esn.org/

Now & Then

ESN KAPA Athens and Vassiliki: Past, Present, Future By Vassiliki Sioziou I first met ESN as an Erasmus student in the University of Amsterdam in January 2010, when ISN Amsterdam welcomed us with an introduction week full of great events. By the end of my Erasmus experience, I was totally convinced to join this network. Before coming back to Greece, I had already searched for ESN sections in Athens and found ESN KAPA Athens, the section of my University. So, in September 2010, I joined ESN KAPA Athens where I immediately realized that everyone shared exactly my feelings! I became more and more active, organising events, activities, trips and participating in the National Platform. Then, on January 2011, I was elected president of the section. Since then, I participated in more national and international events and projects and became even more enthusiastic about this network. The experience of helping in the organisation of the CoMeet Athens 2011 can only be described as unique! As months passed by, I realized that I could continue my ESN life through a different perspective. I knew that I could help ESN Greece develop even more, so I applied and was elected as National Representative of ESN Greece in January 2012!

All this rather quick personal evolution had to do with the rapid development of my section. ESN KAPA Athens was created on 2008. Even though it has only been in the network for 4 years, it has achieved many things thanks to its extraordinary members! Firstly, ESN KAPA Athens was created by, well-known for her contribution to our network, Eva Ntovolou, a girl full of energy and innovating ideas. Along with some friends, she laid the foundations for a rather active section. During the following years, all its members have tried hard to organise events for the incoming students of our university, while doing their best for the section‘s development. Since spring 2008, our section has been organising introduction weeks for its Erasmus students as well as various activities, events and trips throughout the semesters. Last year, it started a project to help the outgoing Erasmus students of its University through relevant information in its site and infomarkets. Furthermore, it has gradually established a good cooperation with the International Relations Office of the University, the National Agency, got its own office, acquired legal status and in-

creased its partners. Two International Board (2010-2011) members (Eva and Rania), three Greek NRs (Eva, Alexandros and me), many members in Committees and coordinators in national and international projects originated from this section. Furthermore, in March 2008, ESN KAPA Athens won the logoSTAR International Award and, in December 2010, was selected as the Section in the Spotlight. It has, also, co-organised two NPs of ESN Greece and, on September 2011, organised the CoMeet Athens. Who knows? Maybe in the future it’ll win more awards or host a bigger international event! ;) All this wouldn’t matter at all if the cooperation and the relationship among the members of this section weren’t that good! It’s not just a section; it’s a group of best friends who help one another like family! You can see the characters of the members developing as they learn more through ESN and bond in an inexplicable way! Well, not only have I gained a lot from ESN, but also my section has significantly developed in this rather short time. From a group of friends, it has become a well-organised and active section! Being an ESNer is an amazing experience! It has changed my life and made me a better person; for that I’m sure! ;)

Now & Then

Now & Then: What ESN did to my life by Giorgio Marinoni ber that my first task was to find a new house for the whole Board, so something that soon or later everybody has to learn in his life. That was just an example of so many activities that I had to accomplish during my year of presidency that taught me not only how to be successful in the professional life but also in my daily life; because one year in the Board of ESN is not only a professional experience but first of all a life experience. I remember back in Gdansk that day, in late March 2005, seems ages ago to me, at my first ESN event ever, the AGM, I was looking surprised and amazed looking at those people on stage and I was thinking: where do those crazy people find such an amount of time to dedicate to ESN, and what is worth for? At that time I was a PhD student in Chemistry in Milan and I would never have thought that only two years after I would have stand on the same stage at AGM Prague to candidate as President of ESN. And yes, probably in the public there were people thinking the same, that I was crazy, leaving my PhD to devote one year of my life to ESN, with nothing sure about my future. But now, looking back, I could only say that that was the best decision I took in my life. The year I spent as President of ESN was definitely the best year of my life so far. Never before I have learned so much, and so much improved my skills and competences. Leadership, team building, representation, teamwork, negotiation, networking, are just some of the skills I developed during my year as President of ESN and that I am continuously using in my present professional life. I remember how excited and even a bit scared I was when I moved to Brussels, as at the beginning I was all alone with so many things to do, because that was the first year the whole Board was moving to Brussels, and my fellows Board members couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come immediately after the AGM, while the members of the previous Board were busy with the celebrations of the 20th anniversary and were around with the ESN van. I remem-

Coming to the professional part I remember myself dealing with the Belgian administration: studying the laws to change the registration of the association, spending time to go to the Ministry of Finances to discover how a tax declaration works, discussing with the social services in order to understand employment laws to hire the first ESN secretary, opening a bank account and asking for a credit card (not such an easy task apparently!). I remember how I had to face all these challenges and, even if at that time I was not so happy to do it, I have to recognize that even those activities were developing myself. Just to mention one, my language skills in French definitely had to improve to survive bureaucracy.

And thanks to ESN I am presently working as project manager in an international association, UNICA (The Network of Universities in the Capital Cities of Europe), and here I am again taking care of writing grants, managing European projects, organising seminars, and the best part is that in some of the project I am working on, I am still collaborating with ESN, even if this time as a representative of a partner association. Even if I am really glad of my present position, I still remember my year in the Board of ESN as my best professional year so far: it gave me so many responsibilities, different task to accomplish, challenges to win, that maybe I will find again at the highest stages of my future professional career, but I am not sure that I will be able to find again the same unique ESN identity where words as professionalism, seriousness, self-confidence, reliability, openness, tolerance, collaboration, friendship and fun go together without any problem.

But what I remember with the greatest pleasure were my favorite activities, everything that deals with planning and organization and relations with people: Brainstorming with other Board members to find an idea for a project, presenting it and asking for feedback to the Commission, spending time writing the grant knowing that I would not be there to implement the project but sure somebody coming after would accomplish it, going to external meetings and conferences to represent ESN, or to sponsors to convince them about how such a great association it is, sharing my views of ESN with people to move forward. These were by far the best professional moments of my experience in the Board. And if now I write a grant in a third of the time, if I have no problems in speaking in public, if I can deal with people of different cultures and backgrounds without having misunderstanding, I definitely own it to ESN.

Translation

La organización de AGM Granada

By Alicia Sanchez Hernandez

Desde que en el mes de marzo de 2011 en la ciudad de Budapest ESN Granada salió elegida como OC de la AGM 2012, en España no hemos parado de celebrarlo. Todas las secciones de ESN España sentimos una enorme ilusión de que nuestro país acoja el evento más importante de ESN, y la Junta Nacional estamos prestando el apoyo necesario a ESN Granada, cuyos miembros no han dejado de trabajar ni un instante en conseguir que este evento sea recordado como el mas especial y mágico de todos los realizados. La ciudad de Granada es una ciudad que cumple los requisitos mas buscados entre los Estudiantes Erasmus, y por ello no es de extrañar que su universidad sea la que más estudiantes de intercambio recibe en toda Europa. Granada no es una ciudad muy grande, pero presenta carácter cosmopolita, y a su vez guarda entre sus calles y plazas la esencia de la cultura y tradición española y andaluza. El Monumento de la Alhambra es el símbolo a nivel internacional de esta ciudad, considerado una de las maravillas del mundo. Los asistentes a la AGM podrán disfrutar también del famoso mirador de San Nicolás, desde donde se dice se ven las puestas de sol mas hermosas del planeta. El mismísimo Bill Clinton, o la primera Dama Michelle Obama han querido comprobarlo con sus propios ojos. Granada no seria la ciudad que es si no fuese por sus „tapas“. Es un placer acudir a un bar o taberna y degustar exquisiteces gastronómicas que acompañan de forma gratuita a tu bebida. ¡Os recomendamos venir unos dia antes para disfrutar de la ciudad! El OC de AGM Granada 2012 ha elaborado un planning de 4 días de actividades y eventos donde estarán presentes todas las particularidades de su ciudad, cultura y gente. Se trata del sur de España, de Andalucía, y todo el mundo sabe que es una tierra de alegría y diversión. Las noches se iluminan para que nunca se acaben, y la música y el baile no falta en ningún rincón. Queremos que todo aquel que participe de la AGM se sienta andaluz, y en la AGM GRANADA 2012 habrá sorpresas como la „Noche Española“, o durante

„La Sesión de apertura“. Miembros de todas las secciones de ESN España se han presentado voluntarios para ayudar al OC, y ESN Granada se esta sintiendo muy arropada por toda la ayuda recibida, y ánimos en su gran labor. Ayuntamiento, empresas partners, e instituciones educativas como la Universidad de Granada o la OAPEE están ilusionados con este proyecto, y no han dudado en participar y colaborar con ESN, prestando espacios públicos, y colaborando con la financiación. La junta de Internacional también esta colaborando estrechamente con ESN Granada, y nuevas ideas se han ido añadiendo al planning inicial, con la intención de que las sesiones plenarias, workshops, informarket sean productivas y eficientes, y el disfrute en el tiempo libre, el máximo posible.

Todos los miembros de ESN sois más que bienvenidos a la ciudad, y estamos deseando recibir a todos los ESNers participantes en la AGM Granada 2012. La junta nacional, todas las secciones de ESN España, pero sobre todo el equipo que conforma el OC, está trabajando duro para haceros pasar unos fantásticos días llenos de espíritu ESN. ¡Os esperamos en AGM Granada 2012!

AGM Gr

Spanish

ranada OC

Translation

Organising AGM Granada By Alicia Sanchez Hernandez Since the election of ESN Granada as OC of the AGM 2012 in the city of Budapest, in ESN Spain we haven’t stopped celebrating it. Every section in our country is excited about the great project: Our country hosting the most important ESN event. The National Board is helping in ESN Granada, whose members are working really hard in order to prepare a magical and unforgettable AGM unlike never before. Granada is a city which fulfils all the requirements for an Erasmus experience, and this is one of the reasons why the University of Granada is the university that receives the highest number of international mobility students in Europe. Granada is not such a big city, but it has a cosmopolitan character, as well as between its narrow streets and lovely squares it has hidden the essence of the Andalusian and Spanish traditions and culture. The Alhambra Palace is a worldwide known symbol, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The AGM participants will also enjoy “El mirador de San Nicolas”, a viewpoint for watching the most astonishing sunset in the world. President Bill Clinton and First Lady Michelle Obama where there to prove it! Granada would not be Granada without “tapas”. It is a pleasure to go bars, and receive free traditional food with your drink. You should come few days before the AGM starts to enjoy the city, we highly recommend that!

presence of the city atmosphere, the culture and the people’s charm. We are talking about Southern Spain, Andalusia, and everybody knows we are a joyful and festive region. Nights are lightened up with music and dance that are never-ending. We want all of you to feel Andalusian, and AGM Granada 2012 will surprise you with “The Spanish Night” or during “The Opening Ceremony”. Members from all over Spain are going to contribute as volunteers, and ESN Granada has felt really supported with the help received and encouragement for their work. The City Council, commercial partners and educational institutions such as the University of Granada are cooperating closely with ESN Granada, and new ideas have been added to the original plan, in order to prepare productive and efficient plenary sessions, workshops, and a great infomarket, as well as profitable and enjoyable spare time. All ESN members are more than welcome to Granada, and we are ready and willing to receive all ESN participants in AGM Granada 2012. The National Board, all Spanish Sections, but above all, the OC, which is working hard to prepare a wonderful experience with the ESN spirit. We are waiting for you in AGM Granada 2012!

English

The OC of AGM Granada 2012 has planned and prepared 4 days full of activities and events where there is

Recipe

Zapiekanki By Magdalena Porazinska Zapiekanki are very popular in Poland. Especially in Cracow. You can buy them at the take away stalls, but you can also prepare them at home.

Ingredients (for 4 people): 300 g smoked bacon or sausage 250 g mushrooms 300 g grated cheese 1 big onion 100 ml tomato sauce 1 big baguette 5 g dry basil 1 spoon olive oil spices (chili, pepper, salt, oregano) Ketchup/mayonnaise

Preparations

Preparation: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins 1. Cut onion, mushrooms and sausages into cubes. Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry sausages, add the onion and later the chopped mushrooms. Add spices as you like and cook for 10 minutes. 2. Cut the baguette in a half, brush the baguette with tomato sauce and sprinkle with basil. Place on the sliced baguettes the mixture you fried before. Sprinkle it all with grated cheese. 3. Now zapiekanki are ready to be placed into the oven and be baked for 15 minutes or until the cheese is nicely golden brown. Leave to stand for 5 minutes before serving, sprinkled with oregano (and with ketchup/mayonnaise) if liked. Can be served with the salad. Smacznego!

Projects & Partners

Ride For Your Rights!

By Julian Walkowiak, Johannes Trommer, Joachim Wyssling

During the summer of 2011, 100 cyclists took part in a 4800km long Tour from Novi Sad to St Petersburg. Why did this crazy project come to life? The idea, initiated by the Student Council of Campus Europae and widely followed by ESN, was to highlight the current shortcomings in academic European exchange programmes for students in Higher Education. The mission was to implement an awareness-raising project, which would attract the attention of key figures and decision makers in the field of Higher Education. It aimed at engaging in lively discussions with education experts, administrative bodies and rectorates of Higher Education Institutions, European institutions and role models of society. In 2012, the project will be continued and the aim of Ride for your Rights! continues to be the promotion of student mobility as such but at the same time looking critically at the status quo: Europe, seen as knowledge based economy, calls for a more extensive investment in Education in order to bolster up Europe’s prosperity in its broadest sense. When we think of Education as a European matter, student exchange programmes start playing a pivotal role in the educational path of a young citizen. We see it as a must to create a Europe and a European Higher Education Area in which qualitative exchange experiences become the norm

for youth. Unlike any other “platform“, student mobility enables young people to breathe, live and contextualise the notion of European Identity. In 2011, the route took participants mainly through Eastern European countries to break down prevalent stereotypes still adhering to those regions of Europe. The Tour focused mainly on events related to the atrocities of the 1st and 2nd World Wars. The year 2012 is a very symbolical year, celebrating on one side the 25th anniversary of the well-known ERASMUS programme and on the other side being the year of debate for preparing the upcoming European programmes 2014 – 2020, such as the “Erasmus for All” programme. In this context, we will call for the organisation of several Tours at the same time, across Europe, each Tour focusing on specific challenges that the regional area is facing in regard mobility. It will be the opportunity for the organisers to invite students, stakeholders, public authorities, Parliament Members to join discussions and celebrate at the same time the 25 years of success of the ERASMUS programme. The call for the organisation of regional Ride For Your Rights! Tours is to be addressed to the current Ride For Your Rights! Community, Campus Europae universities and ESN. Additionally, in order to secure a maximum of impact and

visibility – a first Tour is already planned to go from Luxembourg to Brussels – preceded by the exhibition of the Bike of Honour at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. This Tour will focus on the history of Europe’s visionaries and founding fathers and concentrate the Tour to the landmarks of contemporary Europe. The Tour will start in Robert Schuman’s city and country of birth – Luxembourg and move north passing by Joseph Bech’s birthplace - Diekirch, before continuing to Aachen to learn more about Europe’s once Emperor Charlemagne and the Europe of his time. It will then focus on contemporary Europe and its Treaties by continuing to Maastricht. Further following the footsteps of Charlemagne, we will ride into his birthplace – Liège. From Liège, the route will go to Leuven, the city in which Europe’s great scholar Erasmus used to reside temporarily. From Leuven it will pass through Schaerbeek, the birthplace of Paul Henri Charles Spaak before arriving to the final destination in Brussels with hopefully a visit to the Commission and the Parliament. It will then end on the 2nd of June with celebration activities in the framework of the 25th anniversary of the ERASMUS programme. This festive occasion will be joined by several cities in Europe where Ride For Your Rights! Tours arrive! Agenda of the Ride For Your Rights! 2012 Tours: • 23.05.2012 Bike of Honour exhibition European Parliament, Strasbourg • 25.05.2012 Ride For Your Rights! 2012 kick-off conference Luxembourg • 26.05.2012 – 01/02.06.2012 Riding days of the different Tours Europe • 02.06.2012 Ride For Your Rights! 2012 Tours celebrating the 25th anniversary of ERASMUS Europe Join us on: Website: www.rideforyourrights.org Blog: rideforyourrights.blogspot.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/RideforyourRights Twitter: @Ride4YourRights YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ RideForYourRights Email: contact@rideforyourrights.org

Projects & Partners

Campus Europae

By Julian Walkowiak, Johannes Trommer, Joachim Wyssling Campus Europae is a Luxembourgbased foundation, which has been established in 2002 with the following core aims: “To enable future university under-graduates and postgraduates to experience the unique quality of Europe whose major achievements include the Declaration of Human Rights and scientific universalism.” Since 2004, Campus Europae is organising mobility schemes among European Universities and this under the patronage of the Luxembourg government. The network is considered as being a laboratory of mobility schemes and tools, as it is looking into shortcomings of current mobility schemes such as the Erasmus programme and addressing them by implementing new tools in its own mobility schemes. Nowadays, Campus Europae is providing learning mobility opportunities for students among 20 European Universities. The mobility schemes are aimed at fostering European cooperation among universities, enhancing multilingualism among young graduate and giving students the opportunity to become true European citizens: the students have the chance to go abroad twice in two different countries and this for at least one academic year each, thus allowing the beneficiaries to learn two different languages. Their stay abroad is rewarded with a CE certificate for each year, provided that the students get at least 45 ECTS credits per year and at least a B1 level in both host languages. Once the students received both certificates, they are rewarded with an official Campus Europae degree! This quality mobility scheme would however not exist with the involvement

of every single part of Universities, ensuring good mobility experiences: - Student representatives are taking care at each university of the arrival and integration of the CE-movers. These Student Representatives are voicing their opinion in the Student Council, which has been created in 2004. - CE Coordinators are at the disposal of the CE-movers to get over different administrative processes and are providing relevant information to the students. - Professors being involved in subject committee, establishing ex-ante recognition matrices, in order to guarantee the full recognition of studies abroad. - Language teachers providing online courses via our famous “Hook-up! The Language Gateway” programme and preparing intensive language courses at the host universities. In 2011, the Student Council of Campus Europae started to cooperate with ESN in the framework of the Ride For Your Rights! project and a second version of the project is on the road! It is also interesting to note how Campus Europae is addressing shortcomings addressed by the PRIME and ESNSurvey projects of ESN: Provision of information through Pocket Guides and a living cost database, mobility grants by looking into alternative solutions for funding, language learning by providing online language courses in addition to intensive language courses and full acade-

mic recognition through the ex-ante recognition matrices. Campus Europae is currently not only cooperating for the Ride for Your Rights! project with ESN, but also advocating together the voice of students and Higher Education institutions regarding the upcoming Erasmus programme 2014-2020. The cooperation possibilities can be highly beneficial for both organisations, and hopefully there are many more to come in the future and this on all levels! More information: www.campuseuropae.org // Facebook: Campus Europae. On the same page 200 words about you and your role in CE/ESN a nice link “Having been involved in ESN since 2007, I was elected Vice-President of ESN International at the AGM2010 in Istanbul and got to cooperate with Campus Europae for the Ride For Your Rights! Project. When my term as VicePresident was almost over, I got the offer to join Campus Europae as Project Coordinator and of course gladly accepted it. It is indeed for me a way to continue my commitment for student mobility and European citizenship. Now, I cooperate with the ESN International Board for several projects and it is always a pleasure to come back, meet and cooperate with them. I have seen ESN evolving since 2007 and can say that it is a high-level organisation on all levels and has full potential to develop further and contribute shaping the European Higher Education Area and is in this field a valuable partner for a lot of stakeholders and organisations in Europe. I truly hope the cooperation between Campus Europae and ESN will develop and get strong over the upcoming years!”

Photo

DO YOU WANT YOUR PHOTO HERE?

Then send your photos to:

photo@esn.org

We need you!

Do you have a lot of creativity but nowhere to use it? Are you a talented writer? Do you have an amazing story? Are you a funky photographer? Then we have a challenge for you! ESN publishes three issues of the eXpress magazine each year, normally it is 32-36 pages long and contains articles about projects, countries and experiences. We are already looking into making the next issue of the eXpress magazine and are looking for articles and photos from brilliant ESNers such as yourself. Article • ½page 350 words • 1 page 6-700 words • Also, please attach high quality pictures Find more infromation at esn.org/magazine or contact us at express@esn.org with your idea or finished article! Photo For photographers we have a little twist, we are looking for the next cover picture! The photos should • Be of high quality • Represent the European identity, ESN, Erasmus or other relevant topic. • Be taken by you Send your submissions before the 10th of May to photo@esn.org . The winner of the photo competition will be announced with the next issue of eXpress. By submitting photo and graphic material you agree to giving ownership and the permission to reproduce, edit and adapt the submitted materials to ESN AISBL.

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This project has been funded with support from the European Comission. This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein