About Us

Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Edinburgh (formerly International and Exchange Student Society) is a local ESN section of ESN United Kingdom, originally founded by the former International Student Center (a student-run group operating as the social branch of Edinburgh Global) and Exchange 360 (an Edinburgh University Students Association society for Exchange students specifically). ESN Edinburgh is solely run by volunteers who organise multicultural activities, events, and trips for all students interested in internationalisation, both British and international. Our events consist of coffee evenings, parties, trips, and projects.

Internationally, the Erasmus Student Network is the biggest student association in Europe and was founded in 1989 to support and develop student exchange. We are present in more than 800 Institutions of Higher Education in 40 different countries. The network is constantly developing and expanding.

Who Are We For?

Any student who is interested in international exchange and company! Our aim is to facilitate all intercultural communication in our University and Edinburgh!

  • Homecoming Students
    We support students who are returning from an exchange with their reintegration process in their home countries by helping them stay in contact with an international environment. Many of us have good exchange and/or international experience as well and felt a lack of help during our exchange or international studies. We, therefore, understand better the issues and challenges of a foreign environment and can support you.

  • Exchange Students
    Current exchange students are often overwhelmed or face problems in their new environments. Hence, ESN Edinburgh offers help in the academic, social, and practical integration process in Edinburgh and Scotland through activities that include social events such as trips, movie nights, potluck socials, and, of course, parties.

  • International Students
    Here in Edinburgh, we also have many students who study for a full degree. We also offer them the same support as exchange students and help them to meet locals and other exchange and international students.

  • UK Students
    We also welcome any UK student who is interested in participating in an international atmosphere!

Mission Statement

Given the University’s increasingly global community, ESN Edinburgh's ultimate goal is to create a community where students from all cultural backgrounds can feel at home in Edinburgh and to ease the transition of foreign students into university life here, for however long the stay lasts.

ESN Edinburgh hopes to create lasting bonds and promote cross-cultural exchange through facilitating opportunities to experience Scotland and its culture. We encourage integration of home and international students through cultural diplomacy and shared experiences and are dedicated to providing the best overall experiences especially for international and exchange students. Open to all students at the University of Edinburgh, we and our student volunteers are passionate about creating a safe and comfortable environment where members can come to establish connections with a variety of people. 

Values

To encourage the greatest cultural exchange among students, the values of ESN Edinburgh are:

Diversity

Fairness

Friendliness

Hospitality

Volunteerism