ESN Italy

ESN Italy is the national network of Erasmus Student Network (ESN) sections in Italy. Officially founded on 22 October 1994 by members of the country’s seven oldest sections (Siena, Parma, Pavia, Politecnico di Milano, Trento, Bologna, Genova), ESN Italy coordinates, represents, and supports local sections across the country to deliver high-quality experiences to international students.
The Association’s registered office is in Parma, Via Università 12, and today the network counts 53 sections covering the entire national territory.

What local sections do

Across Italy, ESN sections operate on a volunteer basis in close collaboration with their universities’ International Relations Offices. With around 25,000 exchange students staying in Italy each year, sections typically provide:

  • Arrival & orientation: practical help in the first days (housing search, course information, academic rules, bureaucracy).

  • Integration & community: cultural, recreational and sport activities; language exchanges; cinema, theatre and music nights.

  • Travel & discovery: low-cost trips throughout Italy (from city breaks and seaside outings to ski weeks), often co-organised with other ESN sections to foster national networking.

National Platform (Piattaforma Nazionale)

The Italian National Platform meets four times per year, each time hosted by a different local section. Agenda items include:
election of the National Board, admission of new sections, ESN Italy policies, national and international projects and partnerships, and common section challenges (fundraising, recruitment, university support, etc.). All sections have the right—and the duty—to participate.

Governance

ESN Italy became a legally registered association on 23 February 2000, giving formal structure to the National Platform. Over time, the governance evolved; today the National Board consists of:

  • President

  • Vice President

  • Secretary

  • Treasurer

  • National Representative

  • Web & Communication Manager (Communication Manager)

A Board of Guarantors (Advisory Board) of three experienced members supports oversight of the National Board and the network.

Flagship events & projects

ESN Italy and its sections run major national events and contribute to international ESN initiatives. Highlights include:

  • ICE – Incontro Culturale Erasmus: 4 days in Rome bringing together thousands of Erasmus students and Italian sections for culture, networking and celebration.

  • Evento Nazionale (EN): over 2,000 students gather each year for a seaside weekend of sun, music and intercultural exchange.

  • NEG – National Erasmus Games: national sports competitions with up to 1,000 participants.

  • Seasonal & thematic traditions: ESNow (Alps ski week), Carnival events (Venice/Padova), Crazy Countdown (Milan New Year celebration), Spring Break in Naples, and many other local-to-national initiatives throughout the year.

More info on ESN ITALIA website: www.esnitalia.org