Gude Erfahrung
What does ESN for you?
ESN supports exchange students before, during and after their study abroad period. By taking care and assisting the exchange students during the whole exchange experience, we can make your time and experience abroad easier and more exciting.
Before the exchange
The first step towards an exchange is to get the right information. ESN provides information both about the academic aspects of an exchange, as well as about practical issues connected to the stay (such as accommodation, administration, costs of living or local culture) - of course depending on your local ESN section. You can find further information why it is an amazing idea to go abroad on our website under 'Why Study Abroad?'
Before going on exchange, contact the local ESN section of your host university (if there is any), have a look at their website where you can already find a lot of information and details concerning your stay or do not hesitate to contact them directly to ask about anything else you need to know.
If you for any reason cannot go on exchange, you might be interested to join us, ESN Darmstadt, in order to get the international experience at home. In this way, you will be able to get to know international students, brush up your language skills and find out about different cultures and habits. It is also a good preparation for your own international experience - to see the situation of the international students from the other side and to know what to expect during the first days abroad.
During the exchange
One of the main tasks of ESN sections is to improve the social integration of exchange students and to represent their needs and rights. ESN sections in over 40 countries all around Europe organise an infinite number of activities for international students in order to integrate them in local community and support them.
The activities are numerous - some of the examples follow: buddy system, orientation & welcome weeks, language exchange projects, cultural and social activities, trips, and events. For more information about our activities check our events.
After the exchange
Many local sections are set up and run by former exchange students. If you want to join an ESN section, just find one in your city. If there is no ESN section yet, there is nothing easier and more intriguing than starting a local section on your own, possibly with help of your friends and other former exchange students - as we did in 2018