AEGEE Erasmus Student Association (Association des États Généraux des Étudiants de l'Europe): A Different Perspective on the European Youth Network and Erasmus.

AEGEE Erasmus Student Society

While ESN is often the first organization that comes to mind when Erasmus and youth mobility are mentioned, there is another important network working for dialogue, integration and personal development among young people across Europe: AEGEE . Founded in Paris in 1985, this student union is one of the largest interdisciplinary student organizations in Europe, politically independent, non-profit and entirely student-run.

Unlike ESN, AEGEE's focus is not only on social events for Erasmus students, but also on promoting European integration, supporting active citizenship, and deepening cultural exchange. Here, we examine everything AEGEE has to offer, along with student experiences and practical tips:

🌐 AEGEE Network and Local Branches (Antennae): Bridges Connecting Europe

AEGEE is a massive volunteer network with approximately 13,000 active members across Europe and more than 160 local branches (Antennas) in over 40 countries. Each branch is open to university students in its city and organizes its own program of activities.

• European Presence: It has branches all over Europe, from large student cities to small towns.

• Interdisciplinary Approach: Open to students from all fields, whether law, engineering, social sciences, or art. This fosters diverse perspectives and a rich exchange of ideas.

• Volunteer-based approach: All activities and projects are planned and executed by volunteer students. This provides participants with the opportunity to develop organizational and leadership skills.

📌 Student Experience: "Becoming a member of AEGEE not only brought me new friends, but also gave me experience in organizing events, managing budgets, and working with an international team. Even after Erasmus, I participated in many different projects thanks to the AEGEE network." - Ayşe, Erasmus Graduate from Germany

🎉 Thematic Activities and Projects: Learning and Fun Combined

Although AEGEE organizes parties like ESN, most of its events are based on specific themes and aim to combine entertainment with education.

• Summer Universities: This is one of AEGEE's most popular and long-standing projects. Every summer, thematic camps lasting 1-2 weeks are organized in different European cities. These camps usually focus on topics such as "Environmental Awareness," "Entrepreneurship," and "Intercultural Communication." Participants both receive training and explore the cultural heritage of the city and country.

• Conferences & Workshops: They organize conferences, panels, and workshops on various European issues (democracy, human rights, climate change, migration). These events develop students' critical thinking and discussion skills.

• Youth For Europe Projects: They actively participate in youth projects supported by the European Union and develop their own projects. These projects generally focus on cultural dialogue, European citizenship, and social inclusion.

• Local & European Events: Local branches organize social events in their respective cities, such as Welcome Week parties, film nights, international dinners, and city tours, while also hosting large-scale conferences and summits at the European level.

📊 Did you know? AEGEE's Summer Universities program attracts over 4,000 students each year, and more than 90% of participants describe it as a "life-changing experience".

🌍 Travel and Cultural Exchange: Not Just a Trip, But an Experience

AEGEE trips go beyond typical tourist tours. The aim is not only to see new places, but also to connect deeply with local culture and engage with different perspectives.

• AEGEE Network Trips: Students from other branches participate in an event organized by one branch (e.g., a Winter Event or a themed weekend). This offers an opportunity not only to see the place visited but also to share experiences among students from different European countries.

• Summer Universities: Offer very affordable travel and education opportunities where accommodation and most activity fees are included in the project.

📌 Student Experience: "The 'Democracy in Action' summer university I attended with AEGEE was in Poland. We not only toured Warsaw, but also met with young Polish activists, visited the parliament, and discussed the participation of young people in political processes in Europe. This enriched me both academically and culturally." - Mehmet, Erasmus Student in Italy

🗣️ Personal Development and Leadership Opportunities: Shape Your Future

AEGEE not only provides students with a space to socialize, but also offers invaluable opportunities for personal and professional development.

• Organization and Project Management: By volunteering to join event or project teams, you will gain skills in planning, budgeting, communicating, and managing an event from start to finish.

• Leadership Roles: You can take on active roles in local branches or in working groups at the European level. This will develop your leadership, teamwork, and responsibility-taking skills.

• Intercultural Communication: By constantly interacting with students from different cultures, you develop a global perspective and sharpen your intercultural communication skills.

• Language Skills: Most activities and projects are conducted in English, providing an excellent environment for practicing English.

👥 AEGEE Community: Connections that Transcend European Borders

AEGEE fosters a strong sense of "European identity" and belonging among its members.

• Shared Values: AEGEE members are generally young people who value European values, cultural diversity, and active citizenship. These shared values foster strong bonds.

• Long-lasting friendships: These can go beyond short-term Erasmus friendships like those on ESN; friendships formed at AEGEE events often continue even after university life ends.

• Professional Network: AEGEE graduates work in diverse sectors across Europe. This can create a valuable professional network for your future career.

✅ Conclusion: What is AEGEE's contribution to the Erasmus and Youth Experience?

Advantages (+):

• An In-Depth Cultural Experience: Not just about traveling, but about immersing yourself in and learning about the local culture.

• Personal & Professional Development: Gaining leadership, organizational, and project management skills.

• European Citizenship Awareness: Gaining knowledge about European integration and youth policies.

• Unique Travel Opportunities: Affordable and meaningful trips with themed summer universities and events.

• Strong and Lasting Connections: Gaining a global network of friends with shared interests.

Disadvantages (-):

• Less "Party" Focused: Compared to ESN, it's more academic and culturally oriented, so it might not meet the expectations of those constantly seeking entertainment.

• Busy Schedules: Since projects and activities are based on volunteering, it may require dedicating time and effort.

• May not be as widely known as ESN: It may not be as active or well-known in some universities or cities as ESN.

📌 Final Note: If you want to add academic depth, personal development, and a desire to explore Europe from a different perspective to your Erasmus experience, AEGEE might be perfect for you.

More Information and Directions to Local Branches:

• AEGEE's main website is: www.aegee.eu

• To find the AEGEE branch in your city or region of interest: www.aegee.eu/locals

• For information about AEGEE's summer universities, visit: su.aegee.org