Welcome Weeks – all students invited
Becoming a university student is a turning point in every young person’s life – filled with challenges, uncertainty, excitement, growth, yet bearing enormous rewards. It is also a time in which lasting friendships are made, social preconceptions shaken, personal limits overcome and new ideals formed. All of these experiences are greatly magnified when studying abroad, away from family, friends and all things familiar. In that regard, the VUB has itself taken on the challenge of being as accommodating to their new students as possible, whether they are really local, international or simply studying a semester on exchange. In particular, the Erasmus Student Network, well known supporter and integrator of students from all walks of life, is also the active organiser of the VUB’s Welcome Weeks. Together with the International Relations and Mobility Office, they aim to help all newbies as well as experts kick off the academic year in style.
What is the Erasmus Student Network, and how does their Brussels counterpart - ESN VUB EhB - fit into it?
The Erasmus Student Network is the biggest non-profit student association in Europe. We are present in more than 800 higher education institutions in 39 countries, with over 15,000 volunteers. Our aim is to support and develop student mobility, and to provide intercultural experience. We would like to motivate students to experience and enjoy cultural diversity.
ESN VUB EhB Brussels is taking care of all international students of Vrije Universiteit Brussel and the Erasmus Hogeschool Brussel. We are helping students to integrate, by providing the proper amount and quality of information about their stay, and on the other hand, a various range of activities and events they can take part in. Our city trips, parties and social events will guarantee the perfect atmosphere for everyone to make new friends.
Who can join the network, and what can they expect to gain?
It is important to clarify the misconception that we only help out the Erasmus students, EVERYONE can join our network! We are actually trying to help and organise activities for both international and local students. We have a membership card, the ESNcard, which gives discounts on all our activities and trips. The membership card provides you with many deals, e.g discounts at local bars, IKEA, Brussels Airlines, Hostelling International and Flixbus. The ESNcard can be bought by everyone and is valid for one year, very useful when travelling around Europe!
Our team of volunteers exists out of both local and international students. We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers who would like to help organising our events. If you want to take part in this amasing experience while making a bunch of international friends, you can send an e-mail to vicepresident@esnvubehb.org.
Tell us about the Welcome Weeks at the VUB?
The beginning of the semester is the busiest period for us, this is when we have our Welcome Weeks. Together with the International Relations and Mobility Office, we will welcome the new international students on the Orientation Day. We will show them around campus and the city of Brussels. Some of our first activities are a trip to IKEA, Brussel Brost and a city trip to Bruges. All of our planned activities can be found here ►► Welcome Weeks | ESN VUB EhB Brussels ◄◄
Be ready to have the time of your life!
Students can stay up to date by following the ESN Brussels Social Media Channels!
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/esn.brussels/
Instagram: esn_vubehbxl