SocialErasmus in Metro

When Erasmus (programme) turns social.

Brussels. A Belgian initiative, fostering Erasmus students’ involvement in social projects, has just been awarded by European Economic and Social Committee. This Civil Society Prize aims to foster the promotion of European Identity and integration.
Leaving for an Erasmus exchange to Brussels, Rome or Madrid, students often reach the same conclusion: studying abroad helps to meet students from all over Europe, and sometimes raises the dream of moving abroad, and being surrounded by foreigners. Nonetheless, one aspect is often missing during these exchanges: meeting “locals” is not so easy, all kinds of Erasmus or Expats may agree with that.

“It is a pity not to meet people from the country where you are studying” regrets Tania Berman from Erasmus Student Network. Since February 2010 she has been involved in the SocialErasmus project. Created in 2008, this project has been implemented in 390 higher education institutions. “Our objective is to make international students integrate into the local community. In each university, student volunteers offer them the chance to participate in social activities.” The activities are organized around 3 pillars: environment, education and charity. “In Poland and Austria, students took the Erasmus to plant trees or collect rubbish in the forest. Quite often too, international students visit schools in order to present to local children their home country, traditions, food… Whatever the activity, the aim is to create contact with the local population”, resumes Tania Berman. The presence of foreigners in a city has an  added value, and it is a shame, that sometimes not everybody can take advantage of it.”Local students can also get interested in such activities. “It is the opportunity for them to experience  Erasmus whilst remaining at home. Discovering other cultures, other languages… That is Internationalization at home !”, says Tania Berman with a smile. She, too, is a former Erasmus student. “You know Erasmus Student Network, when you are studying abroad.  When you come back home after a rich and enjoyable experience, one often wishes to give something back to others.”

Two Belgian projects awarded

Yesterday the European Economic and Social Committee awarded the Civil Society Prize. Apart from the 1st Prize, a second Belgian project has been highlighted. “Light on the right bus tour” organized a 10.000 km journey across the EU to underline the importance of the quality of education and boost European school students’ rights. Another project, from Great Britain, allowed the setting up of both cultural and civic events in 12 European countries last May. The “Transeuropa Festival” organises debates, films and concerts. The aim is to raise such questions as migrants’ rights, discrimination against Roma and respect for minorities.

Translated by ESN from the orgiginal article in French to English - attached also the original aritcle.

Attachments
20111208_SE_MetroBelgium_article.doc.pdf 20111208_SE_MetroBelgium_article.doc.pdf (421.98 KB)