We had the opportunity to attend the Erasmus Generation Meeting in Split between 16-19 April 2026, one of the most significant gatherings within the Erasmus Student Network and widely recognized as the biggest student-led conference in Europe.

Representing ESN ITU, we joined hundreds of active volunteers from across the continent to take part in a week full of networking, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building sessions. The event created a unique space where local experiences met international perspectives, helping us better understand the scale and impact of ESN’s work on student mobility.

This year was especially meaningful for us as Istanbul was a finalist for the “Erasmus Destination of the Year” award. We proudly represented both our city and country on an international stage, sharing what makes Istanbul such a unique Erasmus destination while connecting with participants from all over Europe.

Throughout the conference, we attended a wide range of educational sessions, workshops, and discussions covering topics such as volunteering structures, student engagement, project management, and the future of the Erasmus+ programme. These sessions not only provided practical knowledge but also inspired new ideas that we can bring back to our local section.

Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that reinforced our motivation, broadened our perspective, and reminded us of the strength of student-led impact at a European level.