The ESN Executive Board year is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines leadership, personal growth, and lots of fun, while working at the heart of Groningen’s vibrant and unique student culture. For one year, you and five other motivated students run ESN Groningen together. You will be the people shaping the organisation and its community, representing the organisation at national and international events and be the voice of thousands of international students in Groningen. It’s a year that not only makes your CV stand out in any application procedure, but that also allows you to make a real impact in the city, all while meeting lots of new people and most of all having a lot of fun!
As an Executive Board member, you are responsible for the daily management and executive decisions of ESN Groningen. You will be working from the ESN office, right in the city center of Groningen. Together as a team, you and your fellow board members will lead an active community of 60+ Dutch and international committee members and volunteers and organise over 150 events per year, ranging from social and cultural activities to two of the biggest introduction weeks in the city welcoming more than 3,000 new students. No two days are the same, and that’s exactly what makes a board year so exciting.
Beyond Groningen, ESN is part of a Europe-wide network active in more than 40 countries. During your board year, you connect with other ESN sections across the Netherlands and Europe, attend national and international events and conferences, and experience what it means to be part of one of the largest student organisations in Europe. You also have the possibility to attend trainings in other European countries to further develop your skills and expand your network. Furthermore, you work closely with external partners such as the University of Groningen, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, the municipality, and various commercial and student organisations, giving you hands-on experience in a professional, international environment.
The board year officially starts with a transition period from May until September, where you will learn the ropes and everything you need to know from the current board. During this time you will also get to know your fellow board members, go on a weekend away together and start making plans for the year ahead, while slowly taking over more and more tasks from the current board. No worries though, the transition period is part-time and perfectly compatible with your studies next to it, whether you are taking courses or writing your thesis. After a summer break in July, the full-time board year kicks off in September after the introduction week. From then on, you’ll work around 40 hours per week, with busier periods around the Introduction Weeks in September and February.
Finally, what truly defines the ESN Executive Board year is the people. Working closely together every day, going to parties and constis and travelling across Europe together creates a strong bond and lasting friendships. Plus, you will become part of an alumni community within the Netherlands and beyond. During this year, you will meet students from all over the world, connect with boards from other student associations and actively contribute and shape student life in Groningen. Along the way, you develop leadership, project management, and intercultural skills, discover new strengths, and gain experiences that will stay with you long after your student life.
A board year at ESN Groningen is challenging, fun, meaningful, and definitely unforgettable!