Launched during the summer, Erasmus Society are committed to create a friendly and positive environment for exchange students
Trinity’s brand new Erasmus Society came to fruition after Trinity Global reached out to the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) to express interest in establishing a long-awaited Trinity branch in the near future. Although not having gained official society status from the Central Societies Committee (CSC) just yet, the society is strongly supported by Trinity Global through vital figures such as Audrey Byrne, the head of Trinity’s Erasmus programme.
Erasmus Soc. is committed to fostering an environment that embraces cultural exchange as a means to make new, long-lasting friendships with events such as speed-friending coffee hours and potlucks where attendees are encouraged to bring food from their respective cultures and/or regions of origin.
Erasmus Soc welcomes both incoming and outgoing Erasmus students and intends to fulfil the needs of both groups. Incoming Erasmus students will form amicable relationships with one another, while also connecting with other Irish students in the society, reassuring them that friendly faces will surround their stay at Trinity to hang out with and reach out to with any questions they may have. All of the society’s committee members have been on Erasmus in the past and understand the initial feeling of being an outsider in their respective countries, so they are devoted to eliminating this sense of isolation and replacing it with one of belonging!
While incoming Erasmus students will be made to feel comfortable in Dublin, outgoing Erasmus students will prepare themselves for international immersion by interacting with those from other countries before they enter Erasmus abroad. They may be lucky enough to meet incoming students from universities that they’re interested in attending during their Erasmus experience, making them feel more at ease with residing in an unfamiliar place once a now-more-familiar culture has surrounded them. Additionally, outgoing Erasmus students can receive advice on vital aspects such as the Erasmus application process from those who have experienced it firsthand.
There will be many opportunities to form great connections. In addition to coffee hours and potlucks, the Erasmus Soc plans to create a WhatsApp group chat for incoming and outgoing Erasmus students to stimulate further communication. Erasmus Soc is also creating a buddy system overseen by Trinity’s Global Room that aligns with Erasmus Student Network’s central principle of “students helping students.”
One of President Gabrielle Bunyte’s main goals is to take Trinity’s substantial and diverse international population and integrate it with its Irish population to promote unity through appreciation of different upbringings and cultures. Therefore, it is essential to note that all Trinity students are permitted and encouraged to join Erasmus Soc, even if you are not an Erasmus student nor intend to become one. If you are interested in surrounding yourself with people from across Europe and value diversity, you are a perfect fit for the society!
Erasmus Society is looking forward to joining the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) as the fifth section in Ireland. This non-profit EU organisation promotes funded study abroad opportunities and the integration of international students. Becoming part of the organisation would allow for collaborative events with other Irish sections, the most notable being the multiple national trips that occur throughout both semesters. Such events enable Trinity Erasmus Soc. members to bond further and provide opportunities to meet even more people who share the objective of diversifying their worldview through interactions with those from different backgrounds. By joining ESN, Erasmus Soc can further accomplish its goals by participating in a more extensive network.
Check Erasmus Soc.’s Instagram (@erasmustcd) and/or Facebook (@Erasmus Trinity) for regular updates about future events, opportunities, and more!
