Vulcano and Messina host over 1,000 international students

From 21 to 25 May 2026 the Aeolian Islands and the city of Messina will host the Spring National Event (EN) of Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Italy. Coordinated by ESN Messina, the 2026 edition expects over 1,000 international students and ESN members from across Europe and beyond.

The initiative combines conferences, sports and entertainment with locally distributed activities aimed at promoting inclusion, sustainability and internationalisation.

• Dates: 21-25 May 2026
• Pre-event (Messina, Villa Dante): Thursday 21 May, 11:00–18:00, featuring sports tournaments, a Green Area, awareness activities and a clean-up. Opening conference at 16:00 at the University of Messina (Aula Cannizzaro).
• Main venue: Island of Vulcano (from 22 May) with sports, themed parties, live painting, DJ sets, excursions and creative workshops.
• Key activities: kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, crater trekking, beach volleyball tournaments, inclusive games, creative workshops and performances.
• Partners and patronages: University of Messina, Municipalities of the Aeolian Islands, ERSU Messina, WWF, Ministry of University and Research, ENIT and other national and international bodies.
• Goals: territorial promotion, sustainable tourism, social inclusion and intercultural exchange.

The event aims to leverage student mobility as a tool for local promotion, engaging associations and local businesses to generate positive economic and cultural impacts for the Aeolian archipelago.