At the fifth edition of Europe’s largest student-led conference, the Erasmus Generation Meeting Split 2026, the announcement of the Erasmus Destination of the Year 2026 became one of the event’s most memorable moments. After Aarhus and Porto previously held the title, Turin was selected as this year’s winner, standing out among four remarkable finalists: Santander, Gothenburg, Istanbul, and Munich.
Italy, as we know it today, was born in Turin, which served as the country’s first capital, but the city isn't just about history. It’s the birthplace of Italian cinema, the city of chocolate and also a city that loves sports, football, skiing and especially tennis. It is also a hub of advancement and was named the European Capital of Innovation for 2025 and 2026.
The Erasmus Destination of the Year celebrates cities and ESN sections that actively work to make student exchanges more meaningful, welcoming, and impactful. The initiative recognises the commitment of local volunteers who help international students integrate into their new environment while promoting mobility opportunities across Europe.
Beyond the award itself, the project highlights the role of student-led organisations in building stronger connections between universities, institutions, and local communities. By encouraging collaboration and innovation, the initiative reflects the values of the Erasmus Generation and its contribution to a more connected and internationally minded society.
Applications were open to all ESN sections, either individually or as joint city initiatives. After a selection phase, Turin, together with the finalists, advanced to the final round during EGM Split 2026, where each city was presented to an audience of more than 1,200 participants. The winner was selected through a combination of public voting and jury evaluation, with criteria focused on the quality of cooperation between ESN sections, higher education institutions, local authorities, and community partners involved in supporting student mobility.
ESN Torino was born ten years ago, and its community is composed of more than 60 volunteers, welcoming around 3,500 international students every year. Collaborating with more than 40 partners across the city, and just to give you an idea, they have already organised over 100 events in three months
However, numbers alone do not tell the full story. As Monica Mura, President of ESN Torino, explains: “This award is the result of the passion and dedication of volunteers, local organisations, and institutions that strongly believe in the value of international mobility and inclusion. Turin is a vibrant and welcoming city, enriched every day by young people who come from all over Italy and abroad to study, work, and build their future.
Most of our volunteers were not born here, but after arriving in Turin, we fell deeply in love with the city. That is why our mission became simple: to help everyone who comes here feel welcomed and discover the same sense of belonging that made Turin the place we are proud to call home.”
Turin’s recognition as Erasmus Destination of the Year 2026 reflects far more than its historical prestige or international reputation. It is a city where tradition and innovation coexist naturally, offering international students an environment that is both culturally enriching and forward-looking. From its royal heritage and world-renowned museums to its vibrant academic life and strong international community, Turin embodies the spirit of student mobility and intercultural exchange.
At the heart of this achievement stands ESN Torino and its volunteers, whose dedication continues to transform the Erasmus experience into something truly meaningful. Through their commitment to inclusion, community-building, and student support, they show how local initiatives can create lasting connections and make studying abroad a transformative experience for thousands of students every year.
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