FAQs

The Erasmus National Meeting (ENM) is the largest gathering of Erasmus and international students in Portugal, organized annually by ESN Portugal (https://esnportugal.org/). The 21st edition of ENM will take place from April 30th to May 3rd, 2026 (Thursday to Sunday). Please note that May 1st is a national holiday in Portugal, providing an extended weekend for participants to enjoy the event to the fullest.

ENM will take place from April 30th to May 3rd, 2026.

The event will be hosted in Albufeira, Algarve, one of Portugal's most vibrant and scenic coastal destinations, known for its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and welcoming atmosphere. Participants will stay in the 4-star Muthu Oura Praia. You can check more about the hotel here or refer to the "Hotel" tab of this FAQs.

Yes, all participants must carry a valid passport or national identity card that complies with all visa and entry requirements. Additionally, a valid ESNcard is mandatory for event participation. If you do not have your ESNcard yet, please purchase here.

ESN Portugal is committed to ensuring that ENM is an inclusive and welcoming event. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please contact the event organizers in advance so we can make necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

To make the most of your experience, we recommend bringing:

- Comfortable clothing and footwear for daytime activities.
- A swimsuit and towel for beach activities.
- Personal hygiene items and toiletries.
- Your ESNcard and valid ID.
- Costumes or outfits matching the event's party themes.
- A positive attitude and lots of energy!

Please be aware that you should arrive to ENM in the morning of the 30th of April, and that transportation to the event venue is not included in the ticket price. Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel. Some local ESN sections may provide organized transportation options (such as buses). We recommend reaching out to your local ESN section for further details on available travel options.

- By bus: Albufeira has its own bus terminal (Google Maps) and Flixbus (https://www.flixbus.pt/) and Rede Expressos (https://rede-expressos.pt/pt) can take you there! From there, the hotel is just 10min away by car or 20min by public transportation.
Pro tip: you can always use your Flixbus discount with your ESNcard!

- By airport: Faro International Airport is the closest airport to the event. A 40min drive from the hotel or about an hour by bus and public transportation.

- By train: Albufeira - Ferreiras (Google Maps) is the closest train station to the event. From there, it takes approximately 10min by car and 45min by public transport to get to the hotel. Check for train tickets at Comboios de Portugal (https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/pt).

No, meals are not included in the event package. However, the 4-star Muthu Oura Praia Hotel, where participants will be accommodated, offers fully equipped kitchens in each room. Additionally, a supermarket (Intermarché) (Google Maps) is conveniently located on the hotel premises, allowing you to purchase groceries and prepare meals as needed.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks. Given that all accommodation units include a kitchen, you have the flexibility to cook your own meals. Additionally, the Intermarché (Google Maps) supermarket located at the hotel provides easy access to groceries and essentials.

Please note drinks will not be allowed into the night parties and glass is not allowed in the pool!

No, ENM is exclusively open to international students and interns currently in Portugal under a mobility program. Participants must hold a valid ESNcard to register. Additionally, ESN Portugal members and international guests associated with the network may also participate.

Tickets are available for purchase from the 22nd of February and will remain on sale until March 22th, 2026, or until they sell out. Due to high demand, we encourage participants to secure their tickets as early as possible. Stay updated through official ESN communication channels.

No, each participant must purchase their own ticket as a valid ESNcard is required for registration. Ticket transfers or group purchases are not permitted.

If your payment is unsuccessful, please follow these steps:

-Verify with your bank that your card is enabled for international or online transactions.
-Ensure that you have sufficient funds in your account.
-If the problem persists, contact ESN Portugal for further assistance. Please note that payments can only be processed through ESN's official payment channels.

Your registration is not confirmed until payment has been successfully processed. If you have registered but have not yet made a payment, we recommend completing the transaction as soon as possible to secure your spot. If you encounter any issues, please contact ESN Portugal immediately.

Payments can be made online through ESN's official payment platform. We only accept credit and debit card payments at this time. Cash payments are not accepted.

If you do not receive a confirmation email after completing your registration:

-Check your spam or junk folder in case the email was filtered.
-If you still cannot find it, contact ESN Portugal with your payment details so we can verify your registration and resend the confirmation.

For any additional questions, feel free to contact ESN Portugal via official communication channels.

If you miss your scheduled transportation, you will need to arrange your own travel to the venue at your own expense. Unfortunately, no refunds will be issued in this case. It is highly recommended that you plan your journey in advance, in order to arrive in the morning of the 30th, to avoid any unforeseen delays. If you are traveling in a group, make sure to coordinate your arrival times to ensure a smooth check-in process.

No, all rooms at the hotel come fully equipped with fresh towels, bed linens, and other necessary bedding items. Housekeeping services will also ensure that towels and bed sheets are replaced periodically. However, if you prefer to bring your own personal towels for beach outings or poolside relaxation, you are welcome to do so.

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel premises, including guest rooms and common areas. However, please note that connection speeds may vary depending on the number of users connected at any given time. For those who need a more stable connection, it is advisable to use mobile data or a portable Wi-Fi device.

Yes, the hotel offers beautifully maintained outdoor spaces where guests can relax, socialize, and enjoy the surroundings. Whether you prefer lounging by the swimming pool, dining at the outdoor seating areas, or simply unwinding in designated recreational spaces, there are plenty of options to make the most of your stay.

Smoking is strictly prohibited inside all hotel rooms and enclosed public areas in accordance with hotel policies. However, there are designated smoking areas outside the building where guests are allowed to smoke. Please ensure that you follow the hotel's smoking regulations to maintain a comfortable environment for all attendees.

The hotel is well-equipped with a wide range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all ENM participants. Some of the key facilities include:

-Spacious and well-furnished rooms with fully equipped kitchens
-Restaurants & bars offering a variety of food and drinks
-Swimming pool & sunbathing areas for relaxation and socializing
-24-hour reception and concierge services to assist with any inquiries
-Lounge areas & entertainment zones for casual gatherings

For a complete list of hotel facilities, visit this link.

ENM offers a diverse and exciting program featuring:

- Pool parties & beach parties
- Flag parade & cultural activities
- Dance classes & sports tournaments
- Interactive games & social challenges
- Themed parties every night

For the additional activities you can check the page “+ Activities” accessed from the menu above, but you can count on Caves Exploration and Parasailing!

The safety of our participants is our top priority. ESN Portugal, in collaboration with local authorities and security teams, implements several safety measures:

- Trained volunteers will be present throughout the event to assist attendees.
- Professional security personnel will be on-site to handle emergencies at most activities.
- Safe-Party Initiative: This includes dedicated volunteers promoting responsible partying, distributing water, and raising awareness about alcohol consumption.
- Survival Guide: All participants will receive a guide to help them prepare for the trip and know where to reach out in case of any issues.
- If you ever feel uncomfortable or need help, reach out to any ESN volunteer or hotel staff member immediately.

Yes, all ENM-organized activities are reserved for registered participants. However, public spaces within the hotel and city remain accessible to the general public.

For any additional questions, feel free to contact ESN Portugal through official communication channels. We look forward to welcoming you to ENM 2026 for an unforgettable experience!