The Model United Nations (MUN) is an educational simulation that allows students to learn about international relations, diplomacy, and the United Nations (UN) by role-playing as delegates to the UN. In a MUN, students research and debate current global issues and attempt to find solutions acceptable to the countries they represent.
ACS Athens encourages students to participate in MUN teams who participate in competitions around the country and the world. Admittedly by students and faculty advisors, it is a valuable experience as it provides an opportunity to develop important skills such as public speaking, critical thinking, research, and negotiation. By researching and debating complex global issues, students can gain a deeper understanding of the world around them and become more informed and engaged global citizens. Confidence, leadership skills, and new friendships are the main benefits. Of course, it's a great addition to a college application, as it demonstrates a student's interest in global issues and their ability to engage in meaningful debate and discussion.
So what is the common link between Kazakhstan, Angola, Amnesty International, Sudan, and Mauritius? In this first episode of a 2-part series on MUN, we are talking to 4 academy students and their advisor, Academy Vice Principal Evelyn Pittas, about their participation in MUN.
Let's see what the students had to say about:
- Baseline knowledge of a country and going in-depth on the issues of concern;
- Doing research on issues and non-issues for a country;
- Preparing for the experience of debate, presenting, and researching through regular school material;
- Getting to know a country through being an advocate for its issues of concern;
- The value of supporting views that go against one's own;
- How being a good listener makes someone a good advocate;
- Reflecting on why someone would join the MUN.
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Happy listening!!!