If you’ve ever wandered through the bustling halls of the Tut House Club fair, you’ve likely encountered enthusiastic members of the Model UN team eagerly praising the virtues of joining their ranks. Among the tempting promises they offer is the opportunity to embark on trips to prestigious universities, like Columbia and Yale. But what exactly awaits those who venture on these MUN excursions? Let’s delve into the enriching experiences and unforgettable memories forged during these transformative journeys.
Columbia
The 4-day Columbia Model UN Conference (CMUNCE) is hosted on the New York City Campus, offering a culturally rich and entertaining experience for everyone. Delegates find themselves immersed in committee sessions, debates, and social interactions ranging from committees covering heavy topics, like nuclear disarmament to light-hearted discussions on pop culture and fandoms, allowing delegates to hone their diplomacy skills.
Exploring Columbia’s vibrant campus also provides a unique glimpse into life at one of the nation’s top academic institutions. Columbia is the only college in Manhattan to have its own large campus space, allowing it to stand out. Opening ceremonies, committee sessions, and lectures all located in different halls give students the chance to walk around and explore the campus.
The most convenient aspect of Columbia’s conference is that the ease of commuting from home eliminates worries about travel expenses for UNIS students. The 1 train takes you directly to the aptly named Columbia University 166th Street Station. Moreover, Columbia offers enlightening panels on post-Model UN life, enhancing the overall experience. As noted by delegates Kitty Jiang and Angelina So, “The trip is definitely worth it!”
Yale
For those craving a farther-from-home Model UN experience, Yale University offers an immersive overnight adventure. Known for its traditions and intellectual rigor, Yale provides the perfect backdrop for committee sessions, late-night debates, and cultural exploration. Like Columbia, delegates tackle various topics, from geopolitical issues to whimsical debates on conspiracy theories.
Yale also hosts its conference on campus, allowing UNIS students to freely explore. However, since Yale is located in a larger suburban area, its campus is much larger and more spacious. This year, the Highlight Experience is Yale Day, offering workshops, lectures, tours, and presentations on Model UN, student clubs, and recent developments in the UN community.
Delegates also have the opportunity to explore Yale’s impressive library and research center, which houses rare texts like the Gutenberg Bible and the Voynich manuscript. Dorming at Yale adds to the fun, with opportunities to bond with friends and explore New Haven’s shopping centers and restaurants.
But perhaps the most unforgettable aspect of the Yale and Columbia trips is the bonds formed between delegates during their trips. By sharing late-night conversations, participating in impromptu debates, and navigating the challenges of Model UN diplomacy, lifelong friendships are forged and a sense of camaraderie permeates the air.
The UNIS Model UN trips to Columbia and Yale offer students an unparalleled opportunity to explore the fascinating world of international relations while immersing themselves in the vibrant academic and cultural environments of two prestigious universities. Whether engaging in lively debates, exploring historic campuses, or forging friendships that will last a lifetime, participants will undoubtedly become inspired to make a real difference in the world.
So, to all those at the club fair who have hesitated at the threshold of the MUN table, I say this: seize the opportunity and discover the world of possibilities that await you in Model UN.
