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Humanitarian crisis management: Inside IE University’s refugee camp simulation

In this hands-on simulation of a refugee camp, students step into the role of aid workers, facing the real challenges of providing safety, support and hope to those in urgent need.

A refugee is someone who has been “forcibly displaced” from their home due to events like a war, natural disaster or humanitarian crisis. By mid-2024, over 122 million people worldwide faced this reality, according to UNHCR data. This is a global concern. In fact, after World War II, 149 countries recognized it by agreeing to protect refugees under the 1951 Refugee Convention. Seeking asylum is a universal right, and it’s crucial for the next generation of leaders to understand how to uphold this right.

To prepare students to meet these challenges, the IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs hosts a humanitarian crisis simulation every year. This immersive experience puts Bachelor’s students in Economics and International Relations in the role of NGO team members in a refugee camp, giving them a close-up view of the work involved in humanitarian aid.

Understanding refugees’ basic needs

The UNHCR defines basic needs for refugees as those essentials for their survival, safety, health and well-being. Addressing these needs involves:

  1. Essential supplies such as food, water and blankets.
  2. A safe environment to protect them from potential harm.
  3. Access to basic services, including healthcare and sanitation.
  4. Support for sustainable livelihoods, enabling refugees to manage their own resources.

With this framework in mind, our students learn not only to recognize these needs but also to strategize on how best to meet them in a resource-limited environment.

Equipping future leaders for complex challenges

During our humanitarian crisis simulation our students tackled challenges like setting up shelters, managing resources and coordinating with different groups to help refugees. After a quick briefing on crisis management basics, they created a mock refugee camp, complete with medical stations, water access points and accommodations.

The day ended with a discussion led by a UNHCR representative, who shared real-life insights on helping refugees, adding depth to what students learned through the simulation. This experience aims to teach students about logistics, ethical decision-making and teamwork.

A look inside our humanitarian crisis simulator

To capture the student perspective, we interviewed one participant who shared key takeaways from the day:

How did the simulation compare to your expectations? 

The simulation exceeded my expectations. It wasn’t just about reacting to emergencies but really understanding the needs of people in tough situations. We had to think about what they needed most and work with a team to make it all happen

What did you learn about managing a humanitarian crisis? 

One of the biggest things I learned is the importance of planning and coordination. It’s not enough to just provide supplies—they need to be distributed thoughtfully. Communication is also key, especially when you’re collaborating to tackle issues like organizing a camp or distributing food.  

What challenges did your team face, and how did you solve them? 

One of the hardest parts was organizing the camp layout. We needed to decide where to place essentials like healthcare tents, water supplies, toilets and security. Drawing a map really helped us visualize how things would work. That made it easier to allocate resources efficiently.

How did this change your view of humanitarian organizations? 

I realized people from all kinds of backgrounds can make a real impact. It’s not just about technical skills; communication and teamwork are just as important. I have a much deeper respect for the professionalism and empathy these organizations show in humanitarian crisis situations.

What was a hard decision your team had to make during the simulation? 

One of the most important decisions we made was setting up security to monitor who comes in and out of the camp. It became clear that security is essential for both refugees and aid workers because even in humanitarian settings, the risk of disorder is high. 

What was your role, and how did it contribute to the team’s success? 

My role was to manage the medical setup. I had to decide where to place healthcare facilities and how to prioritize urgent cases. This helped the team ensure that healthcare was accessible and that the most vulnerable received attention first.

What skills did you develop through the simulation? 

I developed critical thinking skills, particularly in decision-making under pressure. I also gained experience in crisis communication, something I hadn’t practiced before. These skills will definitely benefit me in my future career and life in general. 

How did you handle ethical issues like refugee dignity and resource limits? 

It was important to approach everything with empathy and compassion. Logistics are critical, but you can’t forget that these are people with stories and needs. Staying compassionate was a huge part of the learning experience.

What key takeaways will help you in your future career or studies? 

My biggest takeaway is understanding the real needs of people in extreme situations. It’s also clear to me now how important it is to collaborate with the right organizations during a crisis. This experience has given me a clearer sense of how I can contribute to humanitarian work in the future

This unique exercise builds the skills, empathy and resilience that students need to make meaningful contributions. As the world continues to face complex challenges, it’s reassuring to see future leaders preparing to meet them with compassion, integrity and a deep understanding of refugees’ needs.

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Annie Beasley is a Spanish-American journalist specialized in political journalism and feminist issues. Raised in Galicia, she spent her summers in the US, becoming fluent in English, Spanish, and Galician.

Her academic journey took her all over Spain. She started at Universidad de Valladolid, where she was a member of a student activist group, then went on to Universidad de València, and finally Universidad Carlos III in Madrid, where she’s currently working and pursuing postgraduate studies in voice acting. Each university offered a unique academic approach, giving her fresh insights into journalistic writing and access to an array of learning opportunities.

During college, she interned as a copywriter at a marketing firm in Madrid and went on to work as a communications specialist at Fractalia, a prestigious cybersecurity company.
Annie currently works at IE University as the editor of Driving Innovation, bringing a fresh, journalistic voice to the blog and focused on delivering insightful, informative content.

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