We spoke to three of the participants to find out about their experiences and what advice they would offer those who’d like to take part in this event in the future.
Meet the students
Originally from Germany, Constantin is a first year Dual Degree in Business Administration & International Relations student who chose his degree because it “combines both business and global issues, which is the perfect fit for me.”
Tancrède is a third year Bachelor in Communication & Digital Media student, who describes himself as passionate about all things creative, including music and audiovisual media. “My dream is to work in the creative industries.”
Maria-Cătălina is a second year Dual Degree in Laws & International Relations student from Romania. “I immediately fell in love with this undergraduate … [degree], because it perfectly mixes my aspirations: legality with global issues.”
How did you find out about the IEU Debate club and why did you decide to join?
Constantin says that he was part of a Model United Nations and debate club in high school. “Coming to IE University, I wanted to join a club that offered both.” He says that the MUN part of the club meets his interest in global issues and diplomacy, while debate and debate training enriches his skill set.
Tancrède joined after one of his friends told him about it. “He then became [the club’s] president and insisted I join, since I had some experience with MUN during high school,” he says. “I decided I would accept since I have some fun memories from them, and here I am!”
Having been involved in debating since the 10th grade, the Debate Club was the first club Maria-Cătălina joined at IE University. “I wanted to expand my oracy, negotiations, structural and critical skills,” she says.
How was your experience with the London International Model United Nations Debate?
“Frankly, in the beginning, I was quite anxious,” says Maria-Cătălina. “Any Model United Nations conference is demanding, from the lack of free time and sleep to intense arguments, negotiations and tough work. In the end, all of us were winners, because I think this event shaped the type of people we are today. We all worked hard and pushed our limits, and I’m so proud of all of us.”
Tancrède says that the Debate Club taught them a lot about MUN debates, including general etiquette, rules, and techniques. “However, the style we were taught was very different from the one employed in LIMUN. There, the awards go to the most diplomatic delegates; confrontations were pretty much absent from the entire conference. It was odd to adjust to this style, but nevertheless, the training we had did prepare us for negotiations and reaching multilateral agreements. We ended up winning three awards in total, so it went pretty well.”
Constantin echoes the fact that the conference was very demanding. “Every day is packed with debate sessions and you only have a few moments for yourself. Seeing everyone celebrating their success together is a unique experience. But also having people you can rely on is valuable. MUN isn’t just about debating, it’s also about meeting people and getting to know them.”
How did IE University help you participate in this debate event and how did the university support you throughout the experience?
Constantin: “IE University was very supportive during the preparations. With the Debate Training led by Kevin Febres, everybody had solid debate training. These skills aren’t only important for MUN but also for your personal life. Attending the IEU MUN and all the mini MUNs was great preparation for representing IE University as a delegate. During the conference Kevin was there for advice and encouragement, without which this conference would not have been the same experience.”
Maria-Cătălina: “Every meeting that we had after an exhausting debating day was just another guarantee that we were not in this alone. We’re good people and debaters and this is the advantage that IE University has given to us.”
Tancrède: “IE University offered us the accreditation by sponsoring us. Going as an individual delegate is fun, but we had the chance to go there as a competitive delegation in the name of our university. I’m proud to have represented my university.”
What are some pieces of advice and recommendations that you would give to a future IEU student who is interested in participating in this event?
“Don’t be scared,” says Tancrède. “MUNs can be terrifying, especially the first time, but believe me, there’s nothing to be scared of. Other delegates are always nicer than you would expect, and the environment is very friendly. The idea is not to crush each other—it’s to collaborate to reach the best resolution possible.”
Constantin says that speaking in front of people you don’t know is something you can train and learn. “MUN and the Debate Club is the platform to do so.” He adds that attending a conference is demanding and the required time might be more than for other extracurriculars. “Researching, preparing and training require a lot of time. So, you must be aware of this and commit yourself.”
“Teamwork is key,” says Maria-Cătălina. “The most important element is to trust your team. You’re all there with a scope and purpose, so there’s no need to panic. Your delegation will always be there to raise you when you’re uncertain.”