Meet the students
Lucía is a 3rd-year student from Madrid studying the Dual Degree in Business Administration & International Relations. “I chose this degree because I am very interested in international affairs, politics, history, culture, languages… and felt that adding another degree would be very helpful and open more doors for me.”
Logan grew up in Vermont, USA and is studying the Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law & Economics. He wants to keep his options open post-university and has “also always been interested in politics and enjoyed reading the news and I feel this course gives me a lot of new perspectives.”
Mario is completing a Dual Degree in Laws & International Relations, “a double degree which I chose because of the unique combination that allowed me to pursue my passion for international relations while learning about such a complex field—law.”
How did you find out about the IE University Debate Club and why did you decide to join?
Lucía had a couple of good friends who were part of the club last year and participated in the IE University Model United Nations 2021—they highly recommended it. “They convinced me to sign up for the IEMUN 2022 and months later I found out that the club was providing debate training.” The rest is history.
Logan found out about IEU Debate Club through advertisements on Instagram and through IE Connects. “I decided to join because public speaking is something I have not always been comfortable with so I wanted to take an opportunity to practice it and become more confident.”
Mario joined IEU Debate Club and signed up to take debate training during his very first week, as he “was interested in developing soft skills such as public speaking and negotiation.”
How was your experience with the URJCMUN Debate?
Lucía loved her experience. “There were more international delegations than I expected. I saw a lot of involvement from everyone and a surprising passion for learning from the participants through competing against them.” She felt validated for her work, something she thinks is very important.
Logan says his experience was amazing. Though he went in nervous, he “met amazing people”, and “got to discuss prevalent topics such as border security and use what I have been learning in classes to support my points.” He also “argued in favor of ideas I did not necessarily support personally”, which is an “important exercise that helps us become more open-minded.”
Mario “I got to discuss, negotiate and debate with MUN delegates from other universities around the principle of Responsibility to Protect.” This experience was thrilling and taught Mario valuable lessons, making new friendships along the way.
“URJCMUN has undoubtedly been one of the highlights of my first year at IE, and I definitely look forward to future MUN conferences with the IE Debate Club!”
How did IE University help you participate in this debate event and support you throughout the experience?
Lucía: The “delegation’s success came from the Debate Club and training, [which] prepared us for different situations in negotiation, public speaking… and, what is more important, took our initial fear from us very quickly so that we always felt sure of ourselves.”
Logan: “IE University supported us financially by helping pay for the Airbnb that we stayed at in Madrid and also hired a great coach, Kevin, who guided us through the process.”
Mario: “IE University, and specifically the IEU Debate Club, were key in the training process […] having provided me with the opportunities, knowledge and debating techniques necessary.”
“The Debate Club has always felt like more than a student club—like a family, approachable, friendly and always there in case you need help or guidance.”
What are some pieces of advice that you would give to a future IE University student who is interested in participating in this event?
Lucía: “Whether they enjoy debating and have already participated in conferences like this one, they are new to this but are eager to learn about it, or they simply want to gain new useful skills […] the Debate Club is an amazing choice. They will meet incredible people, […] making long-lasting friendships.”
Logan: “Even if you have done Model United Nations before, go to the Debate Club training sessions as they teach you about more than just procedures but give you strategies to enhance your arguments and speak more naturally. It is also a great opportunity to discuss politics more broadly.”
Mario: “Don’t hesitate and go for it! It will be time-consuming and intellectually challenging, but the benefits, rewards (and maybe even awards!) you will take from the experience will make the investment worth it.”