We interviewed six of the fourteen IE University students to hear about their experiences taking part in the Harvard National Model United Nations.
Meet the students
Dario is a first-year Bachelor in Data & Business Analytics student. “I chose my degree because I am certain that […] the future is data, and being able to manage this beautiful asset will definitely give me an upper hand.”
“I am a first-year Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Economics (PPLE) student from Germany. I chose this degree because of its variety of subjects and because it gives me the opportunity to have a broad education.”
“I’m a second-year Bachelor in International Relations student! I chose my degree as my entire life and academia have been based around the studies of conflict and peace.”
Pablo is a third-year Bachelor in Communication and Digital Media student. “I chose this degree as it gave me the opportunity to learn, from the most strategical side of communication planning to the development of creative projects and applications.”
Isabella is a Dual Degree in Business and International Relations student from the United States. “I wanted to take advantage of the diversity at IE University.”
Montserrat is a student of the Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Economics and the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B). “Nowhere else would I have had the opportunity to study such a complex and multifaceted degree.”
How did you find out about the IEU Debate club and why did you decide to join?
Dario has always had a passion for debate, engaging with it at school and with his friends. “The Club Fair is where I first found out about debate club. Having had past experience and a genuine interest in debating, I instantly enrolled […] to be able to participate in the many events and be part of the various delegations the IE Debate Club had to offer.”
Antoine says he “discovered the IE Debate Club in my first year at IE thanks to the IEU MUN conference. I decided to join as I always wanted to improve my debate skills.”
Pablo found out about the club through friends. “I decided to join as a communications officer. Later on, I got more engaged with their activities and became the president for this term.”
How was your experience during the Harvard National Model United Nations Debate?
Karolina emphasizes the relationships and bonds she formed—“I find it so inspiring to see ambitious people from such various backgrounds come together.” She also speaks about how “it can be very challenging to leave your own values behind and represent another country’s policy, […] it’s about community and finding common ground.”
Isabella sums up her experience by discussing the intensity, the deep connections she formed and the euphoric feeling that winning brings. “It is not only preparation that is important, it is also mental endurance, and personal willpower.”
Montserrat also speaks of the community formed and the opportunity to meet and work with people she may not have otherwise met. She highlights “the incredible academic rigor of the debate on super interesting topics.”
How did IE University help you participate in this debate event and how did the university support you throughout the experience?
Karolina: “IE University has set a very sound ground for our delegation with the debate training led by our coach Kevin Febres, without whose trust, encouragement, and teachings, I would not have survived the conference.”
Antoine: “On top of the huge financial support and funding/sponsorship by the IE School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, we were given IE University merch to represent the university abroad.”
Isabella: “I was able to use a lot of the things I had learned in my international relations classes and actually apply it during the conference in discussions with other people.”
What are some pieces of advice that you would give to a future IEU student who is interested in participating in this event?
Karolina says “don’t be scared. Be involved from the beginning, be passionate and open to learning, and most importantly, enjoy the process.”
Antoine emphasizes the opportunity to enhance your “ability to debate, engage in public speaking, and simulate a rise to political power. I would strongly recommend all IEU students to participate and join!”
Pablo encourages people “to come with an open mind and a diplomatic sentiment” and be “ready to embrace new cultures and different points of view.”