Qingdao Students Impress at Model United Nations

Outside of the host school, the International School of Qingdao sent the largest delegation to last week's TIANMUN XI. Both experienced MUN students and those brand new to the program attended, acting as delegates from various nations and participating in various councils to present resolutions on real-world issues.  

 The three-day United Nations simulation hosted by sister school Tianjin International School had the goal of increasing students' knowledge regarding international issues, policy making and the activities of the United Nations. Students must not only dress the part, looking sharp in business attire, but they must practice their public speaking, negotiation and research as they present on world issues.  

 Jennifer, a senior, has been a part of MUN for many years and served as a chair for the General Assembly last week at TIANMUN. She reflected that MUN conferences not only provide chances to grow academically but socially as well: "The most memorable part of TIANMUN was being able to meet new people in person. I was able to reach out to people who I wouldn't have gone up to if it wasn't MUN. In other school events, I would usually stay in my comfort zone, but MUN forced me to go out of that zone and make new connections."  

 Antton, a sophomore, attended MUN for the first time two years ago in Grade 8, but felt like this conference was his first "real" MUN. "One life lesson that I have learned is that I should not wait for the perfect time to do something because this time will probably come too late (if at all). Instead, I should use every good opportunity I have at hand. I mainly learned this through not being called on after writing so many amendments."  

Students who participate in Model United Nations simulations gain invaluable skills that are harder to come by in a regular classroom environment. Antton gives this advice to those who might be interested in joining MUN, "Try it. It’s so different from anything you will ever do. You may or may not like it, but you will never know until you try."