UCLA International Institute
International Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs:Model United Nations Summer Institute
June 23 - June 29, 2013
UCLA offers a week-long intensive in-residence International Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs: Model United Nations Summer Institute for high school students who are interested in international diplomacy and foreign affairs. During the institute, students will take on the role of a diplomat, engage in independent research, and then debate a country’s position on one of the many committees of the United Nations.
The 21st century has so far shown that we live in an increasingly interconnected world, one in which organizations such as the United Nations will become more and more important. Model United Nations is an international organization in which students compete as delegations representing countries or people to debate international relations. If you are passionate about international relations and history and enjoy or want to improve your skills regarding public speaking and debate, then the UCLA Model United Nations Summer Institute is the perfect opportunity for you!
This week-long program is a perfect way for students to not only enhance their public speaking skills and learn to work cooperatively to accomplish substantive goals that benefit the world, but an excellent opportunity to learn about the world, its history, its peoples, and the way its governments work together in a very realistic simulation. Debating in committees, students cover topics such as demilitarization of conflict regions like Kashmir, HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, international human trafficking in Southeast Asia, loss of bio diversity through climate change, and even historical crises such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Napoleonic Wars.
This Summer Institute is perfect for students interested in careers such as law, international relations, public policy, government, diplomacy, as well as students interesting in studying accompanying subjects in college such as political science, history, global studies, international development studies, law, public affairs, communications, and more! Students will work with current members of the MUN at UCLA Team, one of the top 10 most comprehensive MUN collegiate programs in the country, including its Executive Board Members - all while having a blast staying at UCLA, making new friends, and hanging out in beautiful Los Angeles!
Whether you are an active member of a Model UN program at your high school, or simply want to expand your understanding of foreign diplomacy and global issues, this program is suitable for any high school student with a strong interest in international relations.
College Credit: Students who successfully complete the program will receive 2 units of Pass/No Pass University of California credit.
One Week In-Residence Program: Due to the rigorous and intense nature of the program, the residential plan, which includes housing, a meal plan, a schedule of activities, and supervision, is mandatory for all students.
Student Quotes:
"I LOVED the MUN institute. The institute as a whole was amazing and a really great experience. I had a ton of fun and I still keep in touch with many of the friends that I made. I fell in love with UCLA during the institute, as well, and I REALLY hope that I'll be accepted when I apply in two years!!!"
"It's instilled an even further love of MUN and helped me in gaining further MUN skills. I hope to use these skills and become a better debater, diplomat, and person. One day, I hope to become an ambassador or go into law, and this MUN camp has taught me a lot about both professions. Thank you!"
"This Institute has given me a stronger sense of world dynamics and has heightened my interest in globally impacting the world. I learned an incredible amount and met people (campers and counselors alike) who had an impact on the way I viewed just about everything. I am so happy I attended."
"Thank you so much for putting together and coordinating the MUN Institute at UCLA. I'm leaving with a greater curiosity of what's happening in the world surrounding me and an excitement to learn more about the different governmental/ international theories. ( I'll definitely incorporate those theories in my AP Gov essays!) I met great people, got to get acquainted with the UCLA campus, and inherited a pretty superb college support group too. Thank you for putting so much time and effort into this...it's greatly appreciated."
"I would personally like to thank you and the rest of the counselors for giving me an amazing experience this summer! The passion and the knowledge you guys illustrated has motivated me to start MUN at my school.""I just wanted to say a sincere thank you to you and the rest of the MUN team that made my week amazing at UCLA's MUN Summer Institute. I truly enjoyed learning about MUN and the issues the UN faces, and I had a blast meeting new people that will undoubtedly be lifelong friends. None of this would have been possible without you, and so once again, thank you for all your hard work to make this happen!"
Read a news article on the International Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs: Model United Nations Summer Institute