From combating violence against women to averting armed conflict, students at the MUN Institute learn how to think critically about a wide variety of political issues and formulate creative solutions. Alumni of the MUN Institute are never afraid to think on their feet or verbalize their thoughts. We teach them the substance, style, and structure for successful public speaking.
Students spend their week-long program researching the economic, humanitarian, cultural, and geopolitical perspectives of the countries they represent. They develop solutions for solving global crises and implementing political objectives. Through writing resolutions and negotiating with their peers, students learn the challenges and rewards of effective diplomacy. These skills benefit high school-level MUN Institute students as they prepare to succeed in college, career, and beyond.
Key Skills
Research and Writing
Throughout the week, students conduct in-depth research on a variety of topics relevant to the United Nations and learn the viewpoints of different countries that they will be assigned to represent.
The drafting of position papers will be assigned for homework and the MUN Mentors will provide in depth feedback and encouragement each day to help students improve their research and writing skills.
Public Speaking
Through daily practice at the MUN Institute, students will improve their public speaking – a fundamental skill in Model United Nations and in life. Students will learn how to use structure and style to enhance their public speaking, and they will learn how to interact diplomatically by practicing communication skills like cooperation, interaction, and social dynamics.
Delegates receive daily 1-on-1 feedback from their MUN Mentors and peers in order to improve their public speaking skills.
Negotiation
Students will learn how to negotiate, debate, and reach consensus on international issues. Each student will represent a specific country, and thereby assume all of the attitudes and political positions of that country. Students must work together to create solutions to international problems, while simultaneously staying consistent with their country policy.
Students will receive lessons on the art of negotiation, and will put this into practice while working with other students during simulations throughout the week. Students learn how to write high quality resolutions, receive feedback from their MUN Mentors and from their peers.
Activities and Methods
Simulations
Students will participate in several Model United Nations simulations throughout the week. Through repetition and practice, students will learn both how to participate as a delegate, and how to master the skills to become a Best Delegate.
These practice simulations will lead to a full-day final simulation held on the Friday of each program. Parents, relatives, and friends are welcome to observe the final simulation during designated Open House sessions. Students are expected to dress in Business Professional attire for the final simulation.
Lessons
Students will receive a variety of lessons during the week, taught by our trained and accomplished MUN Mentors and Program Directors. Our MUN Mentors are the best and most inspiring leaders in college-level MUN, and they have the experience to train students for success. Lessons cover public speaking, negotiation and communication, writing and research, topic briefings, United Nations history, and Model United Nations procedure.
Homework
Students will participate in multiple Model United Nations simulations throughout the program, including the final simulation. Students will be assigned a different country and topic for each simulation. For each simulation, every student is expected to write a short research paper for homework. The MUN Mentors will provide instruction on how to write and research these papers, and will also provide feedback on each paper once they have been submitted.
1-on-1 Feedback
At the end of each day, students meet with their MUN Mentor to receive in-depth 1-on-1 feedback on their performance that day, reflecting on their strengths and areas of improvement. Students will also have the opportunity to receive honest and constructive feedback from their peers on how they have improved, and where they can continue to improve.
By emphasizing the importance of feedback, the MUN Institute experience helps students explore their individual strengths, and empowers them to challenge themselves every day of the program.
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