Six West Virginia University students will travel to the Netherlands next week to participate in The European International Model United Nations Conference.
Under this year’s theme “Pursuing Perpetual Peace: Ideals and Interests at War,” more than 200 of the brightest students from countries around the world will come together in The Hague, from July 21-27, to discuss and explore solutions to overcome the contrary international ideals and national interests.
The WVU Division of Student Life and the International Studies Program in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences has been sending students to the annual Conference since 2009. Dean of Students Corey Farris and director for the WVU International Studies program Joe Hagan will accompany the students.
“The opportunity to participate in this conference is a fantastic international experience for students early in their college career,” Hagan said. “During the day our students serve as delegates in ‘Model UN simulations’ engaging in rigorous discussions on complex issues with diverse national perspectives, and during the evening they have the opportunity to participate in well-structured social events with students from all over the globe. Many of our past participants have established ongoing friendships with students from around the world during the social events.”
More than 25 students have been sent to the Conference since 2009, with several groups bringing back awards and honors. Last year’s students came home with five of the 24 outstanding or honorable mention delegate awards presented.
Hoping for a repeat performance, this year’s representatives will be Colin Lopez, sophomore Arabic and economics major from Morgantown; Dillon Muhly-Alexander, junior international studies and geography major from West Union; Emma van der Aarde, junior international studies and French major from Martinsburg; Samantha Shimer, sophomore international studies major from Parkersburg; Kayla Rowsey, junior political science major from Redhouse, and Amanda Stoner, junior international studies and environmental geoscience major from Harpers Ferry.
“The WVU students selected to participate will have the opportunity to interact with students from around the world,” Farris said. “Many of the students participating in the Model UN simulations are future diplomats of the world. They will be solving the problems of tomorrow. What a better way to start than by building friendships, trust and understanding today.”
Delegates were selected through an application process consisting of a short essay and resume. Preference was given to enrolled freshman and sophomore students with a 3.5 GPA or higher completing at least one college course with an international affairs focus and a satisfactory student conduct record.
For more information, visit http://studentaffairs.wvu.edu/study_abroad.
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ta/07/15/14
CONTACT: Corey Farris, Student Life
304.293.4491, Corey.Farris@mail.wvu.edu
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