International Relations
Model United Nations and Other International Relations Student Activities
Getting involved isn't just a way to get to know people, it's a way to sharpen your skills and add meaningful experiences. Syracuse University offers a wide variety of opportunities for student involvement, many of which are internationally focused and grew out of the interests of international relations students.
Model United Nations
Syracuse University has a proud history with the Model United Nations (MUN) program. In 1927, the Maxwell School established and hosted the first Model League of Nations Assembly. This legacy of providing students with practical experience in the “art of diplomacy” continues today.
MUN offers students a unique opportunity to engage with current international problems and to work collaboratively toward solutions. Through this program, students participate in team-building exercises, practice public speaking, strengthen negotiation and writing skills, and develop leadership capabilities as they represent their country's interests in various committees and on a wide array of issues in this simulation of global diplomacy.
Model United Nations Team
Any undergraduate student at Syracuse University may participate in the Model UN Team. Earn 1 credit for participation in the fall conference and 3 credits for participation in the spring conference and accompanying coursework.
Model United Nations Club
The MUN Club is a great opportunity to learn debate techniques, conference procedures, resolution writing and negotiation. Students discuss salient global topics and propose policies to address urgent issues.
The Model UN team, composed of eighteen International Relations majors, was named an “Outstanding Delegation” for its portrayal of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the National Model UN conference held April 13-19, 2019 in New York City.
A Maxwell team of thirteen international relations students named a “Distinguished Delegation” for its portrayal of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Nineteen Syracuse University/Maxwell students participated in the National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference in March 2018, and was named a “Distinguished Delegation” for its portrayal of Poland.
A Syracuse University/Maxwell team participating in the National Model UN (NMUN) conference earlier this month was named a “Distinguished Delegation” for its portrayal of the Republic of Finland/Suomi.
More International Relations Clubs and Activities
International relations majors often get involved in academic, social, political, cultural or professional organizations in addition to Model UN. Below is a sample of clubs and organizations that IR majors often join.
International Relations Club
The IR Club creates opportunities for awareness, education and reflection about international relations issues through events and activities on the Syracuse University campus; works with local public service organizations that support international communities; and provides students with academic and professional resources in the field.
Oxfam at Syracuse University
Oxfam is an international organization seeking solutions for poverty, hunger and all forms of injustice in over 90 countries. The Syracuse University group works in alignment with Oxfam America.
Student Conference on United States Affairs (SCUSA)
International relations selects up to two seniors to represent Syracuse University at SCUSA at West Point, N.Y. The conference facilitates discussion between civilian delegates and West Point cadets to better understand challenges faced by the United States. IR majors can apply within the program.
Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference (NAFAC)
The U.S. Naval Academy hosts the undergraduate conference each year to provide a platform for midshipmen to partner with civilian counterparts, young officers and civilian delegates from two dozen countries for discussion of current global affairs. IR majors can apply within the program.
I am Maxwell.
“Model U.N. has boosted my confidence and my abilities to adapt in contentious situations. My public speaking, negotiation skills and intercultural communication have immensely improved.”
Lara Hicks ’22 B.A.
international relations