What is MUN?

Answer: Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an educational simulation and/or academic activity in which students can learn about diplomacy, international relations, and the United Nations. MUN involves and teaches researching, public speaking, debating, and writing skills, in addition to critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities.

What is MUN @ BELS?

Answer: MUN are two optional selectional modules offered at BELS. They were initially introduced because of a student-led initiative.

Will I get credit (i.e. a mark) for participating in MUN? Which requirements are necessary to take part in MUN?

Answer: If you have completed and passed all modules from the first and second semester and you are in your third semester you do get credit for the module if you have handed in the coursework in form of a Position Paper as well as attended the MUN conference on offer.

If you wish to take part in MUN but you are in your first or second semester and have not yet passed all required modules you may take part in MUN however you will then not get official credit for the module.

MUN is an optional selectional law module.

MUN 1 (Beginner) always takes place in the summer semester whereas MUN 2 (Advanced) always takes place in the winter semester.

Can I take part more than once? What is the difference with MUN 1 and MUN 2?

Answer: MUN takes usually place as a Beginners course during the summer semester. This course is called Model United Nations Beginners (also called MUN 1). MUN 2 - Model United Nations Advanced- takes usually place during the winter semester. You will get a mark for attending MUN 1 and also another mark for attending MUN 2.

They are two different courses. The rationale behind offering two different courses was that students actively asked to be able to improve their performance after attending their first MUN conference. By creating a second module it was possible to provide this opportunity as well as providing further understanding of relevant issues.

When do MUN lectures/preparation for the conferences take place?

Answer: MUN lectures may not be during term time. Dates, times and places of lectures will be announced as soon as possible after the date for the next excursion has been set.

Do I have to attend MUN lectures?

Answer: Attending MUN lectures is not compulsory. However, during lectures important information is conveyed as well as simulations will take place which you will miss if you don’t attend. In the past, is has been shown that students who attended lectures regularly have been shown to have a much better performances at the conference. However, it has to be stressed again: It is your own responsibility to decide on your attendance.

What will a MUN excursion look like?

Answer: You may find reports and past excursions here.

How will we travel to the conference and back and where are we staying?

Answer: Depending on the distance to the conference in question we will travel by train, bus or fly. Accommodation is usually basic, i.e. we will stay at a hostel (not a hotel). Usually students are allocated 2-bed rooms which include a bathroom. Staying in basic accommodation is necessary to keep excursion costs down in order to give everyone at BELS the opportunity to take part in MUN.

How much will I have to pay for taking part in the excursion?

Answer: Costs usually vary but will be usually estimated and announced as soon as the excursion is announced. As a rule of thumb: BELS contributes 200 Euro towards travel costs within Germany, 400 Euro towards travel costs within Europe and 600 Euros if traveling the rest of the world. MUN conferences usually take place within Europe, and past experience has shown that about 200 Euros per person has to be paid per student.

What is included in the costs for the excursion?

Answer: Usually the following is included:

  • Travel costs (Train/Bus/Plane)
  • Basic Accommodation (Hostel Level)
  • MUN Conference Fee

I have a different question which was not answered here. Who do I contact?

Answer: You can contact by email: s.barnstorf@ostfalia.de

nach oben
Drucken