For a long time, Ipswich High School has offered a wide range of extracurricular activities. From a wide variety of clubs to after-school sports, there is something for everyone. However, there is one club like no other: Model UN. Model UN is a simulated roleplay in which nations or figures come together to create solutions to problems that they face. From famines in struggling countries to all out nuclear warfare, the possible dilemmas that delegates can be faced with are limitless. Model UN offers participants the opportunity to meet different people from around the world, settle realistic and relevant issues, engage in unique experiences, and most importantly debate. In this article, you will learn about what Model UN is, how Model UN works, and whether it seems like the right fit for you.

IHS senior Charlie Pezza, also the club’s student president, says he decided to join Model UN because it seemed fun and interesting, and he also wanted to further develop his academic skills. In an interview, Charlie stated that, “I’ve become a better public speaker in front of a crowd and I have also developed better studying and research skills while being a part of Model UN”. He also says that one of his best experiences from Model UN was during his junior year conference, when he worked with delegates from all over the world that each had unique agendas, and negotiated resolutions within a committee. If there was one thing that Charlie would change about the Model UN club, it would be the amount of conferences the club attends. This is because in a normal year, Ipswich Model UN club will attend one practice conference with Georgetown High School, and then another in Boston (EagleMUNC). This means that Ipswich only attends one real conference the entire year.

Beyond the enjoyment many students find in participating in Model UN, the club equips them with skills that can advance their academic and professional careers. IHS Model UN club advisor Mr. Caulfield highlighted the club’s many benefits, explaining what students can get from model UN and what makes a good delegate: “From what I’ve seen, Model UN really forces people to put forward an honest effort into their research and take time to look through sources which is a skill that I’ve found to be important in college. It also encourages students to step out of their comfort zone and overcome their social anxiety by speaking in front of a large group of strangers, which sets people up well for their future, no matter what career they decide to pursue.” Model UN has the potential to help students in many ways, but students do not always experience the full spectrum of benefits when they don’t take ownership of their Model UN experience. “The biggest challenge for most delegates is typically just getting the courage to get up and speak; it’s clear when delegates don’t really care about the debates and are just treating it as something to put on their resume,” Mr. Caulfield says on the topic of student engagement. The lack of honest investment within the club is one of the club’s primary issues, but addressing it would require cuts to the club’s accessibility, which the club’s administration at IHS is not willing to make.

It’s more than just testimony that indicates the many benefits of Model UN; research supports that students who participate in Model UN are more likely to see success in many elements of their lives. PhD student and former Model UN delegate Kenzhekhan Kabdesov conducted a study to determine the correlation between Model UN participation and different measures of success. Kabdesov surveyed 46 business students who participated in Model UN, and 52 who didn’t and collected survey results that scored individuals on different topics. The data found that students who participated in the Model UN scored an average of 98% higher in critical skills, 66% higher in teamwork skills, and 102% higher in application of knowledge than students who did not participate. While causation cannot be proven by the correlation, the data is significant enough to suggest a strong existing relationship between important life skills and Model UN participation.

Overall, Model UN stands out as one of the most unique and valuable opportunities offered at Ipswich High School. It not only allows students to explore global issues in a hands-on way, but also helps them build skills that are useful both inside and outside of the classroom. While challenges like limited conferences and inconsistent engagement exist, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for delegates willing to put in the effort. For students looking to grow as thinkers and speakers, and gain lifelong skills in a fun and interactive way, it may be worth attending the next Model UN meeting.