FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is MUN?

Model United Nations is a debating form, wherein sessions of the United Nations are simulated with a specific ruleset. In MUN you will represent a country in a certain committee and you will have to debate topics based on the policy of the country you are representing. You could be France in the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) which could discuss topics from cybersecurity regulation to conventional arms control for example. Likewise, there is a diversity of topics in different committees including human rights, environmental protection, maritime security, humanitarian crises, and more.

 

2. Do I need to have previous experience before joining Leiden MUN?

No! Everyone is welcome to join Leiden MUN, experienced or not. What we are looking for is the motivation to learn and develop your skills. Please note that you must be 18 years old by the time the conference of the preparation track beings. Specific dates of the conference in question can be found in the Delegations page of our website.

 

3. Can I become a yearly member of your association?

Leiden MUN does not run a yearly program like other MUN organizations in the Netherlands. We organize official delegations to three conferences annually with application phases beginning at least two months before each trip. When you return from the conference, you automatically become Leiden MUN alumni. If you wish to do another Preparatory Track with us, you must reapply and enter into another application phase. However, as an alumni delegate, you may attend fewer Prep Track sessions and participate in the conference with the full delegation .

 

4. Do I need to study International Relations or International Studies to join Leiden MUN?

Not at all. The United Nations consists of multiple committees that could discuss topics ranging from the legal spheres to medical topics (e.g. World Health Organization) to terrorism. Having said that, some knowledge of current international relations and current affairs is appreciated as those topics will be useful within all committees. We've had delegates who study a diversity of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees including History, Psychology, Law, Computer Science, Business, Medicine, and more.

 

5. Are you based in Leiden or The Hague?

All Preparatory Track training sessions take place in The Hague, in the Wijnhaven (Leiden University) building. However, we do still host events in Leiden, such as our annual DIMUN conference and the occasional open event.

Delegates from Leiden or cities further afield are always welcome to join! In fact, we have always had a few delegates travelling from cities across the Netherlands, such as Delft, Rotterdam, or Amsterdam.

 

6. Can I join one of your sessions to see how it works?

Unfortunately, you cannot join one of our sessions individually, but we are happy to help you with any questions you have. This is because our sessions are tailored to the delegates in any given delegation, and we want to make sure to give them the best possible experience in a small-group environment. You can send us an email at info@leidenmun.com or send us a message through our social media on Instagram.

 

7. I want to apply to one of your delegations, but I am not sure how the procedure works?

When applying to become a delegate, you apply one individual conference. To apply, you must send your CV and 500-word motivation letter to info@leidenmun.com. The selection process also includes an interview round following your online application.

After all the interviews are concluded, you will hear from us whether you are selected to join the delegation or not. This is a recurring process per delegation/conference, and and each application cycle is unique. Participation in Leiden MUN in the past does not guarantee future selection. Similarly, if you were not selected before, we encourage you to apply again, as each round offers a new opportunity.

 

8. When does the application procedure for any conference open?

Though we cannot specify exact dates, applications for our delegations traditionally open in :

  • Late august/early september for the fall conference (IE University MUN);

  • November for the winter conference (Harvard National MUN);

  • Late february/early march for the spring conference.

Keep an eye on our website and Instagram to stay up to date with the application deadlines!

 

9. How do you teach your delegates?

We teach based on four key skills: research, negotiation, public speaking, and resolution writing. We do this through three pillars: weekly Skills Labs on Tuesdays, Mock Sessions on Wednesdays, and our unique Mentoring system, through which you will get a board member assigned to you for individualized development. This is called the Personal Development Programme, or PDP, in which you will be personally guided to further develop your skills. 

 

10. Do I have to study at Leiden University?

Unfortunately, only students of Leiden University and Leiden University College can join, as students from external universities do not have security access to the buildings where we hold our weekly trainings.

However, all students of Leiden University are welcome to apply - whether you’re pursuing your Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, studying Law, Medicine, or International Relations, and whether you’re a first, second, or third year student.

 

11. Do you accept international students?

Yes, of course! Our working language is English, and every delegation is made up of an international cohort of students, which also extends to our Board.