At Leysin American School in Switzerland, students have abundant opportunities to travel internationally and engage in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that foster both personal growth, learning, and global awareness. Most recently, LAS students traveled to The Hague, Netherlands, to participate in The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) conference—an unforgettable four-day immersion in diplomacy, debate, and cross-cultural exchange.
An Exceptional Learning Experience
Model United Nations (MUN) is an experiential learning simulation model where students practice their debate, diplomacy, and research skills by solving a problem with other “delegates” who represent countries from around the world. Set in The Hague, the city of international peace and justice, THIMUN offers students a highly realistic MUN experience by strictly following UN procedures and simulating authentic bodies such as the General Assembly, Human Rights Council, and International Court of Justice.
This year’s conference centered on the theme “Culture & Heritage: Embracing Diversity,” bringing together students from more than 150 schools around the world to tackle complex global issues. Through rigorous debate, negotiation, and collaboration, LAS students sharpened their research, analytical thinking, public speaking, and cross-cultural collaboration skills while gaining new perspectives on the future of international relations in an increasingly interconnected world.
Preparing for Global Leadership
Preparation for THIMUN began long before students arrived in The Hague. Throughout the fall and spring activity sessions, Leysin American School MUN participants met weekly to develop essential skills including research, technical writing, resolution drafting, and public speaking. During these meetings students explore current global challenges, simulate United Nations committees, and practice defending national positions. These skills are vital for MUN, but more importantly, they equip students for future academic and professional success. In addition, LAS students also organized and hosted their own Leysin American School Model United Nations conference last fall which enabled them to become very familiar with the structure, content, and activity of the UN.
A Milestone Year for Leysin American School MUN
For the first time, LAS was selected to represent a country on the Security Council. This selection is a tremendous honor, as only 15 of the more than 150 attending schools were chosen. Our students approached this exceptional opportunity and responsibility with care and dedication. Thanks to their hard work in preparing for the conference, they made meaningful contributions throughout the event. Drafting and passing legislation, forming strategically beneficial partnerships with other countries, advocating for their assigned positions, and influencing voting outcomes through compelling persuasion were just some of the achievements that made the entire LAS community proud.
