Away Team - FAQ

1. What is Model United Nations?
   Model United Nations comprises student-run simulations of United Nations bodies or crisis events - for example, simulations of the Economic and Social Council, the International Court of Justice, or the War on Drugs in Colombia. Each delegate is assigned a country in their simulation and aims to act in accordance with that country's goals and attitudes (even if they do not agree with those actions personally) to tackle topics of international importance. Participation in MUN provides a great understanding of the benefits and limitations of action in multi-international institutions, as well as skills in leadership, diplomacy, and crisis response.
2. Do I need to have done Model United Nations before to join the Away Team?
   Experience not necessary! While previous experience is a plus, you are not at a disadvantage if you have no prior Model UN experience - training meetings and mock sessions will teach you the skills necessary to be a successful Model UN delegate. The most important thing is to have an interest in foreign affairs and a willingness to learn and be involved in the team.
3. What kind of time commitment is the Away Team?
   The Away Team attends an average of four conferences a year, which run Thursday through Sunday. Members should attend at least two conferences each year that they are on the team, although they can attend all four. Meetings will be held approximately every other week, with more time necessary when a conference is approaching due to logistics discussions and conference preparation (this is compensated for by less meetings later). Additionally, there is one long training session at the beginning of the year to learn how the team functions and the conventions of Model UN.
4. How much do I need to pay to attend conferences?
   Conferences are mostly subsidized by the Duke International Relations Association. On average, it is around $150 or less per conference for the hotel, conference, and delegate fees.
5. How do I join the team?
   In order to join the team, attend an information session in the fall or contact the Head Delegate Ellie Proussaloglou (see the Contact Us page). Set up a tryout time and attend an interview with the Head Delegate and Assistant Head Delegate. This should take no longer than 15 minutes and includes basic questions about experience and interest, as well as a short speech on a current topic in international relations. You can see the How to Join page for more information.