Solving the World’s (Simulated) Problems
Students travel to Europe to engage in a simulation of the European Union and test their diplomatic skills with college students from around the world.
Read the storySolving the World’s (Simulated) ProblemsIn 1987, Professor Emeritus William Andrews was asked to help political science students at SUNY Brockport find a Model United Nations group to join. With 100s of these simulations already existing, he proposed a new and unique twist – a Model European Community.
“Model UN is done by high schools everywhere,” said EuroSim Club Advisor Steven Jurek. “A model European Union is a step up for college-level students.”
“Before the conference you need to do a deep dive into their policies, learn which policies they are pushing, what that means, and what they are doing do pass them.”
Matt Bloss
The location of the annual conference rotates among American and European host institutions. EuroSim returned to SUNY Brockport in 2024, with the main topic of discussion centering around regulation of artificial intelligence.
“Holding the conference at Brockport certainly felt different than if we had participated abroad,” said graduate student Matt Bloss. “Our students and staff were pushed to represent Brockport as a meaningful location to host this conference. Our students had all eyes on them.”
Students and faculty from all over the world visited campus to engage in simulated debate of real-world public policy. Students adopt an “alter ego” of real policy makers within the European Union, balancing their alter ego’s political beliefs and policies while trying to pass legislation.
Matt Bloss
“This year I was the Head of State of France,” Bloss said. “Before the conference you need to do a deep dive into their policies, learn which policies they are pushing, what that means, and what they are doing do pass them.”
Two SUNY Brockport students were voted by their peers as the “Most Outstanding Delegates” for the 2024 conference. Bloss earned the award competing against students in The European Council while freshman political science major Gavin Miller was chosen for the Council of Ministers.
“It felt very rewarding to earn the top delegate award,” Bloss said. “The European Council typically is where participating schools send their best students, so it felt as if we in Brockport truly had justified our position in EuroSim by achieving an award at the highest level. “
With EuroSim being held annually, students have multiple chances to take part in the conference throughout their time at Brockport. Returning students typically take on more prominent roles, whereas newcomers often assume smaller roles to get a better feel for the simulation and how to work with students from different countries.
“Last year I was the Prime Minister of the Netherlands and my unit was almost entirely European,” said political science major Justin Brewer. “They have a very different mindset than Americans when it comes to politics. I was heavily involved in the negotiating process and I learned a lot about how to compromise.”
“It is really cool to have an opportunity on campus for students who can’t travel abroad to meet students from other schools and countries.”
Olivialynne Doherty
While students are often excited to visit host institutions throughout Europe, allowing the conference to alternate between America and Europe can be a huge draw for students unable to afford travel abroad or are not ready to push their self too far out of their comfort zone.
“While I was fortunate to go overseas last spring, at times it felt farfetched that I would be able to go,” said political science major Olivialynne Doherty. “It is really cool to have an opportunity on campus for students who can’t travel abroad to meet students from other schools and countries. It is life changing to meet people from all over the world.”
While hosting EuroSim at Brockport opens more students to a potential life-changing opportunity, it also means our students are under more pressure to perform when it comes to policymaking during the simulation.
“It’s a lot more intimidating since it is in Brockport,” Bloss said. “You feel the need to prove you are worthy to be the hosts. You need to lead by example and try harder. We want our guests to be able to spread the good word of Brockport.”
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