Explore how the world’s governments work together in a realistic simulation
Take on the role of a delegate in debates on international topics
With the 21st Century becoming increasingly interconnected, international organizations like the United Nations are increasing their involvement and importance within the global community. UCLA Model United Nations Summer Institute (MUNSI) allows students to mirror the United Nations and take on the role of delegates representing countries in debate on international topics.
This week-long program is a perfect way for students to learn to work cooperatively to accomplish substantive goals that benefit the world, learn about pressing global issues, and explore the way the world’s governments work together in a very realistic simulation. If you are passionate about international relations and want to improve your public speaking, negotiation, leadership, research, and debate skills, then this program is the perfect opportunity for you!
Model United Nations Summer Institute Program
This program is suitable for all levels of Model UN experience. Students with little or no Model UN exposure will be taught the essentials needed to be a successful delegate, including learning about draft resolutions and directive writing as well as international relations theory. Students who are seasoned delegates will expand and refine their Model UN skills to the exploration of international flashpoints. Advanced students, in particular, are highly encouraged to participate in one of our fast-paced crisis committees.
UCLA MUNSI offers an impressive 1:6 staff to student ratio, which allows for individualized guidance and feedback throughout the session, maximizing the students’ experience. Our staff members are award-winning collegiate Model UN delegates, who are passionate about helping students gain confidence and master Model UN.
The UCLA Model United Nations Summer Institute is offered under the direction of the UCLA International Institute, which serves as the focal point for international research and teaching. Through its multidisciplinary centers and programs dedicated to the study of world regions and global issues, the Institute fosters learning about and active participation in the contemporary world.
The academic programs offered through the UCLA International Institute focus on the modern and interdisciplinary study of many of the world’s regions (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East) and important international thematic issues (global health, globalization, international development, and international migration) facing the world today.
UCLA Summer Sessions Summer Scholars Support
Qualified students attending grades 8th – 11th in Spring 2023 in the state of California may be eligible for Summer Scholars Support, a need- and merit-based scholarship offered by the UCLA Summer Sessions Office. A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available to support enrollment in SCIP/eSCIP, one Summer Course, or a Precollege Summer Institute.
Summer 2023 deadline to apply: March 15.
Students will receive a Pass/No Pass (P/NP) upon completion. To receive a “Pass” notation, students must earn a letter grade of C or better. See University Credit, Grades and Transcripts for more information about academic credit.
Due to the intense nature of the Model United Nations Summer Institute and the time commitment involved, living in on-campus housing is mandatory.
For more information on UCLA housing precollege programs, please see the Housing for Minors page.
Many of our precollege programs with mandatory housing (only) also feature non-curricular evening and weekend activities, the availability of which is at the sole discretion of the academic department offering the program, and are not operated by UCLA Summer Sessions. To learn more about whether (and when) your selected program will host such activities, please consult the schedules for each program or contact the department in question directly: MUN@international.ucla.edu
Program Dates:
June 25, 2023 – July 1, 2023
Program Type: Open Enrollment / In-person
Program Eligibility: 8th-12th grade in Spring 2023 & Ages 14-17
UCLA Coursework: Global Studies 10 – International Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs; 2 units
Enrollment deadline: June 15, 2023
The schedule and syllabus are subject to change.
Fees and Payment Info
The program fee includes the unit fees for the UCLA coursework offered as part of the program and thus varies by UC student status. In addition to the program fee, students are assessed other campus and administrative fees during the summer. This is a summary of fees that commonly apply to the selected student type.
Actual tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California. Visit the fees, payment, and financial aid section for important disclaimer, as well as more details on fees, payment instructions, and information on delinquency, refunds, and financial aid.
Meet your instructors
Dr. Jennifer Jung-Kim
Program DirectorDr. Jennifer Jung-Kim is a Continuing Lecturer in the UCLA Department of Asian Languages and Cultures and also teaches in the International and Area Studies Program and Honors Program. Dr. Jung-Kim, whose PhD is in modern Korean history, enjoys teaching courses on a wide range of issues, such as those covering East Asia, women’s history, and popular culture. She is a recipient of the 2021 Distinguished Lecturer Award in recognition of her outstanding and innovative teaching at UCLA. Over the past fifteen years, Dr. Jung-Kim has been involved in active learning pedagogy, teaching Reacting to the Past historical role-playing games, including one that she co-authored, and has also developed a Korean War Peace Treaty simulation for her UCLA courses. She has also been a volunteer speech and debate coach and took her teams to Nationals four times in six years (!). She looks forward to adding MUNSI to her latest active learning pedagogy wheelhouse, and invites you to join her!
Additional Instructors
Joining as instructors will be stellar members of the Model United Nations at UCLA, one of the top 10 most comprehensive MUN collegiate programs in the country.
Model United National Summer Institute FAQ
Students do not need to have any prior knowledge of Model United Nations to succeed in this Summer Institute. Beginning students will be taught everything they need to know from how to deliver a speech, what exactly international politics entails, and how to become strong and effective delegates. Seasoned delegates are also welcome to attend MUNSI, where they will be able to hone their skills in a fast and competitive atmosphere.
When completing college applications, MUNSI participants should include UCLA as a college, university, or other post-secondary institution you have attended.
Your MUNSI coursework will appear on your UCLA Transcript as follows: GLBL ST 10 INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY (2.0 units)
If interested, you can also include MUNSI as part of your Personal Statement, and/or as an Activity. For the latter, you can list the following:
- Activity type: Academic
- Position/Leadership description and organization name: Student at UCLA Model United Nations Summer Institute
- Please describe this activity: Intensive summer program for highly motivated scholars interested in international diplomacy.
Still have questions? Check out the general Summer Institutes FAQ.