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.
Application deadline: June 1, 2024 | Enrollment deadline: June 15, 2024
Applications are reviewed and admission to the program is granted on a rolling basis starting February 15th. Applying at your earliest convenience, prior to June 1st, is highly recommended.
The program has application requirements for admission. Eligible applicants who successfully submit all requirements will be reviewed and notified via email of an admission decision within 3 weeks.
Applicants are required to provide the following during the online registration process:
- An unofficial transcript from grade 9 to present reflecting a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher
- If your school transcript utilizes a different grading system, please submit your transcript as is. If available, please attach a translation/equivalency guide.
- INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: If you are an international student, a transcript refers to your complete secondary academic record. To learn more about converting your grades into a US-based GPA, please click here.
- If your school has a translation/equivalency guide, please also include it with your transcript. If you do not have a translation/equivalency guide, please still submit your most up-to-date transcript as is for staff to review.
- Value statement: At the time of registration, ALL applicants will be prompted to submit a few short sentences reflecting on their pursuit of participation in a UCLA Precollege Summer Institute. Please note that students are strongly discouraged from relying on ChatGpt/AI tools for their application responses and are encouraged to submit original and authentic answers.
The Model United Nations Summer Institute is a commuter program, there is NO on-campus housing available for the Model United Nations Summer Institute through the institute program or UCLA Summer Sessions. Additionally, please note that only students aged 17 and older as of June 24th, 2024 are eligible to sign a housing contract, and not all program dates correspond to when contracts are available. Students interested in exploring this option should review information at UCLA Summer Housing.
Participants of the Model United Nations Summer Institute must commute to the UCLA campus each day of the program. Specific location information (e.g. classroom) will be provided to enrolled students closer to the start of the program.
Parking
Summer Sessions parking permits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students have the option to purchase a summer term permit or a daily permit.
Please review the Transportation and Parking Services web page and read the “Summer Quarter Parking (All Students)” section for more information on all permit types, including cost.
Coursework
Global Studies 10 – International Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs; 2 units
Grading Basis
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.
In order to successfully complete the program, students must not have more than 3 excused or unexcused absences.
UCLA Summer Sessions Summer Scholars Support
Qualified students attending grades 9th – 11th in Spring 2024 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. Students must be 15 years old by the first day of Summer Sessions 2024 on June 24th in order to participate in a Precollege Summer Institute and/or apply for Summer Scholars Support. 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 2024 deadline to apply: March 15.
Program Dates:
June 24, 2024 – July 3, 2024
Program Type: Commuter
Program Eligibility: 9th-12th grade in Spring 2024*
Application deadline: June 1, 2024
Enrollment deadline: June 15, 2024
*All participants must be at least 15 years of age by the first day of Summer Sessions 2024 on June 24th, no exceptions allowed.
The schedule and syllabus are subject to change. Enrolled students will be given updated materials closer to the program start date.
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 became director of MUNSI in 2023 and she has been instituting many changes to the program to enhance the Model UN learning experience for both novice and experienced students, especially to help them build leadership experience. She 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 (!).
Additional Instructors
Joining as Peer Learning Facilitators 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.