IR students at Model EU!

Author: Department of International Relations
March 8, 2023

International Relations students — Brandon Chase, Zen Lewis, Brittany Hernandez and Matheus Maynard Frank — competed at the The West Coast Model European Union conference in Seattle, Washington. The West Coast Model EU is an annual simulation of a European Council summit where students, in teams of two, play the roles of representatives of European Union Member State delegations. Participants negotiate two issues of concern for the country holding the Presidency. Model EU presents a current relevant topic where students (delegates) get assigned to present a EU country and department of government during the simulation.

European Politics (IR/PLSI 327) is the class which offers students an opportunity to attend Model EU each Spring. Matheus was a student of that class in Spring 2022 when he first competed and received Honorable Mention Award for an Environmental Minister. The Spring 2023 team was formed very spontaneously through an e-blast invite from Professor Siegel for students who were interested in attending Model despite not being enrolled in class.

In 2023, San Francisco State University’s student, Zen, received an Outstanding Delegate Award for the Head of Government. In 2024, Brittany and Zen have received the opportunity to co-chair as Presidents of the 2024 Model EU Committee alongside other University of Washington students in Seattle!

Zen Lewis with award

International Relations student Zen Lewis receiving the Outstanding Delegate Award for Head of Government at the Model EU. 

Conversation between delegates at conference

Conversation between delegates within non-formal negotiations during Model EU 

Conference room with speaker

Conference room during a moderated caucus where delegates are listening to the speaker of delegation of Poland 

Four IR students at conference, outside, posing

SF State Department of International Relation students who competed at the Model EU (from left to right): Brandon Chase, Zen Lewis, Brittany Hernandez and Matheus Maynard Frank