International Opportunities

Model European Community
(State University of New York, Model European Community - SUNYMEU)

Contact: Henry Steck, Ph.D.

Since 1989, SUNY Cortland has been a participant with 14 other SUNY and private institutions in the state and nearly five European institutions in a simulation project titled SUNY Model European Union or SUNYMEU.

This is a simulation of the European Union in which student delegations play the roles of different countries. SUNY Cortland has been Ireland, France, United Kingdom, Greece, Spain, Austria; and, students have played the role of actual personalities from those countries such as prime minister, members of political parties in the European Parliament, etc. The activity is designed to give students an experiential introduction to the politics and policy of the European Union.

This experience brings together students from sister SUNY institutions, students from some private institutions and students from a number of European countries such as Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom. The simulation is held in America and Europe on alternate years. In past years, the simulation has met in Luxembourg, Belgium, Czech Republic and Turkey.

Each year, the simulation addresses topics of urgent contemporary concern to the EU itself. Some recent topics have included: admission of Turkey to the EU, the Cyprus problem, the Iraq War, migration patterns in Europe, the new European Union Constitution. This is a participation activity that can also carry one to two credit hours.

In the past there has been some financial support from both the College and external sources such as the EU itself, but you should expect an expense. SUNYMEU is an excellent preparation if you are interested in a career in or study of the international scene. It is an excellent opportunity to develop research and presentation skills. There are few better opportunities to work closely with and socialize with students from European countries. A number of students who have participated over the years have gone on to international careers and graduate study.

SUNY Model EU Brochure (.pdf)

POL 160: Model European Union

Participation in simulation of Model European Union Study. Focus on process, issues, development of the European Union. May be taken two times only (4 cr. hr.) toward the major and another two credit hours for elective credit. May also be taken for elective credit up to three times by majors and non-majors (6 cr. hr.) Permission of instructor is required. (1-2 cr. hr.)

Model United Nations

Model UN programs are a great way to learn about international relations and to gain a better sense of what a varied and fascinating world we live in. They also are a perfect hands on way to gain experience with basic skills such as communication, negotiation tactics, and conflict prevention that we all need in our day-to-day lives.

Model United Nations is a simulation of the real United Nations. School teams are assigned to different countries with teams of students representing different UN committees. After extensive research on their countries’ policies toward specific topics, the teams, as representatives of different countries, work within their respective committees to formulate resolutions and reports — the tools that the United Nations uses to initiate action that affects the world.

You also learn about United Nations procedure, treaties, the balance of maintaining a country’s policy and interests, while being able to work with other countries in order to further the work of the committee. In all, Model United Nations is a program that expands your knowledge of the world and gives you a chance to experience politics and international affairs from many different perspectives.

The Belize Development Internship

Contact: Tom Pasquarello, Ph.D.

This internship allows qualified, adaptable students who meet the requirements established by SUNY Cortland’s International Programs Office, the opportunity to work on mutually beneficial development projects with private, governmental and international development agencies in the Central American nation of Belize. The program is designed to provide students with a hands-on, out-of-the-classroom learning experience in which their skills and expertise are matched with the development agency’s needs.

Study abroad students may study for a semester in Belize, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, Spain or China, earning credit in a variety of areas. For more information, contact the International Programs Office.