Six Hofstra students participated in the Model European Union (EU) sponsored by SUNY’s Institute for European Studies. Founded in 1987 by the State University of New York (SUNY), the Model EU simulates policymaking at the ministerial and head of government levels within the European Union. The event, held at the SUNY Global Center in Manhattan, March 30-April 1, allowed the students to learn about and develop skills in diplomacy and governance.
Erasmus+, an educational program funded by the European Union, awarded Hofstra University a 3-year Jean Monnet Teaching Module Grant in 2022 to enhance academic and extracurricular offerings in European Union Studies. This funding subsidized the students’ participation in the Model EU event.
Prior to participating, students must familiarize themselves with their assigned nation’s stance on this year’s agenda items, which included climate change, immigration, relations with China and artificial intelligence.
This year’s participating Hofstra students were:
Representing Austria:
Ryder Lazo ‘23
Molly Botros ‘23
Rebecca Cory ‘23
Nicole Kerr ‘24
Representing Croatia:
Natalia Rogala ‘23
Representing Italy:
Kashmiraa Pandit ‘25
Hofstra’s Austria delegation won “Outstanding Agenda Proposal” and the Italy team, of which Hofstra was a part, was awarded “Distinguished Agenda Proposal”
The students’ advisor, Political Science Chair and European Studies Director Carolyn Dudek participated in an “expert witness panel” that assisted students as they created final legislation.
My hope is that this program will deepen students’ understanding of the EU and how decision-making works in the international arena,” Dudek said.
Ryder Lazo, a dual major in history and German, had previously written a paper on Austrian climate policy for Dr. Dudek’s class on the politics of the European Union. “In preparation for this event,” she said, “I did additional research on the European Green Deal and thought about ways to make EU member states more accountable for their part in global warming and energy conservation.”
Besides New York colleges and universities, students from schools across the nation and Canada participated in the event.
“I’ve participated in Model EU before,” Lazo said, “but when I last did it in 2021 it was over Zoom. This year I was really happy to network in person and get a better understanding of parliamentary procedure.”
