Euro-Sim

and Euro-Sim is over... what the *bleep* is Euro-Sim!? you might ask...

is a highly recognised real life edu-training programme involving role play and ‘hands-on-learning’ for intercultural understanding and international political negotiations. Simulations are used by universities throughout Europe and the United States because of the great potentials for integrating a wide range of qualifications, skills, and knowledge through role plays. In order to fulfill the roles as ministers, commissioners, presidents, ngo’s, etc., the participants have to research their own roles.

The topic in discussion was Obesity and ways of tackling it, so my role was Deputy Chariman of the European Public Health Alliance (a NGO). At first it sounded like it was going to be boring and noone was quite sure how things would go... at the end it was quite funny and interesting.
I feel that I learnt a lot about EU institutions, how they work, and about politics in a dynamic way. The whole alliance-making, lobbying, oral hearings and press headlines that could destroy one's credibility was present, and I must admit everyone stayed in character for the 2 days it lasted. It was also very "real like", participants needing to be acreditated, wearing formal attire, and address others as Mr/Mme/Mrs...

Of course that this would never happen in my home university... No wonder we are far behind in the EU, lacking skills and willpower to promote things like this...