Government students gain experience in international diplomacy, earn top awards at model EU

Two students from Liberty University’s Helms School of Government brought home first-time awards for Liberty in a virtual simulation of the European Union.

The event, sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic European Union Simulation Consortium and usually held in Washington, D.C., was staged virtually this year. From Nov. 13-14, students represented diplomats from several EU nations as they discussed real-world problems facing the EU and worked to find common ground with other countries.

Liberty’s 25-member team, representing Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania, Latvia, and Cyprus, tied for first place with the University of Lynchburg. Senior politics and policy student Austin Armentrout, acting as the prime minister of Cyprus, received the Outstanding European Council Member award, and senior Aaron Milkie, acting as the Latvian finance minister, won the Council of the EU award. Over 180 students participated, including students from James Madison University, University of Scranton, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and more.

This year’s simulation covered a wide range of topics, with many involving COVID-19 and the virus’ effects on the EU. Topics also included environmental health, unemployment, Turkey’s abuse of human rights, and more foreign policy issues.

“The EU is working toward a common goal, but each individual country has its own perspective and is advocating for its own thing,” said Armentrout, who acted as the Prime Minister of Cyprus. “What Cyprus wants might not be exactly what France wants. … It was overall a really good experience, even though we did everything online. In certain classes like international relations, we talk and read about how issues are important to countries, but through this simulation, we were able to get a more hands-on perspective of those issues.”

Following the event, participants voted on the diplomats who performed the best.

“This is our third year doing the Mid Atlantic EU simulation, and to tie for first place among several universities in awards with (the University of) Lynchburg is such an honor,” said faculty sponsor Dr. Mary Prentice. “I am proud of every one of our students for a great job learning and acting as diplomats in this real-world leadership simulation. Students like Austin and Aaron winning major awards is just icing on the cake, and I am so proud of them, too.”

Prentice said Associate Professor of Government Edna Udobong, who serves as a Fulbright Program advisor and scholar liaison, also plays an invaluable role in preparing the students.

Armentrout said more government students, as well as others from different departments, could benefit from the simulation.

“Liberty has active professors and students,” he said. “I think more people should get involved. Whether you’re a government student or not, in every career you need to negotiate and work with people.”