JMUN Trip 2012

JMUN Conference

During the second week of November, 30 students and their chaperones, Rachel O’Connor, Lambrini Koufaki, Angelos Klonaris and Vasiliki Trypani, traveled to Istanbul, Turkey to attend the Hisar School JMUN.

This JMUN conference hosts more than 450 international students, is held solely in English, and is organized by MUN students. The conference gives beginner MUN students the chance to strengthen their English skills and familiarize themselves with important current affairs. The theme of this year’s conference was “Save the Environment!” Anatolia delegates participated actively and intelligently throughout the conference. They received many compliments on the quality of their research and their English language skills from Chairs and Coordinators.

Students attended the conference from November 8-11, but took a couple extra days for sightseeing and cultural excursions. They were able to see major sights such as the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cisterns, and the Blue Mosque. They enjoyed authentic Turkish food, and a nighttime cruise along the Bosporus during which they were able to see the sights of Istanbul beautifully lit up. A unique experience was the visit to the famous Grand Bazaar! Students were able to see a variety of Turkish goods and even pick up some souvenirs.

A great treat for the group was visiting the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate on Monday before they left. While they weren’t able to meet the Patriarch, they did visit the beautiful Church of St. George. They also walked to the Great School of the Nation, the Greek Orthodox College established in 1454.

Overall the trip was an enriching experience for all involved. Students were able to meet and exchange ideas with other international students, and everyone enjoyed seeing notable Greek and Turkish landmarks.