Aston EuroSim

What is EuroSim?

EuroSim is an annual international intercollegiate simulation of the European Union (EU). The purpose of EuroSim is to provide a framework for a partial simulation of a major EU issue. More than two hundred students, from universities in North America and Europe, participate in the simulation. All students are assigned roles, including Members of the European Parliament, members of the European Commission, heads of government, and national ministers. 

Here at Aston University, the EuroSim module is one of the most innovative modules of the Aston Politics and International relations department’s undergraduate and MA programmes. EuroSim is offered as a module for any undergraduate and postgraduate student that studies either Politics or International Relations as part of their degree. This module gained formal recognition from the Political Studies Association, who awarded the module the prestigious PSA Award for Innovation in Teaching Politics (2018). 

What is EuroSim for?

The purpose of this module is to educate students about the inner-workings of the European Union in order to enhance the learning experience for students. EuroSim provides a great experience of how to use politics in a real-world setting.

Active involvement in this module enhances students' oral communication skills through debate, negotiation and compromise with other students. It will expose students to politics and cultures from all over the world and boosts their research skills. 

Finally the module provides links to a broader consortium of 26 (and growing) universities across Europe and the United States, this module provides students with the opportunity to travel internationally and network with students from across Europe and the United States of America. 

Hear more about what our students have to say...

Muqeet Qaiser, EuroSim Brockport 2024

The Eurosim module is the most unique modules I have ever taken. Being able to participate in debates have been crucial in developing communication and other various skills. The equal division between the theory and the practical assignments is also advantageous as you are able to use your strongest skills to develop the weaker ones. Furthermore, the module requires and develops a diverse range of skills from written to spoken. The module was an enjoyable experience and there is something for all types of students. The module is also fun as the debates can be competitive and forming coalitions is an enjoyable experience where planning is crucial in order to get the most desirable outcome. In addition, being able to simulate organisations such as the United Nations and the European Union Security Council were great for immersion and setting the stage for the debates especially on key issues the organisations themselves have debated on."

Muqeet Qaiser, EuroSim Brockport 2024

Eman Mowatt, EuroSim Brockport 2024

Eurosim was an amazing experience that merged the practical and theoretical research expertise needed in political science. I enjoyed learning about the negotiation process and the simulation stimuli we were given. Researching these stimuli not only helped widen my own global perspective but encouraged me to engage in the role of I was given for each debate. Being able to interact with different people throughout these session made it rewarding, I ended becoming friends with some of those I worked with. I would recommend this course to anyone who struggles with public speaking and balancing their degree as the revision and exam period teaches you to critically divide your time accordingly.
Eurosim has been an eye-opening course in exploring diplomatic negotiations. Whether the stimulus was war and peace, climate change or poverty; the knowledge of standing affirmative in our research and decision-making was challenging. Every conclusion reached impacted the populations we represented for better or worse. I’ve really enjoyed how it has helped shaped my understanding of European and global politics and I look forward to participating in New York!"

Eman Mowatt, EuroSim Brockport 2024

James Humphris, EuroSim Brockport 2024

The EuroSim module has been one of the most interactive modules I have taken during my time at Aston University. It has not only made me more confident with public speaking but has also provided insight as to how decisions are made in various international organisations. The module has also allowed me to develop countless interpersonal skills that I may call upon during my time in future graduate employment."

James Humphris, EuroSim Brockport 2024

Leticia Oppong, EuroSim Brockport 2024

My experience in the module has been engaging and inspiring. I had the opportunity to research and write on insightful topics like climate change and humanitarian reliefs in Afghanistan. I was able to develop my analytical skills, presentation skills, communication skills and critical thinking ability. I always developed how to stand firm and defend one’s choices in negotiations. The simulation exercises made me experience the UN and EU simulation sections."

Leticia Oppong, EuroSim Brockport 2024

Ashley Keenan, EuroSim Brockport 2024

EuroSim was a unique and engaging module that really helped me to build on my confidence and public speaking abilities. It presented challenges that were entirely new to me, leading to personal and academic growth beyond my prior experiences."

Ashley Keenan, EuroSim Brockport 2024

Frederick Henry-White, EuroSim Brockport 2024

Taking this module was one of the best decisions I have made in my time at Aston University. The skills you develop and the content you learn are not found in other, more traditional, modules and I have found them a valuable asset for the future. My public speaking, research and writing abilities have all improved greatly. The unique assessments that you undertake in this module are engaging and enjoyable to do with a UNSC simulation and an EU one giving you a breadth of areas to investigate and learn about. The ability to go to an international simulation is also a great opportunity, both personally and professionally, that I am looking forward to undertaking."

Frederick Henry-White, EuroSim Brockport 2024

Amin Hassan, EuroSim Newport 2023

Yes it’s a politics simulation, but at times it can can get intense and almost feel like the real thing! Building skills such as relationship-building, active listening and argumentation in a safe environment has helped me so much."

Amin Hassan, EuroSim Newport 2023

 

Luke Marlow, EuroSim Newport 2023

EuroSim is the module we all wish we could do throughout our studies. The graded debates are tough but very rewarding. The module utilises many applicable skills, including research, communication and teamwork."

Luke Marlow, EuroSim Newport 2023

 

Ayu Jaba, EuroSim Newport 2023

EuroSim helped me to improve my confidence and public speaking skills. Definitely a great module for my future self."

Ayu Jaba, EuroSim Newport 2023

 

Greg Sharpe, EuroSim Newport 2023

Eurosim is a unique module and a challenging one. It's great for developing practical skills you can use in your career and you will not only learn the course content but also learn some things about yourself."

Greg Sharpe, EuroSim Newport 2023

 

Thomas Fenton, EuroSim Newport 2023

The Eurosim module was quite unlike any I have taken while at Aston University. It set us the unique and exciting challenge of negotiating with fellow classmates in order to find common ground during real-time debates. As well as being thoroughly enjoyable, the module provides students with highly valuable skills that can be applied in the world of work - no matter the profession. 

Thomas Fenton, EuroSim Newport 2023

 

Kinga Gorska, EuroSim Newport 2023

I think EuroSim is one of those modules that instantly help you develop new skills. It puts you in the spotlight, which may be extremely uncomfortable but I think it gives you a great opportunity to learn how to deal with pressure. Even though there is a lot of work and preparation to do during this module, I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking forward to gaining useful employability skill."

Kinga Gorska, EuroSim Newport 2023

 

Ashvini Jayanthan, EuroSim Newport 2023

The Eurosim module, although academically challenging and quite demanding, has been an insightful experience and has brought a friendly-competitive side out of me. I chose this module to boost my public speaking and negotiating skills and that is exactly what it has helped me with, building relationships with other representatives and preparing for a simulation negotiation has been fun."

Ashvini Jayanthan, EuroSim Newport 2023

 

Reynolds Kwesi Brew Sam, EuroSim Newport 2023

The feeling of playing real life roles in a simulated environment puts you in a position to appreciate the kind of future you look forward to having."

Reynolds Kwesi Brew Sam, EuroSim Newport 2023

 

Alexander Lamle, EuroSim Newport 2023

I’m a part-time Masters student, so I had to wait for a year before I could start EUROSIM and I’m so glad I did - I had high expectations, but I was not prepared for just how impressive a module it is. It’s a lot of work and often delves deeply into UN & EU Issues, but I’m SO glad I did it - it uses a non-standard assessment format that is unique and innovative, giving you skills and experiences that are impossible to get through almost any other module, and I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about a career in politics, diplomacy or policy.”

Alexander Lamle, EuroSim Newport 2023

 

Gemma Dilkes, Virtual EuroSim 2022

I think EuroSim is a great module for stepping out of your comfort zone both academically and personally. I’ve enjoyed getting to work with the other students on the module and I think we’ve all discovered skills we never knew we had." Gemma Dilkes, Virtual EuroSim 2022

Joseph Park, Virtual EuroSim 2022

EuroSim provides a unique way of learning that I have found to be fun and engaging. This module has helped me to develop my public speaking skills which is something that will be very useful in when looking for jobs in the future. If you have the possibility to take this module, I highly recommend you do so." Joseph Park, Virtual EuroSim 2022

Thomas Meenan, Virtual EuroSim 2022

EuroSim is fun, interesting and a great module for building transferable skills." Thomas Meenan, Virtual EuroSim 2022

Jacob Ayenamayi, Virtual EuroSim 2022

Eurosim was easily my most enjoyable module during my time at university – I love the interactive element and the fact that it provides you with a real challenge; the module pushes you out of your comfort zone, but it’s a great way to try something different during your degree!" Jacob Ayenamayi, Virtual EuroSim 2022

Stefan Solanki, Virtual EuroSim 2021

EuroSim is a fantastic, engaging, and interactive module that helps you develop a whole host of transferable professional and academic competencies to set you up for life." Stefan Solanki, Virtual EuroSim 2021

Victoria Rogers, Virtual EuroSim 2021

EuroSim has been a great way to develop my research and communication skills in a fun and engaging way whilst working in a great team!" Victoria Rogers, Virtual EuroSim 2021

Lena Girard, EuroSim Rochester 2019

Eurosim is the most challenging module I have taken during my university degree, both undergraduate and postgraduate studies combined. As an international student, it helped me improve my confidence debating in English through exercising public speaking aptitudes." Lena Girard, EuroSim Rochester 2019

Charlie Brewer, EuroSim Rochester 2019

The unique nature of the module and the ability to put learning into practice with other students at an organised event is ground breaking. Eurosim provides students with skills that can't be easily learnt through conventional methods of university lecturing such as active listening, diplomacy and thinking on your feet in pressurised situations." Charlie Brewer, EuroSim Rochester 2019

Jake Dunstan, EuroSim Brockport 2017

EuroSim is fantastic. It offers an alternative way to learn, a challenging and interactive module that develops negotiation skills. The module content addresses relevant European Union issues that influence our everyday lives. I have had tremendous support and feedback from the course leaders to continuously better myself and achieve my personal targets." Jake Dunstan, EuroSim Brockport 2017

Discover past EuroSims

Since 2017, the Aston EuroSim module has participated in the following conferences: 

2017: The College at Brockport, Brockport, New York

For the 2017 EuroSim more than 145 students from the United States and Europe convened on the Brockport campus for the 30th annual European Union Simulation — right where it all began.

 

2018: University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium

2018 EuroSim was hosted by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Brussels, Belgium. 150 particiants from 15 universities dealt with the topic of EU Border Management.

 

2019: Saint John Fisher College, Rochester, NY

2019 EuroSim on "The Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-27" was hosted by the St. John Fisher College in Rochester, USA, where 200 participants from more than 20 universities from all over the world met this year.

 

2020: University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

During the academic year 2019-2020, the EuroSim simulation was organised at the University of Antwerpen. The simulation took place January 6-9, 2020 on the topic of EU external relations, more specifically EU restrictive measures (sanctions policies). 

 

2021: Niagara University, Niagara Falls, NY

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 EursoSim was hosted by Niagra University, but unfortunately it was a virtual event. However, this didn't stop the Aston team as they secured 2nd best team, 1st place for LIBE II, and 2nd place in the floating roles. 

 

2022: Trier University, Germany

Following the Covid restrictions, the 2022 EuroSim again took place online. The simulation was hosted by Tier University in Germany and we used gather.town software. The Aston Team showed an amazing team spirit and secured 3rd spot overall and 2nd place within the Competitivenesss Council.  

 

2023: South Wales University, Newport, UK

During academic year 2022-2023, Aston EuroSimmers participated in the EU simulation organized by the University of South Wales. We were hosted at the ICC Wales, Newport. The simulation took place between 4-7th January 2023 and the topic was the EU Energy Security and EU Social Climate Fund. We came back to Aston with two awards, for best performance in the European Parliament Committee for Employment and in special roles (media/journalism).

 

Find out more about previous EuroSims below