Global Experience at The Hague

Attending THIMUN (The Hague International Model United Nations) was an unforgettable experience that pushed us out of our comfort zones and challenged our understanding of diplomacy, cultural exchange, and personal growth. We (Andres Cervera ’25 and Gabriel Rosen-Ahmed ’25) traveled to the Netherlands with 14 other TorreyMUN members and our three intrepid supervisors (Mr. Shulman, Dr. Halloran, and Mrs. Hamman). With over 3,200 delegates from more than 200 different schools representing over 100 countries, the conference provided an unparalleled opportunity to engage with people with different perspectives from around the world.

The moment we stepped onto the tram at 8 a.m. on the way to The World Forum—THIMUN’s venue and this year’s host of the NATO Summit—we were immediately surrounded by conversations in Spanish, French, Turkish, English, Dutch, Arabic, Italian, and more. Once inside the conference, we made our way to committee sessions, where students debated a range of topics focusing on the impact of AI from the robotization of armed forces to managing the threat of rising sea levels. Each committee session contained approximately 250 delegates, each with their own unique background. The diversity among the delegates reminded us of the differences that shape global perspectives and the commonalities that connect us. 

Beyond the debating, one of the most exciting parts of the experience was the friendships we built. Everywhere we walked, we saw Country Day students gathered in groups of new friends—people from all over the world. It was safe to say that everyone made at least one new friend. Even better, our own TorreyMUN group grew closer. There was no gap despite our different grades—we were all just one tight-knit group. 

Outside of the conference, we explored Amsterdam and The Hague. Fun fact: Amsterdam is known for having nearly 900,000 bikes; as you might imagine, many end up in the city’s canals. The locals even joke that the canal has three layers: water on the top, dirt in the middle, and bikes at the bottom. Everyone was amazed at the number of bikes around the city, and a few of us even had close calls of getting run over—lesson learned for next time!

During our time in Amsterdam, some visited the Anne Frank House, a deeply moving experience, while others who had gone on the trip years before, took a canal tour of the city. We also visited two famous art museums: the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Mauritshuis in The Hague. Our trip would not be complete without enjoying a variety of international cuisine, especially the Netherlands’ famous stroopwafels and poffertjes.
 

One of the most unforgettable parts of the trip was the THIMUN closing ceremony. As speeches wrapped up, a drumline marched in accompanied by trumpets, trombones, and saxophones, filling the auditorium with electrifying energy. Delegates carrying the flags of their delegations’ nations walked down the stairs, marking the official conclusion of a memorable week. This year, TorreyMUN’s four-year veteran and club president, Andres Cervera, proudly carried the flag for Uruguay onto the stage. 

Dr. Halloran reflected on the value of this opportunity saying, “Students who travel to THIMUN not only meet their peers from around the world, but experience a forum in which young people seek solutions to global policy challenges. That serious engagement with the most pressing world issues means that they emerge from the THIMUN experience more aware of just how important global engagement is and the essential contributions they can make in the future.” 

Ultimately, THIMUN was more than just a Model United Nations conference; it was a reminder of the power of dialogue, youth, and global understanding. For any student considering this experience in the future, we can say with certainty: This is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.