The International Affairs Association is a Debate and International Affairs Society that encourages and promotes diplomacy, dialouge, and understanding different cultures.
Meet the E-Board · History of the Club · Resources
If actions speak louder than words, then the Boston University International Affairs Association creates an eloquent, but deafening roar.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.) Do I have to be an International Relations major to join?
2.) What does the International Affairs Assocation do?
3.) How can I join the IAA?
4.) What is the commitment like?
5.) What is Model United Nations?
6.) Do I have to have previous Model UN experience to participate in Model UN activities?
7.) Can I be in the IAA without doing Model UN?
8.) What events does the IAA host?
9.) Are there weekly meetings? When/Where do you meet?
10.) How do I get in contact with the IAA?
1.) Do I have to be an International Relations major to join?
No! The International Affairs Association is open to all students interested in the international community, whether that interest is politicial, economic, social, or cultural in nature. In fact, International Relation (IR) major represent just over 50% of our association and some of the most creative and insightful members have come from all disciplines: Anthropology, Political Science, History, Pre-Med, Biology, Sociology, Business Administration, Hospitality, Public Relations, Journalism, Philosophy, Graphic Arts, and Advertising.
2.) What does the International Affairs Assocation do?
At its heart, the Association is a Model United Nations club, but recently has expanded to better encompass all of its activities:
- Our members attend seven intercollegiate Model UN conference (find out more here) around the United States and the world
- We organize a 1300 student high school level Model UN conference with over 160 staff members called BosMUN.
- We organize a 200 student collegiate level Crisis Simulation with over 100 staff members called BarMUN.
- We publish an International Relations Review twice a semester, open to all undergraduate academic arguments.
- We host a series of events aimed at giving undergraduates an opportunity to explore possible careers in international affairs
- We host a sereis of events designed to spread awareness about different cultures
3.) How can I join the IAA?
It’s very easy! Show up to our first meeting (or any meeting during the year) and take on whatever activities you would like. You can also fill out our New Member Form and get an email update about the Association with more details. If you’re interested in joining Model UN, you can register for IBUCS, your introduction to the world of MUN.
4.) What is the commitment like?
Member of the IAA may take on as many activities within our organization as they would like. Whether you would just like to come to our weekly meetings and participate in our discussion or travel with us on conferences or become a staff member of BosMUN or BarMUN, it’s all up to you! There are no fees or other restraining commitments, so there is no obligation unless you’d like to join.
5.) What is Model United Nations (MUN)?
The Model United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations system. Students assume the roles of ambassadors to the United Nations and debate the current issues on the UN’s agenda. Through diplomacy and negotiation, Model UN students seek ways that the world community can deal with complex global concerns such as the environment, economic development, refugees, AIDS, conflict resolution, disarmament and human rights. Young people of all backgrounds and walks of life participate in these educational exercises to experience first-hand decision-making processes and diplomatic work at the United Nations.
6.) Do I have to have previous Model UN experience to participate in Model UN activities?
No! All students are welcomed to join our Model UN activities. Don’t worry if you’ve never done it in the past, we’ll teach you along the way. The best way to enter the world of MUN is to register for IBUCS, a weekend conference simulation.
7.) Can I be in the IAA without doing Model UN?
Absolutely. There are a plethora of activities that you can participate in without being involved with Model UN. If you perfer taking on a more operational approach to our conference, a secretariat or directorate position might be the place for you. If you enjoy writing or editing articles or journal entries about current events, the International Relations Review editorial staff might be your place. Or if you simply enjoy different cultures, feel free to always come to our events, most of which are without cost.
8.) What events does the IAA host?
In the past we’ve hosted the Consul-Generals of Great Britain and France to discuss European Union politics, sponsored trips to the UN Headquaters in New York City, and organized career panels involving Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), government agencies such as the CIA, and Journalism. If you which to find out more about the events we organize, please visit our Events Page.
9.) Are there weekly meetings? When/Where do you meet?
Yes, we have weekly meetings to discuss different issues facing the international community. Occasionally our meetings focus on historic events, national cabinets and/or policies, crisis simulations, or are led by professors or other professionals.
We meet every Wednesday from 7.30PM-8.30PM in SMG 304.
10.) How do I get in contact with the IAA?
The easiest way to contact the IAA is through email: iaa@bu.edu
Mailing Address:
Boston University International Affairs Association
Boston University Station
PO Box 284
Boston, MA 02215
