I entered this course with little idea of what to expect. Prior to the Brussels European Forum (BEF), I had no experience with formal debate or negotiating and it wasn’t until the simulation began that the purpose and depth of the course became clear. Navigating the unknown pushed me out of my comfort zone, ultimately allowing me to leave behind self-doubt and gain a renewed sense of confidence. The collaborative environment, especially moments of honest connection with classmates, helped me overcome my hesitations and reinforced my belief in my ability to have my voice heard and lead with authenticity.
This course also deepened my understanding of cross-cultural communication and international relations. Although I considered myself very well-traveled and globally aware prior to BEF, the experience shifted my focus from surface-level cultural appreciation to a more nuanced understanding of how culture shapes institutions, politics, and everyday interactions. Engaging with diverse perspectives, both from peers and within the simulation, helped me appreciate the complexity of global systems and the role of communication in bridging cultural divides. I now see myself as a more informed and empathetic global citizen. This course changed the entire trajectory of my ORGL program. The artifact from this class is my BEF playbook which helped immensely during my negotiations representing Italy.
Run. Sip. Serve. 