FAQ
This section is dedicated to answering any questions you have about Model European Union Strasbourg. Find below the most common questions we receive via different channels, including:
- The most common questions we receive about MEUS;
- The MEUS application process;
- The MEUS preparation phase for participants;
- The MEUS simulation itself;
- What happens after MEUS.
Make sure to look through the sections below to see if your question has already been answered! If you cannot find an answer for your question, feel free to email us at info@meu-strasbourg.org or contact us on social media and we will answer as soon as we can.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
When is the next edition of MEUS going to take place?
MEUS 2025 will take place on April 6-10 in Strasbourg, France.
What are the age requirements to participate in MEUS?
We are looking for participants aged 18 to 30 years old. Do note that you must be within this age range at the time of the conference.
I have never attended a political simulation before. Can I apply for MEUS?
Of course! MEUS is open to everyone regardless of their previous experience of political simulations. In fact, we actively encourage and welcome applications from those who have no prior experience of simulations like MEUS.
Will there be interpreting services in this year's edition of MEUS?
Yes! Interpreting strikes to the heart of the experience of MEUS. The exact languages offered are dependent upon the interest and applications received during the application process but we have traditionally been able to accommodate 8+ languages spoken around Europe during our conference.
I want to apply but can't afford the expenses, is there a way to fund my participation?
We offer MEUS Social Fund that is aimed to support exceptional applicants with specific socio-economic or health difficulties that can make their participation in our conference more tedious in the absence of this need-based scholarship. This scholarship is aimed to provide some financial assistance for their participation fee, travel expenses and if applicable, Visa costs.
MEUS Application
Do I have to be a student to take part?
Not at all! It doesn’t matter what your current occupation or professional status is: you’re eligible to apply so long as you meet our other criteria and you have not attended a previous edition of MEUS.
What level of English is required to participate in MEUS?
To participate in MEUS, a spoken equivalent to at least a B1 level of English is required. While interpreting services will be provided in a number of languages, English is the official language of our conference, preparatory material and workshops. We highly encourage non native English speakers to apply and use MEUS as an opportunity to improve their language skills, including English.
Must I be an EU citizen in order to take part?
No, our conference is open to everyone from around the world wishing to learn more about the EU and its decision-making process. Your nationality and country of residence will have no impact on your application for MEUS.
I have already participated in MEUS before. Can I apply to participate again?
No. MEUS is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and due to the sheer demand for places at our conference, participation is only permitted once at MEUS. If you’re eager to be part of MEUS again, consider joining us as an organiser!
I have a disability / chronic health condition that may impact my participation in MEUS: Am I still able to apply for MEUS?
Of course! MEUS is open to everyone regardless of any disabilities or chronic health conditions they may have and we will strive to accommodate the needs of our participants. Previous editions of MEUS have seen participants take part with visual, hearing and physical impairments in addition to numerous learning disabilities and chronic health conditions. The application evaluation procedure does not take into account your disability / chronic health condition. If you are selected to participate in MEUS, our Participants' Coordinators will be in touch with you to discuss your individual needs and how we can support you as an organising team during the conference to guarantee your full participation in all aspects of MEUS.
PARTICIPANTS' PREPARATION
How does preparation for MEUS typically work and will I be helped?
Of course! If you have been selected to participate in MEUS, you will be contacted by our Participants Coordinator within weeks with further information and preparatory materials which include role allocation, content guides, logistics guides and more.
How much time will I need to prepare for MEUS?
Our preparation period tends to last 3 weeks to 1 month. There is no need to begin preparation until this period and until you have had your participation in MEUS confirmed. The amount of time needed is entirely down to you, how much time you have available to you and how confident you feel with your role and the contents explored at MEUS.
I have little-to-no public speaking experience. Will you provide any assistance or training with public-speaking?
Yes! As part of the preparation period of MEUS, we strive to make you feel as comfortable and as confident as possible prior to participating in our conference. It is not uncommon for MEUS participants to have never debated before or not have any public experience. You're not alone, and we will hold a dedicated workshop on public speaking and provide you with a mock debate prior to beginning proper debate.
OUR SIMULATION
Which roles are available at MEUS 2025?
The roles during MEUS 202 will include: Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Minister of the Council of the EU (Minister), Interpreter, Interest Representative, Journalist/Photographer.
Will I get any free time during the conference?
Yes! Although the MEUS schedule is quite intense, participants tend to have at least one free afternoon/evening to enjoy the city!
What happens if I am selected for MEUS but then I can no longer take part?
Please contact our Participants Coordination team as soon as possible! In such circumstances, an applicant on our waiting list will be contacted to replace you and it is vital that we know as soon as possible so that we can ensure that they have sufficient time to prepare.
Do I get to choose who I represent if I take on the role of MEP, Minister or Interest Representative?
Nope! If selected as an MEP, Minister of the Council or Interest Representative, the MEUS Participant Coordinators’ Team will be responsible for deciding which role you take on (e.g. which political group or country you represent) and whose interests you must advocate for during the conference. We believe that being asked to think and argue from a different perspective and political ideology from that of our own (in most cases) is integral to gaining a deeper understanding of European politics, to learn how to approach different arguments on contentious issues and how to engage with difficult topics critically. Remember, MEUS is a simulation (!) and we're all doing our best in our own specific roles; no one will think that the arguments and positions you present are reflective of your own!
AFTER MEUS
Will you provide any recognition of my participation?
Of course! Presuming that you are selected to participate in MEUS and that you participate in at least 75% of simulation sessions, you will receive a certificate of participation during the closing ceremony of the conference.
Is there any way that I can give back to MEUS?
Of course! MEUS is entirely run by young students and professionals who volunteer their time week-in and week-out to make our wonderful conference happen. MEUS is therefore reliant upon the creation of a new team of dedicated organisers each year to ensure the sustainability of our project. If you enjoyed MEUS, the best thing you can give back to MEUS is becoming an MEUS Organiser as part of the next edition. Alternatively, if you happen to find yourself in a very sound financial place and wish to support MEUS financially, you can feel free to make a donation to our conference that will go towards our general budget.
Is anything required from me after participating in MEUS?
After the conclusion of MEUS, you will receive a feedback form in which you can share your thoughts and views on MEUS as an experience, including what you enjoyed most and where you feel things could improve. Your feedback would mean the world to us!
How can I stay in touch with participants from MEUS?
We have a dedicated MEUS alumni LinkedIn group and a dedicated newsletter just for MEUS alumni. Once an edition of MEUS comes to a close, we send participants links to both and we highly encourage them to stay in the loop with everything MEUS-related! Alternatively, the best way of staying in touch is to join the next Organising Team of MEUS, with a large number of participants continuing with their MEUS adventure in the form of taking on the role of Organiser the year after their participation - please consider doing the same!