St. John Fisher College Hosts Policy Simulation Conference

This month, St. John Fisher College will play host to more than 150 students from across the world during EuroSim, a four-day conference that immerses students in the real-world of European policy-making.

The conference runs from Thursday, March 28 through Sunday, March 31, and includes a welcome reception at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, at Rochester City Hall (30 Church Street).

EuroSim engages students in a simulation of the decision-making process of the European Union. This marks the first year Fisher has hosted EuroSim. During the conference, students will form small groups representing different European Union institutions. The 2019 simulation will see students working to propose the financial framework for the European Union budget from 2021 to 2027.

“EuroSim is a fantastic program that combines professional skills development and practical application of academic knowledge about the functioning of the European Union. Students are challenged to step out of their comfort zone and find their place in the experience,” said Dr. Sebastian Lazardeux, associate professor and chair of the Department of Political Science and Legal Studies, who has brought students to EuroSim conferences for the past seven years. “It’s also a great social and cultural experience for students to meet and understand new people from around the world.”

An annual event that has roots at The College at Brockport, EuroSim alternates between the United States and European schools. In addition to Fisher, local colleges including Brockport, Niagara University, and Alfred University will be represented at this year’s conference.