International Studies and Languages Clubs and Activities

National Model United Nations

The Model United Nations is an organization committed to enabling members to collaborate with others of differing backgrounds to develop a better understanding of international affairs and encourage the building of a more globalized perspective of this world through leadership and cooperation. Our student delegation attends the National Model UN Conference held each spring in New York and our team has also participated in the Model UN Conferences in Shanghai, China in 2018, and in Erfurt, Germany in 2019. This year, we will once again participate at the New York Conference and at the National Model UN (Virtual) Conference this fall in Washington, DC. 

Our teams consistently achieve recognition at the annual National Model United Nations Conference in New York. We were named the "Outstanding Delegation" at the 2016 conference. This is the highest honor a delegation can achieve.  Although the NMUN New York Conference was canceled this year due to COVID-19, the hard work of our team did not go unnoticed! The Pepperdine Model United Nations team was awarded seven outstanding position paper awards. We are so proud of the team's hard work despite a challenging year. 

Pepperdine Model UN Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pepperdinemodelun

National Model U.N. Website: http://www.nmun.org

For more information contact: Dr. Felicity Vabulas (felicity.vabulas@pepperdine.edu )

Model World Trade Organization

Once a year, the International Studies division sponsors 1-2 students in attending the Model World Trade Organization (Model WTO) simulation in Geneva, Switzerland. Over the course of a week, our students participate in debates and exchanges on some of the most interesting topics on international trade.

For more information contact: Dr. Felicity Vabulas (felicity.vabulas@pepperdine.edu )

Women in International Studies Speaker Series

This once-a-semester series brings a practitioner or academic from the LA area to share their research or professional experiences related to international studies. After the talk, guest speakers engage in Q&A, set up valuable networking opportunities, and inspire students on ways they can lead lives of service, purpose, and leadership. Talks have included:

· Dr. Heidi Hardt, University of California, Irvine: "Gender Mainstreaming in International Organizations"

· Dr. Beth Caldwell, Southwestern Law School: "Deported Americans: Life After Deportation to Mexico"

· Deputy Mayor of International Affairs for Los Angeles, Nina Hachigian: "Los Angeles on the frontier of International Relations"

French Speaker Series

At least once per academic year, the French program hosts a speaker. The speaker series is open to the university community as well, and students in French classes are highly encouraged to attend.

Italian Club: C.I.A.O.

The purpose of C.I.A.O. (Cultural Italian American Organization) is to provide a forum on campus for the promotion and perpetuation of the study of Italian heritage and culture among students and Italophiles. Membership is open to everyone who wish to participate in the various activities of the organization. The club offers many events, including notable guest speakers, recitals, Italian film appreciation, and much more.

For more information contact: Professor Fiona Stewart (fiona.stewart@pepperdine.edu )

Cafe Francais

Sponsored by, Pi Delta Phi, the French Honor Society, "Cafe Francais" is a great opportunity to practice your French skills with friends and meet new people while enjoying coffee and conversation.  Anyone who loves speaking French is welcome and encouraged to attend, the meeting is not restricted to members of Pi Delta Phi.

For more information contact: Dr. Kelle Marshall (kelle.marshall@pepperdine.edu )