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A group of University of New Haven students embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Galápagos Islands for . Representing Australia in various committees, they engaged in high-level diplomatic debates while surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of one of the world’s most unique ecosystems.

For Abigail Fruhling ’26 and William Noonan ’25, the trip was more than just an academic conference — it was a culmination of years of dedication to MUN, an opportunity to connect with peers from around the globe, and an unforgettable adventure.

From late-night policy negotiations to snorkeling alongside sea lions, their experiences in Ecuador solidified the impact MUN has had on their personal and professional growth. Here, they share their stories in their own words.

Having the opportunity to travel to the Galapagos Islands for a Model UN conference was an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience. I joined Model UN during my first year in college and never would have expected to complete four semesters of MUN and go to Ecuador because of it.

The reason I kept coming back to MUN semester after semester had not only had to do with the career skills it gave me or the doors it opened, but also the people who make the program what it is. When I joined MUN, I was terrified of public speaking and was very quiet in class. I did not know anyone in MUN and thought this was a course I would take once and be done with it. Fast forward to my junior year, and I am now a Head Delegate for the class, speaking and lecturing without fear. I also met some of my best friends in this class. These are people I hope to keep in my life post-graduation and onward.

Getting to travel to the Galapagos was not just a conference for me, but a culmination of the hard work I put into this program for several semesters. At this conference, I realized how four semesters of MUN had transformed my leadership abilities and helped shape me into the person I am today.

I also recognize that this opportunity would not be possible without our generous donors such as the Bartels family, and Carolyn Brehm and Richard Boucher. I am very grateful for their contributions to our MUN program, as well as the time and energy that Chris Haynes Ph.D., director of the University of New Haven’s MUN team; Joseph Scollo, senior research & engagement librarian for the University’s ; Paulette Pepin, Ph.D.; and many student leaders, including our President Aferdita Emini ’25, have put into this program to make it as successful and beneficial as it is.

While swimming with sea lions and having a conference next to a beach was pretty awesome, it’s equally as amazing to have a community of so many motivated and supportive people that make MUN such a transformative environment for students such as me.

I had the opportunity to travel to the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador for MUN Galapagos. I went with six other students representing the University, and I represented Australia in the UN Environment Assembly committee. This was the fourth conference I have attended, and it was by far my favorite since we had the conference right next to the beach!

The conference was amazing, and I made so many new friends from around the world. I ended up getting the Best Delegation peer award in my committee, and I was very happy with the conference. I think my favorite part was the end of the days when we would finish our work and go hang out on the beach with all our new friends while the sun was setting. It was truly an unforgettable experience.

Outside of the conference, the MUN Galapagos staff took us on many culture days, including hiking, going to a white sands beach, exploring a giant tortoise breeding habitat, and snorkeling at the famous Kicker Rock. These days were the highlight of the trip, as we got to explore the beauty of the islands while also learning about the environment and culture. We also got to participate in an island-wide trash pick-up. Our group ended up picking up 14 full trash bags of trash to help preserve the islands!

This was an unforgettable experience, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend this conference. This was my last conference within Model UN, and it was definitely my favorite. I will always remember the fun times and the new friends I made on the islands.

Abigail Fruhling ’26 is a national security major and William Noonan ’25 is a criminal justice major.