LUDOVIKA UNIVERSITY OF PUBLIC SERVICE

Ludovika University of Public Service - Faculty of Public Governance and International Studies is Hosting the 2024 NASPAA Student Simulation Competition

On Saturday, February 24th, 2024, Ludovika University of Public Service - Faculty of Public Governance and International Studies will host graduate students to participate in the 2024 NASPAA Simulation Competition. This year’s competition — a collaboration between DMS Academy and the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) — will connect students from around the world at a virtual site and 12 global host sites, including Bangladesh, Egypt, Brazil, Hungary, Nebraska, Texas, Michigan…and more! The simulation competition will tackle policy issues associated with forced migration through computer-based simulated gameplay. Created and improved by experts at DMS Academy who utilized extensive real-world data, the simulation places students in leadership roles within a time-sensitive, fast-paced environment where they must work together to solve complex policy issues.

Built specifically for students of public policy, Host Nations: A Refugee Simulation is a web-based experiential learning tool. Taking on roles such as Prime Minister, Minister of Labor, or Minister of Health and Human Services, players will work in teams to manage a migrant influx. Each player will be in charge of a distinct policy portfolio, and the decisions they make will affect not only their own country but the other teams’ as well. The game challenges participants to weigh human rights, integration, and GDP growth against budget restrictions and political resistance. Teams will be evaluated on simulation scores, negotiation skills, and presentations made to regional site judges. A panel of prominent super judges will determine the global winning teams of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes with awards of $3,000, $1,500 and $750, respectively.

Thousands of students from NASPAA’s global network have participated in the simulation competition, which each year examines a different multifaceted policy issue. The Host Nations simulation has been used in NASPAA classrooms around the world and by USAID to teach important concepts about migration policy as well as critical thinking skills.

If you're interested in applying, please get in touch with Laura Schmidt at schmidt.laura@uni-nke.hu