How DEN turned a module choice into a global education Joshua Morton, second-year English Language and Linguistics student, University of Westminster, United Kingdom Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. How did you first come into contact with DEN? For my entire first year at Westminster, I...
DEN AT 10 · IN THEIR OWN WORDS Rita, a final-year International Relations student from Ukraine, reflects on the blog that started it all, presenting her research at the 2026 conference, and three articles in DEN’s annual book. Rita · International Relations, final year · University of Westminster · Ukraine Q1. Tell us who you...
At the beginning of May, I took part in my second DEN conference, and it turned out to be nothing like I had expected. When I participated last year, my role had been relatively comfortable. I guided guests around, helped with reception, and presented alongside a few friends about our trip to New York. I...
Que Anh, known to everyone as Cinny, a Hanoi University graduate now working in youth development in Vietnam, reflects on three international conferences, friendships that crossed borders, and learning to value questions over answers. Que Anh (Cinny) · Development Studies, Hanoi University · Vietnam Q1. Tell us who you are and where you are based....
How DEN altered my university experience for the better Katie Bracci, BA graduate, University of Westminster (2021–2025), United Kingdom Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. How did you first come into contact with DEN? I had no idea about DEN in my foundation year, but in...
Exploration. Growth. Confidence. Global. Friendship. These are my takeaways from the incredible trip to Uzbekistan for the Tashkent International Model United Nations Conference (TIMUN 2026). Although the lack of sleep and the new environment required adaptation and resilience, it was a fun and special experience thanks to the Westminster International University of Tashkent (WIUT) Students...
I am beyond thankful that I got to visit Uzbekistan with DEN. This trip was fulfilling, inspiring, and unforgettable in every possible way. I feel incredibly fortunate to have made lifelong friends not only in Uzbekistan, but within DEN too. The memories, conversations, laughter, and experiences are things I’ll carry with me forever. But before...
I was excited from the very start of the preparation process, both before and during the visa application. It was my first time applying for a visa on my own, and even though it might seem like a small thing, it felt like a real personal win. It taught me about responsibility and what it...
And Other Things London Taught Me This year, I had the opportunity to attend the DEN Conference in London, invited by Dr Farhang Morady following the publication of my article on sustainable energy in DEN’s annual student book. I travelled alongside a group of SDG course winners from Westminster International University in Tashkent — we...
My name is Joshua Morton and I study English Language and Linguistics at the University of Westminster. On the 8th of May 2026, I attended the ninth annual international student conference organised by the Democratic Education Network (DEN). Having been a member of DEN since September 2025, this was my first annual conference. The conference...
Before travelling to the UK for the conference, I felt both excited and nervous. It was my first time visiting the UK, and although I looked forward to the experience, I was also worried about stepping into an unfamiliar international environment. In Thailand, I had previously participated in several Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, so...
Jamie Greenfield, a Politics graduate, University of Westminster (2019-2022), now working within corporate retail, reflects on field trips to Hanoi and Geneva, finding his research voice through DEN, and the friendships that started at the gates of Wells Street. Part of the Inside Westminster anniversary series marking ten years of the Democratic Education Network. Q1. ...