Over two hundred debaters, representing more than twenty-five different countries, came together last July in Leon, Mexico to share ideas, learn about different cultures, and experience the true value of international debate. The International Debate Education Association (IDEA), brought debaters from all around the world to Leon University or two weeks of debate. For the first week, the students would debate on given topics as representatives from their respective countries and for the second week, the students would be put into teams composed of debaters from different countries. For example, a student from the U.S.A. could be paired with a boy from South Korea and a girl from Belarus. It was through these two weeks of intense debate, which required communication and cooperation, that students learned priceless lessons.
The debaters were given two topics regarding the use of torture and the existence of Guantanamo Bay Prison and debated these topics for six rounds. After the preliminary rounds were the playoffs. Teams from Canada, South Korea, Pakistan, and so on were a couple of the teams that made it through the grueling six rounds. As the tournament continued, countries were gradually eliminated and the final two teams were Team Pakistan and Team Korea. As the city of Leon watched, the two teams debated on the topic of whether or not Guantanamo Bay Prison should be shut down immediately and with a unanimous decision of nine judges, Team Pakistan won. Paul Lee, debater from the United States, said, “Representing the United States, and being able to make it to the top thirty-two is an experience I will never forget.”
Debaters, regardless of their country, were put together to make an international team. The language barrier was a problem at first, but as time progressed, teams were able to overcome this restriction and work cohesively. Othello Hong, a debater from South Korea, said, “It was hard to communicate with my teammates because one of them spoke in an accent and the other couldn’t understand me because English is her third language.” Othello showed how diligence and teamwork could overcome the language barrier by making it to the finals.
From the two weeks in Mexico, students not only learned that Mexican cuisine is amazing, but also learned how to work with other debaters from all around the world. By sharing a common passion, everyone got to witness amazing cultural differences and breathtaking talent.
