For the first time, the debate clubs at CIS University and Schiller International University came together for a joint event. Two teams of students took opposing sides on a timely and complex question: Is housing a right or an investment?
The event, coordinated by Professor Karyn Suárez from CIS University and Dr. Laura Juárez from Schiller International University, marked the first collaboration of its kind between the two institutions and gave students the opportunity to put their argumentation, communication, and critical-thinking skills to the test.
On this occasion, the CIS University team took the Pro position, defending housing as a right, while the students from Schiller International University took on the challenge of arguing the opposing position, approaching housing as an investment.
Representing CIS University were Lucas Murphy, Grace Beaufort, Diana Angelovskaia, Viviana Kerin, and Nico Antakly. The Schiller International University team consisted of Muras Baiyshev, Tra My Dang, Okay El Fahsi, Vera Kadrije Ibrahim, and Bisera Kjurchieva, with Craig Gasana, Lila Abitova, and Marcela Mattia providing additional student support and collaboration.
Two American Universities Face to Face
Both teams made strong cases for their opposing positions on an issue with significant economic, social, and ethical implications. The students presented their arguments, listened to opposing views, and responded thoughtfully, putting their communication and critical thinking skills into practice.
And this first edition could hardly have ended in a more interesting way. The two teams were so evenly matched that the debate ended in a tie, leaving the competition between CIS University and Schiller International University wide open and, of course, one question still unanswered: who will win the rematch?
Beyond the result, the event was an opportunity to put into practice what we at CIS University call “learning by doing.” Students had to prepare and defend their arguments, listen to the opposing team, and respond to their ideas, developing communication, teamwork, and critical-thinking skills that will be important both inside and outside the university.
For Professor Karyn Suárez, this first experience also opens the door to future encounters between the two universities:
“This first experience was a great success. Events like this bring education to life and help students develop skills that will be essential for their professional future. Both teams were excellent, and the tie shows just how evenly matched they were. We can’t wait for the rematch!”