Student Diplomat Essay Competition

NAFSA: Association of International Educators and Abroad View are hosting the 2nd Annual Student Diplomat Essay Competition, inviting recently returned U.S. undergraduate study abroad participants to submit compelling stories that articulate how their undergraduate international experiences have helped meet the United States’ need to understand global situations and compete in the global arena.

Essay Questions

Entrants are required to answer one of the following questions:

1. Shaping Your Identity
   How has your study abroad experience influenced the way you view yourself as an American in the world? What lessons did you learn about being a global citizen?
2. Foreign Policy
   Based on your study abroad experience, how do you think study abroad impacts U.S. leadership and foreign policy? How does it promote mutual understanding with other countries and cultures?
   
3. Countering Anti-Americanism Abroad
   How did your study abroad experience help to inform your view about the United States? How did your encounters in your host country contribute to the development of cross-cultural understanding and dialogue?

The deadline for entries was November 15, 2007.

Terms

All submissions will be considered for publication by Abroad View and NAFSA: Association of International Educators. The essays will become the property of NAFSA: Association of International Educators and Abroad View magazine for the purpose of exclusive copyright in the education industry.

The winner will be awarded a cash prize of $150 and an STA Travel voucher worth $300.

Eligibility

The Student Diplomat Essay Competition is open to all U.S. students who have had an undergraduate study abroad experience, whether they are currently enrolled through an accredited college or university or have studied abroad since spring of 2003.

Guidelines

Essays should be 1,000 to 1,400 words.

All essays must include the following to be considered:

• full name;
• complete contact information including e-mail address;
• home school; and
• date and location of study abroad experience
  

For questions and further information, please E-mail studentdiplomat[at]nafsa.org.