The 2024 International Student Essay Contest is now closed.
Everyone has a story. We're excited to read yours!
Along with many partner offices on campus, we have a rich tradition of welcoming international students from all parts of the world. The mission to foster international understanding and cross-cultural awareness on campus and in the community is as important as ever.
The purpose of this annual contest is to give interested applicants an opportunity to tell their stories and share the experiences and perspectives of being an international student with the larger University community. CGPS is pleased to collaborate this year with the Division of Student Life and Graduate College.
Everyone has a story. Join us for the next essay contest and tell us yours for a chance to win $500!
Essay Topic
Studying at a U.S. university can be a challenging yet rewarding experience for many international students. Please share your personal stories and experiences about how you dealt with new ways of learning, cultural norms and values, challenges and opportunities during your time as an international student at UD and in the U.S. Topic ideas include:
What were your expectations before coming to the U.S.? How did they change, if at all, since you arrived in the U.S.?
What did you wish others understood better about you and your culture? If you have been at UD for a while, have you seen that understanding improve?
Based on your experience in navigating new customs, traditions, and communication styles as an international student at UD, what advice would you have for future or newly arrived international students?
Prizes
Undergraduate Students
Grand Prize: $500
Second Prize: $250
Graduate Students
Grand Prize: $500
Second Prize: $250
ELI Students
Grand Prize: $500
Second Prize: $250
Funds for winning essays will be placed into student accounts.
Eligibility
You must be an enrolled international student in the fall, maintaining F or J visa status at the University of Delaware.
Application Deadline
The Fall 2024 contest is now closed for submissions.
Document Requirements
Maximum of 1000 words; Typed in 12-pt size, Times Roman font; Double spaced; 1-inch margins on all sides; Includes page numbers.
Permission Notice
By submitting your entry, you agree that your essay might be published by CGPS on the web or in a publication.
Entries will be judged on content as well as literary style. Please make every attempt to submit an entry free from spelling and grammatical errors, and rich in experiential content.
Undergraduate Students
1st Prize
Atiqah Zulhiani
Malaysia
2nd Prize
Ahmed AlJahwari
Oman
Honorable Mention
Nikki Ismayilova
Azerbaijan
Graduate Students
1st Prize
Ioannis Vasileios Chremos
Greece
2nd Prize
Davidson Nwaonu
Nigeria
Honorable Mention
Sotheara Veng
Cambodia
ELI Students
1st Prize
Maika Inoue
Japan
2nd Prize
Jisa Ko
Japan
Honorable Mention
Serah Azami
Afghanistan
Faiza Saeedi
Afghanistan
2018
2013
1st Prize
Subramani Sockalingam (India)
Untitled
2nd Prize
Rodrigo Moreno (Chile)
Untitled
Honorable Mention
Karim Rebiai (Belgium)
"A New Culture - Help Me, I'm Drowning!"