2024 International Education Week Essay Contest

2024 Theme: "Local to Global: Celebrating International Education at Emory" 

For a PDF version of the essay contest flyer, CLICK HERE.

Submissions to the 2024 IEW Essay Contest have now closed. Winners will be notified in the coming weeks.

Emory University is proud of its diverse and inclusive community, where local perspectives and global insights come together to create a rich educational experience.

Reflecting on the theme "Local to Global: Celebrating International Education at Emory," you are invited to write an essay that speaks to the importance that global experiences, people, or perspectives have made on your Emory experience: whether in Atlanta, on an Emory-affiliated experience around the world, or coming to study at Emory from another country.

You may choose (but are not required) to respond to one or more of the questions below. 

1. Describe a specific experience during your time at Emory that highlights the impact of international/global education on your personal and academic growth. How did this experience shape your understanding of global issues and cultural diversity? 
2. How have you contributed to the diversity of perspectives at Emory through your involvement, identity, and leadership?   
3. Describe how you have navigated your cultural identity at Emory.  

Your essay should be between 500 to 750 words and adhere to the contest guidelines. We encourage you to draw upon your identity, personal anecdotes, specific examples, lived experiences, and thoughtful analysis to craft a compelling and insightful essay.

Essay Contest Guidelines: 

1. Eligibility: This contest is open to any currently enrolled Emory students (graduate and undergraduate)
2. Word Count: 500-750 words  
3. Format: Typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, in Microsoft Word or an editable document.
4. Additional Guidelines:
   • Must be written in English.
   • Include a title and a cover sheet with the author's name and contact information
   • No identifying information should be within the essay itself. 
   • Only one essay may be submitted per person. 
   • All aspects of the Emory Honor Code will be enforced, citing any references or copyright materials where relevant.  
   • AI Tools (e.g. Chat GPT, Grammarly) can be used to edit a draft, but not to formulate ideas or write an initial draft. If used, AI tools must be credited at the conclusion of the essay.  
5. Submission: Submit your essay via the submission form by clicking on the button below by 11:59 EST on October 6th, 2024.
6. Contest Rules: You must read the following rules of the contest to enter. By submitting an essay, you agree to the aforementioned rules.
7. Evaluation Criteria: Essays will be judged based on critical engagement with the essay themes, creativity, organization and structure, and adherence to the rules of the essay contest.
8. Winners: The review committee will select first place and runner-up graduate student essays well as as first place and runner-up undergraduate student essays. First place essays will receive $500, and runners-up will receive $250.

Questions: Please reach out to Charlie Hammons (charlie.hammons@emory.edu), International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) Senior Associate Director, via email.  

Submissions to the 2024 IEW Essay Contest have now closed. Winners will be notified in the coming weeks.