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.ÌýCGPS is pleased to collaborate this year with theÌý and Graduate College.
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.Ìý
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Everyone has a story. Join us for the next essay contest and tell us yours for a chance to win $500!
Essay Topic
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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 91Ô´´ and in the U.S. Topic ideas include:
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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 91Ô´´ 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 91Ô´´, what advice would you have for future or newly arrived international students?
Prizes
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Undergraduate Students
Grand Prize: $500
Second Prize: $250
Graduate StudentsÌý
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
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You must be an enrolled international student in the fall, maintaining F or J visa status at the 91Ô´´.
Application Deadline
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The Fall 2025 contest has now closed!
Document Requirements
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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
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By submitting your entry, you agree that your essay might be published by CGPS on the web or in a publication.
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Entries will be judged on content as well as literary style. ÌýPlease make every attempt to submit an entry free from spelling and grammatical errors, and rich in experiential content.Ìý
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Undergraduate Students
1st Prize
Duy Duc Tran
Vietnam
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2nd Prize
Diego Andres Berrizbeitia Freites
Venezuela
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Graduate Students
1st Prize
Irene Ibiwari IkirikoÌý
Nigeria
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2nd Prize
Alejandra Maria Arango Gallego
Colombia
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ELI Students
1st Prize
Atheer Saleh S Almubarak
Saudi Arabia
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2nd Prize
Bashar Taha Altemeemy
Kuwait
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Undergraduate Students
1st Prize
Atiqah Zulhiani
Malaysia
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2nd Prize
Ahmed AlJahwari
Oman
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Honorable Mention
Nikki Ismayilova
Azerbaijan
Graduate Students
1st Prize
Ioannis Vasileios Chremos
Greece
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2nd Prize
Davidson Nwaonu
Nigeria
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Honorable Mention
Sotheara Veng
Cambodia
ELI Students
1st Prize
Maika Inoue
Japan
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2nd Prize
Jisa Ko
Japan
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Honorable Mention
Serah Azami
Afghanistan
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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!"