International Education Week Photo & Essay Contest
Every year International Programs - in conjunction with the Office for Study Abroad and the Office of International Students and Scholars - hosts two separate contests: a photo contest and an essay contest. We invite students who have studied abroad as well as international students here at the University of Iowa to participate. Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners in all categories.
An awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 19th from 5:30-7:00pm in the Old Capitol Rotunda. Selected photos will be on display in the IMU during the entire month of November. All submitted essays will be compiled into a larger publication. Read below for more information on both contests and GOOD LUCK!
2009 Photo Contest:
Show us the World Through Your Eyes
The photo contest is open to UI students who have studied abroad and international students at the University of Iowa. Degree seeking international students who have studied abroad may submit to either the study abroad student category or the international student category, but not both. Study abroad students should submit photos from their time abroad. International students are asked to submit photos of their impressions of the United States.
Specifics:
Students may submit up to 2 photos. We require that you submit an 8” x 10” print in addition to your electronic submission, as the print quality of electronic submissions cannot be guaranteed. Photos may be cropped and treated for color enhancement, but should not possess extensive photo shopping (e.g. adding elements from different photos into one shot).
Submission:
Entries for the 2009 Photo Contest will be accepted starting September 1st, 2009. The submission deadline is October 23, 2009.
Entry forms with more information can be found here or in the Office for Study Abroad. Please submit your photos in both 8”x 10” inch print format and high-resolution electronic format. The prints, your entry form and waiver should be submitted to 1111 University Capitol Centre, Office for Study Abroad. Electronic submissions may be sent to study-abroad@uiowa.edu.
First Prize: $200 Second Prize: $100 Third Prize: $50
Past photo contest entries & winners:
2009 Essay Contest:
International Ink
International Ink is open to both international students studying at the University of Iowa and UI students who have studied abroad.
When first arriving at a new place, every student encounters a unique set of events and impressions. This transition is part of the value of studying in another country, and the learning that takes place during this period of adjustment teaches important lessons. Through International Ink you are invited to write about your experiences, cross-cultural encounters (good and not-so-good), insights, thoughts, and emotions upon arriving and adjusting to your new life as a study abroad student (either here in the US or abroad).
Tell us your story of adjusting to your time abroad including such things as the high points, low points, pleasant surprises, disappointments, confusing situations, frustrating encounters, and encouraging interactions you have had thus far. Here are suggestions on specific things to considering sharing:
- One encounter that surprised you or you that you were not expecting. What were your thoughts and feelings during the encounter? Would things have happened differently in your home country? How and why?
- Expectations versus reality. How did you think people and things would be when you got to your destination and what did you find when you arrived? Was life like you imagined? How and how not?
- Lessons learned. If you were going to give advice to a student from your country about how to adjust (eating, traveling, dealing with bureaucracy, meeting people, making friends, etc.) to your new culture. what specific things would you tell him/her to be prepared for and to do?
- Similarities and differences. Culturally, socially and/or academically what things are similar and what things are quite different between your home culture and this “new culture”? What similarities make your life easier and which differences are the most difficult for you to get used to?
Essays will be judged by a committee of volunteers from the University and community. Winning essays will be distributed both on and off campus, and students submitting essays agree that their essays may be used in UI publications and promotional materials.
Length:
No more than 1500 words.
Due Date:
Essays must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2009. No late submissions will be considered.
Submission:
Essays should be written in Microsoft Word format and submitted electronically as an e-mail attachment. International Students should submit their essay to oiss@uiowa.edu. American students should submit their essay to study-abroad@uiowa.edu. Make sure to complete an entry form and waiver which can be found here.
First Prize: $200 Second Prize: $100 Third Prize: $50
For extra help on topics and writing entries, we've created a short form which can be accessed here. Participants may also want to check out Glimpse magazine's tips on crafting a good story.
2005-2008 International Student Essays
Questions regarding either contest can be directed to Sterling Bacher at sterling-bacher@uiowa.edu in the Office for Study Abroad.