Essay Submission Deadline: Friday, March 7th, 2025, at 5:00pm

The Office of International Programs invites international students, students from international backgrounds, and study abroad students to participate in the Go Strong Go Global Essay contest!

Eligibility:  

1. International students, students from international backgrounds, and study abroad students are eligible to enter! If writing about study abroad, contestant’s essay must be directly related to an academic, Meredith-approved study abroad program.

2. Essays must be original work of the author and not generated by AI.

3. Entries must be essays that have not been entered in a previous Meredith OIP contest. 

Choose a Theme:

Theme 1: Meredith Explores the World - reflect on transformative, global experiences you've had abroad. 

Theme 2: The World Comes to Meredith - reflect on transformative, global experiences you've had here at Meredith.

Choose a Topic Within the Theme and Start Writing:

Topics for Theme 1: Meredith Explores the World (pick one) : 

• Reflect on your experience of studying abroad and how that journey helped you embody the "Going Strong" spirit. How would you describe your study abroad experience? What was most meaningful to you about it? Reflect on how you think students can benefit from studying abroad. What advice would you give to others who are thinking about studying abroad? 

• Describe a cross-cultural experience you encountered while abroad.  How did it impact you, change you or change your views on the world?

• How did your study abroad experience contribute to your finding your place in the world and at Meredith?  Through telling your story, what message would you send to other Meredith students who were considering a summer or semester abroad? 

Topics for Theme 2: The World Comes to Meredith (pick one):

• Describe a cross-cultural experience you’ve encountered since coming to Meredith.  How did it impact you and what have you learned about yourself and others from this experience?

• What experiences here feel challenging to communicate or explain to friends and family in your home culture(s)?  And/or what experiences from your home culture(s) feel challenging to communicate or explain here at Meredith?  What have you learned about yourself and others in the process?

• How does “Going Strong” relate to  your experience navigating life outside of your home culture(s)?  What have you learned about yourself  in the process?

Essay Guidelines:

1. Essays must be written in 1,000 –1,500 words or less.

2. Essays must be an original work and not the product of AI technology. 

3. Entries will be reviewed and judged based on the following criteria: 

   • Form: Essay is well-organized with correct use of grammar, mechanics, and punctuation. 

   • Content: Essay addresses the chosen topic, shows clear idea development, and thoughtful reflection on the experiences shared. 

   • Creativity: Essay provides vivid descriptions; style, voice, and expression of the writer bring to life the cultural experience in unique and compelling ways. 

4. Essays should include a title page, indicating the student’s name, email address, contact phone number, and title of essay. If student is a study abroad alum, provide name and dates of the study abroad program.

5. Contestants may only enter one essay.

Deadline and Submissions:

Submissions should be emailed as an attachment to Liz Yaros in the Office of International Programs at yaroseli@meredith.edu by March 7th, 2025 at 5 p.m. 

Winners/Prizes:

• Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for each theme, for a total of 6 prizes! 

• Winners will be contacted via telephone and email.

• Winners may have the opportunity to present their essays on Celebrating Student Achievement Day in April 2025.