

Everyone has a story. We're excited to read yours!
CGPS is pleased to announce the winners of the 8th annual international student essay contest!
CGPS and many partner offices on campus 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 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 was pleased to collaborate this year with the Division of Student Life and the 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. Whether you spent the fall semester online or in-person, in the U.S. or abroad, 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 US. Topic ideas include:
What prepared you for this experience, who/what helped you along the way?
How did you navigate local customs, traditions and communication protocols?
What did you wish others understood better about you and your culture?
Prizes
Category | Grand Prize | Second Prize |
Undgergraduate Students | $500 | $250 |
Graduate Students | $500 | $250 |
ELI Students | $500 | $250 |
Funds for winning essays will be placed into student accounts.
Eligibility
You must be an enrolled international student in Fall 2021, maintaining F or J visa status at the University of Delaware.
Application Deadline
All essays must be submitted via this online form by 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, November 28, 2021.
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.
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!"