Every year, Northwestern Study Abroad holds an essay contest for recent returnees. We look for essays that describe insightful study abroad experiences. Possible topics include, but are not limited to: adjustment to a new culture, language, and academic environment; new perspectives on particular political, economic, or social issues; personal insights or experiences; a valuable lesson learned during the time abroad; a particularly humorous anecdote.

Below are links to the essays that have won awards in the past. We hope you enjoy them!

If you are interested in participating in our essay contest, or in the photo contest that we hold simultaneously, click here.

Mary Jo Madda (Untitled) (2007 Winner)
"Through the eyes of a child" by Laura Selby (2005 Winner)
“Cooking Class,” by Rachel Feller (2004 Winner)
“My Keitai,” by Alanna Krause (2004 Winner)
"Nonnas," by Emily Hagenmaier (2003 Winner)
"Losing Awe, Gaining Denmark," by Grace Hong (2003 Winner)
"Porque es preciso perderse Para volver a encontrarse--Because it is precisely in losing yourself That you return to find yourself," by Laurie Jirak (2003 Winner)
"Terror Experienced Abroad: An American Student Studies in Muslim Kenya," by Maureen Farrell (2002 Winner)
"The Lessons that I Learned in Spain," by Christina Saenz (2002 Winner)
"The French Look," by Roni Ben-David (2001 Winner)

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