October 22, 2004

International Education Week features essay contest

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University Cooperative Extension and International Programs at Purdue have teamed up to offer an online essay contest for Indiana high school students in honor of International Education Week, Nov. 15-19.

This is the first essay contest that has been offered. The contest is divided into two categories, one for high school freshmen and sophomores, and one for juniors and seniors. The contestants should write an essay that describes an experience with another culture that has had a positive influence on their education or personal growth. Essays must be between 400 and 500 words and submitted by Nov. 3 online.

"We want to offer high school students something for International Education Week," said Michael Starks, marketing and publications coordinator for Study Abroad at Purdue. "The essay is a great way for students to write about their experiences with people of different cultures."

Essays will be evaluated on creativity, organization and grammar. Prizes donated by Meijer will be given to the grand prize winner, first runner-up and second runner-up. In addition, the grand prize winner of the junior and senior category will receive a $500 scholarship to study abroad if they attend Purdue, and those students accepted into Purdue's School of Agriculture will receive an additional $500 to study abroad. Essay winners will be announced Nov. 15 on the Web site.

International Education Week focuses on the benefits of international understanding and exchange. During the week, Purdue study abroad students and exchange students also will visit local elementary and high schools to deliver presentations about international studies.

"We hope that teachers can incorporate the essay contest into their lesson plan," Starks said. "With the increase in different cultures in Indiana, this becomes an important topic to discuss."

Kelli Selby, international Extension program coordinator, said, "Purdue Extension values multicultural and international education in communities throughout Indiana."

These areas continue to grow in their importance because of the state's changing demographics and the increase in agricultural exports. In addition, world events of the past three years have demonstrated global interdependence, Selby said.

More information on national efforts for International Education Week can be found online.

Writer: Molly Brock, 765-496-2761, brockml@purdue.edu

Sources: Kelli Selby, 765-494-9831, cameronselby@purdue.edu

Michael Starks, 765-494-9866, mstarks@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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