The Travel Writing Contest

The Smith Center for Global Engagement sponsors a literary contest open to all students who have studied study abroad/away on St. Olaf international or domestic programs.  We look for written expressions representative of a student’s study abroad/away experience(s). Entries include, but are not limited to, short stories, poems, journal entries, adapted blog posts, essays, or any other types of literary form.  Submission details and entry requirements will be updated below during Interim each year.  Past Winners can be found here!

CONTEST DETAILS FOR 2025:
Contest Opens: Thursday, September 5, 2024   Submit your entry or entries here!

Entries Due: Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 11:59pm Central Time.

ADDITIONAL CONTEST DETAILS:
ENTRIES:  You may submit up to three entries (all entries may be submitted in the same form or separately).  Entries should be no more than two single-spaced, typed pages or 700 words.

SUBJECT:  Judges will look for written expressions which are representative of your study abroad/away experience.  Past submissions have included: short stories, poems, journal entries, blog posts, essays, etc.  You are invited to submit any form of written expression!

PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY:   The contest is open to all students who have studied abroad/away on Smith Center international or domestic programs for the following term dates:

• • 2023-2024 Academic Year (i.e. fall 2023 AND spring 2024);
  • 2024 calendar year (i.e., spring 2024 AND fall 2024);
  • Spring  and Spring with January Term 2024;
  • Summer 2024;
  • Fall and Fall with January Term 2024;
  • January Term 2025

SELECTION CRITERIA:  The rubric can be found here.  

RESPONSIBILITY/LIABILITY: By submitting an entry, you give the Smith Center for Global Engagement at St. Olaf College and the College permission to display and share your entry and accompanying details.  Your final submission also gives St. Olaf and the Smith Center the right to reproduce the entry, in part or in full, for use in college publications or in any other non‑commercial manner. All entries may become part of the St. Olaf College Archives.

PRIZE: $25.00 gift card or Ole Dollars will be awarded to the top winner!