Sponsored by HTH Worldwide and the Virginia Council for International Education, this year's topic was  "If a Picture Paints 1000 Words:  How I Would Photograph My International Experience." 

Essays from 41 students at Virginia's colleges and universities were judged by a team of faculty from the creative writing, professional writing, and composition programs of Virginia Tech's Department of English.

Submissions were excellent, but the essays below received the highest rankings from the judges.  Congratulations to all!

International Student Essay Contest

Andilé M. Dubé, Eastern Mennonite University, First Place (pdf)
Roopa Swaminathan, Old Dominion University, Second Place (pdf)
May Inoue, University of Virginia, Third Place (pdf)

Study Abroad Essay Contest

Natasha Marwah, William and Mary, First Place (pdf)
Michael Honchock, Virginia Tech, Second Place (pdf)
Karliana Sakas, Sweet Briar College, Third Place (pdf)