CONTEST INFO

Do you see the world in a new way since you’ve been abroad with AFS? We think you do and we want to see this “different view” through your eyes. Has living in another culture changed your perception about how the world works? About what’s important to you? Is there something you understand in a whole new way because of what you learned from your host family and friends abroad? We want to hear about your new perspective on your own culture, now that you’ve seen it from a new vantage point.

We are looking for essays that highlight your new understanding of your host and your home cultures. Please don’t provide a travel journal. My Different View is not going to be the usual set of landmarks and colorful customs. Instead, include interesting and very specific details about your host culture that caused you to re-examine your attitudes. Or maybe you didn’t really find a new perspective until you came home and suddenly your own country and culture seemed strange. Explain how you became aware of this and what happened.

Avoid generalities. Your essay will have more impact if you use concrete examples from your experience. Use description so that the readers picture clearly what you experienced, your different view. Think about tastes, smells, colors.

Remember: Your experience was unique and your different view should reflect that special experience as vividly as possible.

The first prize is U.S. $2000 plus travel and accommodations for a 3-day trip to New York City in October 26-28, 2007 to attend the AFS 60th anniversary celebrations. The essay contest winner will be honored at a reception on Friday evening October 26th. Other events for the weekend include the prestigious World Peace Forum on Saturday the 27th, followed by an AFS Dance Party and the opportunity to attend a Harlem Gospel Brunch on Sunday.

A second prize of U.S. $1000 and a third prize of U.S. $500 are also offered