Submissions are invited for ICU Global Youth Essay Competition 2024. The last date of submission is October 9, 2024.
About ICU
ICU is a leading private university characterized by its bilingual (Japanese/English) liberal arts educa on in Tokyo, Japan. From its establishment in 1953, ICU has aimed to educate students in an international setting to be stewards of a just and peaceful world.
Competition Details
International Christian University (ICU) and Japan ICU Foundation invite youths from around the world to share their views on how to make society better. Each year, essay topics are selected in the areas of human rights and current events. For 2024, the application is open from August 9 to October 9. Apply to win great prizes, including the top prize of two round-trip tickets to Japan!
Essay Questions
Select one of the following questions:
- ICUs mission is to nurture students who will contribute to world peace. Although we say “world” peace, in reality all issues faced by humanity, local and global, are deeply interconnected, and “peace” may mean different things depending on the situation. Give an example of a global issue affecting your local community, why it interests you, and how you would act to bring peace to that situation.
- Our name, Interna onal Chris an University, shows our commitment to being “international” and maintaining an open, welcoming campus. We believe in the spirit of Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that “everyone has the right to freely participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.” Are there people around you who do not/are unable to participate in the cultural life of your community? Why do you think that is and how would you act to ensure that their cultural life is accessible to everyone?
Eligibility
Applicants must be aged 14-18 as of October 9, 2024 (inclusive) and must currently reside outside of Japan. University/college students as of October 9, 2024 are ineligible to apply.
Language
English.
Word Limit
650 words max.
Participation Fee
Free.
Prizes
- Top Prize ( 1 winner ): Two round-trip airline tickets to Tokyo in the summer of 2025 for the winner and a guardian. A visit to ICU will be incorporated into the trip. In lieu of the airline tickets, the top prize winner has the option of receiving 100,000 yen.
- Second Prize ( 1 winner ): 50,000 yen gift card.
- Third Prize ( 10 winners ): A copy of the “Illustrated Universal Declaration of Human Rights in French, English, and Japanese” translated by ICU students.
- Special Prize (1 winner) for those who have not been educated in English for more than 1 year: same as 3rd prize.
How to Submit?
Interested participants can submit online via this link.
Submission Deadline
The last date of submission is October 9, 2024.
Contact
Email: ICU-Essay[at]icu[dot]ac[dot]jp
