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.  Past Winners can be found here!

CONTEST DETAILS:
Contest Opens: December 16, 2025 

Entries Due: 

• Spring 2025 = January 15
• Spring 2025 with January Term = January 15
• Academic Year 2024-2025 = January 15
• Fall 2025 =  January 15
• Fall 2025 with January Term = January 15
• January Term 2026 = March 5
• Spring 2026 with January Term = June 15
• Spring 2026 = June 15
• Academic Year 2025-2026 = June 15

SUBMIT YOUR WRITING

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:

• • Spring 2025
  • Spring 2025 w/January Term 
  • Academic Year 2024-2025
  • Fall 2025
  • Fall 2025 with January Term
  • January Term 2026
  • Spring 2026 with January Term
  • Spring 2026
  • Academic Year 2025-2026

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!