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Travel Writing Scholarship 2008 - Closed!

WORLDWIDE | Wednesday, 20 February 2008 | Views [23067] | Comments [51]

Go on assignment to Kosgoda, Sri Lanka and unearth your own travel story!

 

Applications close: May 25, 2008

World Nomads will send one exceptional student to participate on an i-to-i volunteer project in the tsunami devastated region of Sri Lanka. Staying in the small coastal village of Kosgoda, 70kms south of Colombo, you will live amongst the local people, working on various neighbourhood projects to help rebuild their community.

As part of this assignment, you will receive mentorship from Sydney Morning Herald journalist and travel writer Keith Austin, who will provide assistance via telephone/internet with story development, scripting and final editing.

You will be staying in Kosgoda with a local family for two weeks, immersing yourself in the local culture. To help you create your own unique story, the scholarship recipient will receive a new Lenovo Ideapad Y-510laptop computer.

Once you have returned home, you'll write, edit and a create a feature article based on your experience in Sri Lanka which will be reviewed and considered for publication by the Sydney Morning Herald, Australia's pre-eminent newspaper, both printed and on-line - giving you the chance to have your story read by thousands of travellers world wide!

The Scholarship also includes airfares from your nearest international airport, i-to-i program costs, travel vaccinations, visa costs and per diems.

What you'll be doing

* We'll fly you in from your country of residence to Sri Lanka. You'll need to be available between July 6th and July 19th 2008.

* Prior to leaving, you will be mentored by journalist Keith Austin to guide you in how to approach your story.

* In Sri Lanka, you will live amongst the local people of Kosgoda, volunteering to help restore their community whilst interviewing people and seeking out your story.

* You will need to keep a daily diary about your time on the trip and upload this to a World Nomads travel journal, including pictures you've taken.

* On your return you will receive further mentoring from Keith Austin to assist in editing togther your feature story. You will then submit your story to the Sydney Morning Herald for possible publication, and on the World Nomads websites within one month of your return.

* Most of all, you'll be experiencing what it's like to be a journalist in a remote location in one the most beautiful and friendly countries in the world!

Who can apply

* To be eligible you have to be currently enrolled and actively studying at a recognised educational tertiary institution and speak and write fluent english.

* Minimum age 18.

* You should be an exceptional writer with a lust for adventure, ambition to grow your journalism/writing skills and desire to help less fortunate communities in the world.

Apply now


If you want it, you've got to show it. To apply you need to:

1. Craft a 500 words(or less) travel focused essay in English around the theme 'An unforgettable adventure'. It's up to you to convince our judging panel through your writing that you have the spirit of adventure and passion for travel journalism to be chosen for this scholarship. We will be looking for;

• originality
• clarity of ideas
• excellent writing
• ability to source and tell a compelling story.

2. Complete an entry form which includes contact and educational institution details and a 300 words (or less) essay on why you should be chosen. Copy and paste the 'An unforgettable adventure' travel story into the entry form.

3. The recipient of the Scholarship, along with the best entries will be published on the World Nomads wesbite on June 1, 2008.

Applications close midnight (Australian Eastern Standard time), May 25, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conditions of Entry

1. Information on the scholarship prize and how to enter forms part of these conditions of entry. By applying for this scholarship you agree to be bound by these conditions of entry and all decisions of the scholarship promoter (World Nomads) which are final in all matters relating to the promotion. The scholarship and these conditions of entry are void where prohibited by law. Any changes to these conditions of entry will be published on the World Nomads website at www.worldnomads.com.

2. The promoter is World Nomads Pty Limited of 1306 World Tower, 87-89 Liverpool St, Sydney, NSW 2000.

3. Employees of World Nomads, TheSydney Morning Herald, Lenovo, i-to-i and their subsidiaries and affiliated companies, and members of their immediate families or households, are ineligible to apply for this scholarship.

4. Entry is free. No purchase necessary. You must be older than 18 to enter and currently enrolled and actively studying at a recognised educational institution. You must also have a valid passport and be available to be in Sri Lanka from July 6-19, 2008. To enter, submit a 500 words (or less) travel focused essay in English around the theme ‘An unforgettable adventure’. Complete an entry form which includes personal contact details and a 300 word (or less) essay on why you should be chosen. Copy and paste your travel story into the entry form at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=P_2fRzj2IVt8c4rSr61_2bYWBg_3d_3d

5. The scholarship entries can be submitted from 9.00am AEST on March 6, 2008 and entries close at 11.59m AEST on 25 May 2008. Entries are deemed to be received at the time of receipt by World Nomads and World Nomads records are conclusive as to the time of receipt. All dates are subject to change if necessary in World Nomads discretion.

6. The Scholarship recipient will be selected by a panel of three judges including one independent judge, determining the best overall entry from a review of all eligible entries. The best overall entry is deemed to be the one that best creatively interprets both "An unforgettable adventure" and articulates why the applicant should be awarded the 2008 World Nomads Travel Writing Scholarship. The selection will be conducted at World Nomads Pty Limited of 1306 World Tower, 87-89 Liverpool St, Sydney, NSW 2000 on Monday 26th May 2008. The judges' decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into, including in the event of a dispute. Chance plays no part in determining the successful scholarship recipient. The successful applicant will receive the following;

* 1 x return economy airfare to Colombo, Sri Lanka from nearest major international airport organised by World Nomads.
* 1 x 14 day i-to-i 'Community work in coastal Sri Lanka' volunteer trip, from July 6-19, 2008. Trip includes accommodation (shared room in home-stay or shared house), 2 x meals a day (breakfast & dinner) airport pick up and transfers. Check i-to-i website for full details of trip:
* per diems of US$15 per day to cover lunch and incidentals.
* 1 x Lenovo Ideapad Y-510 laptop computer
* Travel Insurance
* Cost of any necessary vaccinations and visas
* Mentorship via email/phone from Keith Austin, writer for the Sydney Morning Herald.

7. The scholarship recipient must write/edit a travel story (no less than 600 words and no greater than 800 words) post visiting Sri Lanka. This piece must focus on a story resulting from the visit to Kosgoda. The recipient must then submit the story to World Nomads no later than 1 month after returning from the trip. The scholarship recipient must also keep a daily travel diary and upload diary entries (no less than 200 words per daily entry) to their World Nomads Journal, no later than 2 weeks after returning from the trip.

8. The Scholarship recipient will be notified by email and the recipient's name will be published on the World Nomads website within 14 days after selection.

9. If the Scholarship recipient is not immediately identifiable or contactable World Nomads will make reasonable efforts to identify and/or contact the Scholarship recipient. If the Scholarship recipient has not accepted the scholarship by 2 June 2008, the next best entry will be selected as scholarship recipient.

10. No responsibility is accepted for late, lost or misdirected mail or any errors or failures in internet or other communications. World Nomads reserves the right to cancel or modify the scholarship promotion if, in its sole discretion, the administration of the scholarship promotion is impaired for technical or other reasons beyond its reasonable control and, in such an event, may select the Scholarship recipient from all valid entries received prior to the impairment.

11. Scholarship prize consists of:

* 1 x return economy airfare to Colombo, Sri Lanka from nearest major international airport organised by World Nomads (approx AUD$2500)
* Per Diems of US$15 x 14 days (US$210)
* 1 x 14 day i-to-i 'Community work in coastal Sri Lanka' volunteer trip (AUD$1835)
* 1 x Lenovo Ideapad Y-510 laptop computer (AUD$1499)
* Travel Insurance (approx AUD$150)
* Cost of any necessary vaccinations and visas (approx AUD$500)

Total prize value of scholarship is approximately AUD$6800

12. The value of the prize is accurate at the date of commencement of the scholarship promotion. World Nomads accepts no responsibility for any variation in the value of the prize after that date. The prize cannot be refunded, transferred, substituted or redeemed for cash. World Nomads reserves the right in its sole discretion to substitute the prize with cash or a prize of comparable value if the prize cannot be awarded as described for any reason.

13. The scholarship recipient will be responsible for all personal expenses and any other expenses, fees and costs connected with the prize that are not included in the prize description. The scholarship recipients are also responsible for all transportation to the point of departure, including accommodation costs prior to and following the travel dates in order to meet flight connections.

14. The scholarship recipient must hold valid passports. Entry visas will be organized prior to departure.

15. The scholarship recipient agrees that acceptance of the prize by the scholarship recipient is conditional upon compliance with all relevant laws, rules and regulations and upon the scholarship recipient releasing World Nomads,The Sydney Morning Herald, Lenovo, i-to-i and their affiliates, subsidiaries, directors, officers, employees and agents, from any and all liability, claims, demands and causes of action for any personal injury or other loss or damage (including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss) suffered in connection with the acceptance or use of the prize, except for any liability which cannot be excluded by law. World Nomads reserves the right to disqualify the scholarship recipient at its absolute discretion in the event of non-compliance or the failure to provide such releases.

16. As the author of your entry, you warrant that your entry is original and your own work. It will be a condition of entry that both scholarship applicants and the scholarship recipient will grant a non-exclusive copyright license to World Nomads,The Sydney Morning Herald , Lenovo and i-to-i to reproduce the work for subsequent promotion of World Nomads, Lenovo and i-to-i.

You can view World Nomads' privacy policy at http://www.worldnomads.com/privacy.aspx.

 

 

Comments

1

Dear Maam,

I am not an australian citizen. Im from the Philippines.
Am I qualified?

  May Lacar Mar 7, 2008 12:57 AM

2

Yes, this is open to students anywhere in the world, provided you meet the criteria as set out in the terms and conditions.
Good Luck!
World Nomads

  scholarships Mar 7, 2008 10:24 AM

3

Hi, I am studying Fine Arts at Uni and have experience and passion for travel adventure, I was wondering if this degree could be squeezed into eligibility? regards Lachlan

  Lachlan Anthony Mar 7, 2008 4:22 PM

4

Hi, I have recently completed a Masters of Arts (International Studies)degree and am expecting to graduate this April. Would I still be considered eligible?

  Tracy Mar 11, 2008 10:08 PM

5

Hello,

This is such a great opportunity! Just one question: Can the 500 word story be on a real own travel experience? Or do we write about what we believe would be an unforgettable adventure?

Many thanks!

  Nicole Mar 12, 2008 1:32 AM

6

Hello. I am thinking I am not eligible, but I thought I might ask anyway... I graduated with a Bachelor's in Communication and Journalism in 2005 and went on to graduate with a Master's in Public Health in 2007 - both at the University of New Mexico, USA. I am an Australian citizen and having been living in the US to pursue my education for the past 5 and 1/2 years. I have always wanted the opportunity to combine my interest in journalism with public health, and do it in a way that satisfies my passion for travel. This sounds like the perfect opportunity to achieve this, however, I am no longer a student.. Am I eligible to apply?

  Bridgid Junot Mar 12, 2008 3:22 AM

7

Thanks for your interest and inquiries. For this particular opportunity you need to be currently enrolled and actively studying as a student. Unfortunately graduates are not eligible for the Scholarship.

There are no restrictions about the 500 word story, other than those set out in the terms and conditions. This is a highly competitive competition, offering the possibility to have your travel piece published, so my suggestion would be to submit something you think is good enough for a leading travel magazine.

Thanks,
World Nomads

  scholarships Mar 12, 2008 9:37 AM

8

HI , this is great stuff, i've always loved adventure, travel, cross culture and human interest stories , but have not really attempted it before... thanks for giving us the oppurtunity to try our hands at something as fun and challenging as this..i've always only dreamt of doing such reporting.

Was wondering if there's stuff like this we can do for tv and radio , as i am doing my Ma in Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield.

Cheers!

  Sapna Jhuremalani Mar 13, 2008 9:48 AM

9

Dear all,

Due to the popular demand of this scholarship opportunity and in recognition that students in may fields have excellent writing skills - we are broadening the eligibility criteria to include anyone who is "currently enrolled and actively studying at a recognised tertiary educational institution".

Get writing and good luck!

  scholarships Mar 13, 2008 2:18 PM

10

Can the pictures be of an adventure previously taken? Therefore pictures already taken?

  chelsea Mar 19, 2008 10:56 PM

11

Apologies for any confusion caused for those of you who might have briefly seen the Travel Photography Scholarship here by mistake. Entries are not open yet for this opportunity - information will be posted about the scholarship in the next couple of weeks - so stay tuned!

  scholarships Mar 20, 2008 9:42 AM

12

I long for an opportunity like this to share my experience with people across cultures.Thank you for such great opportunity.

  courage Atsu Apr 1, 2008 10:03 PM

13

Please could you clarify if applicants must be from Australian educational establishments only. Could one be completing a University degree in UK and at the same time be a UK citizen residing in the UK?
Many thanks

  skallywags456 Apr 6, 2008 9:57 PM

14

The Scholarship is open to students anywhere in the world. You can be studying in any country.

WORLD NOMADS

  scholarships Apr 7, 2008 9:52 AM

15

Hi!
I reckon that graduates are not eligible for this scholarship, but what about grad students (i.e. PhD students)?
Thanks

  Barbara Apr 9, 2008 5:36 AM

16

Just to clarify- you need to be actively studying, but this can include under-graduate or post-graduate studies - provided you are enrolled and actively studying at a recognised tertiary institution.

  scholarships Apr 9, 2008 11:31 AM

17

does 'currently studying' also mean if I am in my last semester at uni? I graduate in July. Am I eligible?

  kyla Apr 9, 2008 9:22 PM

18

Sorry for any confusion - you must be actively studying at the time of the scholarship - so Im afraid if you graduate prior to this time , you will not be eligible.


WORLD NOMADS

  scholarships Apr 10, 2008 9:25 AM

19

Hello,

I'm Jubert John R. Marzan. A first year Nursing student of Bicol University Tabaco Campus situated south of Luzon, Philippines. I have this passion for travel but because my course needs focus and a lot of time I have the difficulty of balancing it to the extent that I forget to take a stroll and wander on nature. When i read this I felt a rush of excitement. I told myself that this can be my opportunity to go abroad and visit a fascinating country like Sri Lanka. But my problem is that my age doesn't meet the age requirement which is 18 years old. I'm turning 17 this May. I'm really sad. I hope you can make some adjustment of the age requirement. I have my passport so there is no problem. Just notify me in my email address.

Thank you very much. Mabuhay!

-jubertjohn-

  Jubert John Marzan Apr 14, 2008 1:58 PM

20

Hallo

I'm currently studying in one of my region Uni but in the Diploma level. The major is English Translation, is it also available to join this scholarship opportunity since i still studied 3 semester out of 6 semesters?

Thanks

  Ikadewi Apr 18, 2008 1:15 PM

21

Hi there,

Just one question,
"currently enrolled and actively studying at a recognised tertiary educational institution"
What exactly does a recognised tertiary educational institution mean? In my country, there are two main types of unversities, public and private, and the private ones aren't recognised unless they have proper accreditations given by a state-owned national establishment. Is this also the case for interested applicants?

Thank you.

  christa Apr 18, 2008 5:55 PM

22

Hello Christa,

You will need to provide all th details of your place of study in the application - and we will verify that you are actively enrolled and the institution is legitimate, but it does not matter if it is public or private.

World Nomads

  scholarships Apr 21, 2008 11:20 AM

23

Hi there , my name is Winny and currently I am a 10th grader and 16 years old. I have passion for writing and traveling, and i see this as a great opportunity for me in experiencing a real journalism experience. Am I eligible to apply? Many thanks :)

  monica winny suria Apr 21, 2008 2:18 PM

24

sorry - as per terms and conditions you must be 18 or over and enrolled in tertiary educataion.

World Nomads

  scholarships Apr 24, 2008 12:05 PM

25

انا طالب عراقي من محافظة البصره ارغب في منحه دراسيه في جامعتكم للماجستير في القانون ارى ان املي في هذا ضعيف الحصول ولكن تستحقون المحاوله وعسى ان يكون ذلك لابد من التعلق بالامل اليس كذلك
محمد عبد الستار
العراق

  muhammed abdulsttar mhiwee Apr 26, 2008 5:33 PM

26

Will you be disqualified if you have 522 words of the most memorable travel story?

  katherine May 1, 2008 12:01 PM

27

Hi there, my name is Danna Barrios, I graduated with a Bachelor's in Medicine at the Military University in Colombia. For me, this can be an amazing opportunity to serve this community an also to learn about a similar environment as the one I have to work with.

Currently I am in Melbourne taking an English course at AMES international in an advance level, my question is, am I eligible to apply?

  Danna Isabel Barrios May 10, 2008 3:59 AM

28

Hi,

500 word maximum is a guide- a few words here or there will not disqualify you.

You will be eligible to apply , so long as you are still a student at the time of the assignment.

World Nomads


  scholarships May 12, 2008 11:22 AM

29

Hello I am also interested but I am from Nigeria. Am I also allowed

  Arashi May 14, 2008 6:31 PM

30

Can we send more than one essay for the scholarship? I meant whether we can submit several appication packages for the competition?

  Huyen May 18, 2008 5:15 PM

31

I am enrolled at my college for next year and I am currently at high school ready to graduate; I'm 18...am I still elegible?

  kay May 19, 2008 6:20 AM

32

Hello,

The scholarship is open to students anywhere in the world - so yes this includes Nigeria. You must be currently studying at a tertiary level - so Im afraid high school students are not eligible.

You may only submit one application per scholarship opportunity.

WORLD NOMADS

  scholarships May 19, 2008 9:53 AM

33

This is a very good opportunity..I hope you also organize a scholarship for those who are no longer students..or with a different criteria..so that people like me can also join!!

World Nomads..you rock!!

  gracey May 22, 2008 4:38 PM

34

Hi...
i had have applied travel writting scholarship. but I still have a problem. I don't have passport yet as i never go to abroad recenly. Can i have passport after i have been pronounced as a winner? In the survey, i picked that i don't have passport. can I be considered?



Thanks,

LEAH

  Leah May 22, 2008 5:28 PM

35

I no this is going on a bit, but I'm a me too on the 'active studying' - I finished studying, got my certificate in the mail but haven't graduated yet - I'm guessing this is not considered "active"...???

  Glen May 22, 2008 5:38 PM

36

Hi,

I will be completing my course requirements in June, but I will graduate (ceremony, etc) sometime in July. I don't know the date yet. Am I eligible?

Cheers

  k May 22, 2008 6:34 PM

37

Thankyou for asking me to be together with tou youy. I am old Doctor now, but i am very activ studying at the my longtoime studies : "ancerv is prevebtable".I am too very activ as scientist and as Doctor too: I like to help evrybody around worldAnd I like to travel Too.I spik 4 lagnguages and my english is very good. we need visa to travel as Nomad?Can you write to me : whot date We need to do this Job?I love to help peolpes.Dr. Verteniku PhD Tirana, Albania

  D VertenikPhDin thefield"Nutrition and Cancer"from Albania May 22, 2008 10:25 PM

38

Dear World Nomads,Thank you very much,I read at the me lap-top, one Message, sanded at the My addr:asking me, to applay for Application:WorldNomads"Scolarship".
Yes ,I am ready to live almogst the local peoples(Sri Lank)working on various to help rebuild their community
(as program )and also i can teach them : different things:how protectand be healthy.I like very much to help peoples around world.And Eng.Tritan VertenikuVerteniku is with me.He is very activToo.
Dr. Verteniku PhD ( I am very activ and love peoples.

  dr_verteniku ZenepePhD Albania anMr. Triran Verteniku Eng. May 23, 2008 3:01 AM

39

I am Eng. Tritan Verteniku, I am working at the my profession, and I am very activ ( Eng. geology).
I like very much to help peoles there, working on various jobs, and to help them :on the various neighnbourhood projects. I like too help them : and to repar there houses(is my profession)and to do different job to help for evrething need.
Respectfully Eng. Tritamn Verteniku

  Eng. Tritan Verteniku May 23, 2008 3:14 AM

40

Sorry guys - you need to be actively studiyng now and when the assignment is running - so graduates are not eligible for this particular opportunity.

You must also have a valid passport.

  scholarships May 23, 2008 8:24 AM

41

Just to clarify (sorry, I know you have restated it several times), but in my last message I said that my graduation ceremony would be in July, but I just found out that it will be in September, so.....I will not yet have graduated at the time of the assignment. Technically, does this qualify me as still 'actively studying' (although I expect to finish my course requirements in June)?

Cheers

  k May 23, 2008 9:29 AM

42

Hi, I´m a graduate too, but am I elligible if I´m enrolled in a Language course at the University Service Centre in Barcelona? What about a Theater course, would that make me elligible?
thanks for your reply

  Ester Solà May 23, 2008 8:10 PM

43

I am dr,Zenepe Verteniku, I am ready to help every body around world,sure i can help for evrething need, but i am more : love my profession :and i can help very much:with advice about:
a) Food Nutrition and decrease the risk of the Cnacer disease.b) Food Nutrition and increase the risk of the cancer diseases( 24 more wedespread around world.).Together with my son : Engener Tritan verteniku. He can help sure foe evrething as engener too.We like toether to participate at this aagroupea; aaaaworld anomads Com at bthe Australia.

  Dr.Zenepe vertenuku PhD in the field of : Nutrition and Cancer" May 25, 2008 1:32 AM

44

I'm worried I mistakenly put down the wrong email address in my application. Is there anyway to correct it?

  Nita Labrada Jun 1, 2008 9:58 AM

45

Hi,
I was wondering when the winner of the writing scholorship is going to be announced?

  Tahnee Curtis Jun 1, 2008 12:51 PM

46

hi

just wondering when the scolarship will be announced... a certain someone is going crazy and wont get off the computer. she keeps hitting refresh every 2 mins. help!

a

  adie Jun 1, 2008 6:41 PM

47

hi,
When the travel writing scholarship will be announced?

  prima Jun 1, 2008 7:16 PM

48

hi!
please announce the scholarship's recipient!!
I'm going crazy: as adie said, I'm refreshing your website every 2 seconds.

And hey, I have an exam tomorrow: and I can't study without knowing who won the scholarship.

Please please please. I can only begin to study after knowing who won...

:D thanks

  su Jun 1, 2008 9:30 PM

49

Hi World Nomads,
Just wondering when and where on the site you'll be publishing the winners and the runners up? The current published date had said the 1st of June, but I was wondering if you had an updated time and location to find it. Anxiously awaiting the news
Thank you,
Tatianna

  Tatianna Jun 2, 2008 4:00 AM

50

Hello everyone,

The 2008 Travel Writing Scholarship winner has been announced. Click here for full details.

WorldNomads.com

  scholarships Jun 2, 2008 12:45 PM

51

I just want to ask if someone from Kenya who is not already in class but has a learning plans can be allowed to join...

WORLD NOMAD YOU ROCK the WORLD... ha! ha! ha! ha!

O.P.

  Hi, Mine are PETER ORRE Sep 3, 2008 11:51 PM

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