Travel Scholarships from WorldNomads.com

Travel Documentary Scholarship 2009: Maranatha's Final Doco

scholarships — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:07:00 GMT

Maranatha delves deep into the Vietnam social fabric and finds a story that is still very much an open wound for Vietnam.

She treks through Chau valley in North Vietnam with a medical team who offer medical relief for the people there. She learns that whilst this proud country defeated the might of a world superpower, Vietnam still bears the scars of the war. The Agent Orange that was sprayed across the land like a carpet, polluted the water and has affected the health of the children born decades later.

She presents a truly evocative portrayal of a father whose two children were blind due to the insidious after affects of Agent Orange.

National Geographic are currently reviewing the video so stay tuned to find out if it will be going to broadcast.

Well done Maranatha. We know you will go far!

2010 World Nomads Travel Writing Scholarship

scholarships — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 13:05:00 GMT

Do you want to be a published travel writer?

Go on assignment to Tokyo with Rough Guides!

Kick start your travel writing career by going on assignment to Tokyo, Japan. After touching base with your travel writing mentor, Simon Richmond, you will hit the road for 7 days reviewing and writing for 'The Rough Guide to Japan' travel guide and staying with Hotels.com. Then you will get a chance to relax and enjoy a 4 day "Flavours of Tokyo" independent tour with Intrepid Travel offering a foody-focused insight into the Japanese culture.

Your assignment brief

* We'll fly you to Tokyo from your country of residence. You need to be available between February 15th - Friday 26th 2010 to participate in 'The Rough Guide to Japan' writing assignment and "Flavours of Tokyo" independent tour with Intrepid Travel.

* After spending two days learning the ropes with mentor Simon Richmond, you will research, review and update essential travel info for the Tokyo section of 'The Rough Guide to Japan', including accommodation, bars & restaurants, entertainment, shopping, tours, activities and transport, as well as searching out those local secrets that travellers want to read about.

* Your mentor will be at hand to offer guidance, but essentially this is your assignment; you will travel on your own for this part of the journey so you must be comfortable travelling solo. Simon will assign you a specific area based on your travel experience.

* Your work will feature in the new edition of 'The Rough Guide to Japan', placing your foot firmly in the door of the elusive travel writing industry!

Mentor, Simon Richmond

Important Dates

2009
Dec 21 - Competition closes (11.59pm, Australian Eastern Standard Time)
Dec 28 - Shortlist will be announced

2010
Jan 8 Winner is announced on the World Nomads web site
and an email will be sent to all applicants with the results.

Feb 15 - Feb 16 Meet with Simon and shadow for two days
Feb 17 - Feb 19 Go on assignment
Feb 20 - 21 Meet up again with Simon and receive feedback on work
Feb 22 – 25 Flavours of Tokyo Tour
March 26 - Content deadline - deliver to Simon Richmond by email.

Flavours of Tokyo Tour

* Take Japanese cuisine and add Tokyo, one of the most amazing cities in Asia, to create a true taste-and-see sensation. You will discover the famous aspects of Japanese food - sushi, sashimi and hand-made noodles - and be surprised by some of the less well known but equally interesting meals on offer. You will be staying in a traditional ryokan in the heart of Tokyo's old downtown area and experience Japan one mouthful at a time.

* Highlights of the trip include: visiting the world's largest fish market, participating in a traditional cooking class making noodles from scratch, savouring a seven-course Japanese dinner, staying in a traditional Japanese inn.

Assignment location

^{Photos courtesy of www.intrepidtravel.com.au}

One of the world's most exciting cities, TOKYO (東京) is a fuel-injected adrenaline rush into a neon-bright future. But for all its cutting edge modernity, this ceaseless metropolis remains fiercely proud of its ancient heritage. Lively neighbourhood festivals are held virtually every day of the year, people regularly visit their local shrine or temple and scrupulously observe the passing seasons in lovingly tended gardens. And at this hyperactive city's centre lies the serene and mysterious Imperial Palace – the inviolate home of the emperor and a tangible link to the past.

^{Text Courtesy of http://www.roughguides.co.uk/}

Who can apply

* The scholarship is open to students, emerging and non-professional writers and lovers of travel looking for a career change.

* You must have a high degree of proficiency in written English.

* The opportunity is designed to give you a taste of what it's like to be a travel writer on the road, so you must be comfortable doing some travel on your own.

* Minimum age 18 with a current passport.

* You should be an excellent writer with a lust for adventure travel and a burning desire to be a travel writer!

What constitutes a professional travel writer?

Essentially this is a 'learning opportunity' for someone who is looking for an introduction into the travel writing industry and importantly to be mentored.

As a guide, for the purposes of the opportunity, we would consider you to be professional travel writer if you have been published regularly in newspapers, travel magazines or travel journals. We would also consider you to be a professional travel writer if you derive more than 25% of your income from travel writing.

If you have had a few stories published, or keep a regular travel blog etc then we would not consider this professional.

We would also like to further clarify that a professional writer of any sort (travel writer or otherwise) is not eligible to apply if they derive more than 25% of their income from writing.

Please consider the spirit of the program which is intended to help those with a burning desire to be a travel writer and need some help getting started.

Apply now

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

1. Write. Craft a 500 word (or less) travel focused essay based on a personal experience around one of the following themes;

a. 'A Journey that Changed Lives'
b. 'Responsible Travel'
c. 'Adventure in an Unknown Culture'
d. 'A Memorable Experience Involving Food in a Foreign Country'

It's up to you to convince our judging panel through your writing that you have the spirit of adventure and passion for travel writing to be chosen for this scholarship. We will be looking for:

- great descriptive ability
- strong eye for detail
- ability to uncover and tell a compelling story
- excellent spelling and grammar and a knack for avoiding clichés

2. Complete an entry form which includes contact details and a 200 word (or less) essay on why you should be chosen and what the opportunity will mean for you. Your answer will provide considerable weight in the judging process.

3. One entry per person.

4. The entry must be submitted in English.

The recipient of the Scholarship, along with the best entries will be published on the WorldNomads.com website on January 8th, 2010.

Read the winning and best entries from our 2009 Travel Writing Scholarship
Applications close midnight December 21, 2009.(AEST)

^{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 Level 5, 24 York St, Sydney, NSW 2000.

3. Employees of World Nomads, Rough Guides, Rough Guide Books, Intrepid Travel, Expedia.com 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 hold a valid passport. To enter,submit a 500 word(or less)travel focused essay in English based on a personal experience around one of the following themes; 'A Journey that changed Lives', 'Responsible Travel' 'Adventure in an Unknown Culture' or 'A Memorable Experience Involving Food in a Foreign Country'. You are also required to complete an entry form which includes contact details and a 200 word (or less) essay on why you should be chosen and what the opportunity means to you.

5. The scholarship entries can be submitted from 9.00am AEST on November 6, 2009 and entries close at 11.59pm AEST on December 21, 2009. 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 judges including one independent judge (Simon Richmond) who will select the best overall entry from a review of all eligible entries. The best overall entry will best interpret both the writing task AND best articulate why the author of the entry should be awarded the 2009 World Nomads Travel Writing Scholarship. The selection will be conducted at World Nomads Pty Limited of Level 5, 24 York St, Sydney, NSW 2000 between December 22nd 2009 and January 8th 2010. 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.

7. The successful applicant will receive the following;

   - 7 day assignment in Tokyo, Japan, reviewing and updating for The Rough Guide   to Japan, including a stipend of AU $100 a day to cover meals and local travel costs.
   - 4 day "Flavours of Tokyo" independent tour with Intrepid Travel including accommodation, activities and some meals.
   - return economy airfares from nearest international airport to Narita Airport, Tokyo, Japan.
   - 7 days accommodation with Hotels.com for the duration of the assignment
   - mentorship with travel writer Simon Richmond of Rough Guides.}^{- cost of any relevant visas.

8. The scholarship recipient must work with the mentor Simon Richmond, and under his direction, review and update local travel information in Tokyo such as accommodation, transport, bars & restaurants, entertainment, shopping, tours & activities. All relevant writing must be submitted to Simon Richmond for review and possible editing no later than March 26, 2010. Some or all parts of the work submitted may be published in the 2010 "The Rough Guide to Japan" where the Scholarship recipient will be duely credited.

The scholarship recipient must also keep a daily travel diary and upload diary entries (no less than 200 words per daily entry) to the World Nomads website, via an online travel journal, no later than 2 weeks after returning from the trip.

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

10. 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 prize within 7 days, the next best entry will be selected as scholarship recipient.

11. 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.

12. Scholarship prize consists of:

       - 1x return economy flight to trip destination Narita Tokyo departing from the nearest international airport to the scholarship recipient's home (approximate value AU $3000)
   - 7 day assignment in Tokyo, Japan, reviewing and updating for The Rough Guide to Japan, including a stipend of AU$100 a day to cover meals and local transport. (value AU $1100)
   - 7 day 3-4 star accommodation in Tokyo, Japan with Hotels.com (value AU $3200)
   - 4 day "Flavours of Tokyo" independent tour with Intrepid Travel including accommodation, activities and some meals (approximate value AU $1,460).

Total prize value of scholarship is approximately AUD$7,760

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 recipient is 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 a valid passport.

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, Rough Guides, Intrepid Travel, Hotels.com 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.}

2009 World Nomads Travel Photography Scholarship - Winner Announced

scholarships — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 03:35:00 GMT

Wow! What an overwhelming response! We received 1050 applications this year which created an enormous headache (in the nicest possible way) for our judges. The quality of the work was also brilliant which just made the job even harder!

Congratulations to our winner, runners up and shortlisted applicants, who all submitted exceptional work.

31 finalists made it to Jason Edwards for his final selection. After many grueling hours of painstaking assessment Jason has come up with a winner.

And the winner is...

Anna Zhu from Sydney, Australia

Judge's comments:

Anna’s portfolio was simple yet beautifully composed there were no weak images that I would have removed, no chinks in the armour so to speak. I thoroughly enjoyed viewing her portfolio and it illustrates that great stories are often just around the corner. Her captioning was concise, informative and moving. Sometimes a caption requires extensive detail and other times not, here I had all that was required to explain what was occurring in the frames. Likewise, Anna’s written component gave me an idea of who she was, what her intentions were with her photography, and what she hoped to gain from the experience.

See Anna Zhu's photo submissions

Anna Zhu's Written Submission

Below is Anna's answers to the written component of the competition.

Q: Please tell us about where you are currently doing? (e.g studying, working etc)

I graduated with a Visual Communications bachelor in May 2009, and am currently working as a freelance graphics designer as well as a casual photographic assistant to Sydney-based photographer Mark Rogers. I also volunteer weekly for Oxfam Australia as an art director and photographer.

Q Please tell us why you should be awarded the 2009 Travel Photography Scholarship to Antarctica?

I should be awarded the 2009 Scholarship to Antarctica because I’m passionate about people, travel and positive social change, and I’m eager to learn and grow as a professional documentary photographer. I want to dedicate my life to documenting the small-scale narrative, the story and struggle of individuals or small communities, and how they may fit within a larger social concern. I aim to produce photo essays that are intimate yet strong in narrative, and that gives voice to those previously overlooked. I would like to inspire others with the stories of my subjects, and perhaps encourage people to be the change they wish to see in the world. My ideal future clients would be international aid organisations and publications like NGM and COLORS. Aid organisations because they are a gateway to the places and communities where positive change is happening, and where I feel my craft could be the most effective. I would like to work for publications like the NGM because of the diversity and depth of their stories, and the respect with which they treat their images. In this age of prolific photographic data, I aim to be a useful contribution to the art of photography, as well as the photographic community. Four months ago I started ShutterStutter (www.shutterstutter.com.au), a free monthly pub meet-up for emerging and professional photographers. ShutterStutter is where members can receive constructive criticism from their peers and help each other grow artistically and professionally.

Q Please describe your level of photographic experience?

I studied the photography electives in university, and my graduating project ‘Skin’ was a photographic narrative. (www.annazhu.com/skin) Since March this year I have been assisting casually for photographer Mark Rogers. For the past two years I have been volunteering regularly as a photographer for Oxfam Australia and the 40K Home Foundation. I was a double finalist and semi-finalist in the '2009 Doug Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize', exhibiting at the State Library of New South Wales, a finalist in the 'Olive Cotton Photographic Award 2009', and highly commended in 'ACMP Projections 2009'. This March, with the support of Oxfam Australia and UTS, I showcased my interactive photographic exhibition, 'I Will… Project', at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney. The artwork highlights the individual’s role in environmental preservation. (www.iwillproject.org) Technically, I am most confident working in medium format film. Film forces me to slow down and consider every element within the frame. I use a Mamiya 645AF with two fixed lenses, 80mm and 45mm. My favourite films are Kodak Portra and Fuji Provia. I’ve spent a year in China, photographing and backpacking across the country through Tibet, Xinjiang and up to Mongolia, returning the next year to work in Shanghai, and then making my way through most of South-East Asia. I also studied in San Francisco for six months, and have travelled to England, France, Italy, Czech

Second Place

David Lazar from Brisbane, Australia

Judge's comments:

David’s thoughtful portfolio shed new light on a subject normally portrayed very negatively. His image of donkeys pulling a heavy cart told a story very well in and of itself. Again, keeping the viewer involved in the composition and providing interesting written components strengthened David’s result.

See David Lazar's Photo Submissions.

Third Place

Richard Fairbrother from Beijing, China

Judge's comments:

Richard’s series on China was tight, well thought out and clever. He successfully used differing elements of life in China to communicate his theme. Richard’s images relied on their compositional strengths rather than excessive dodging and burning so prevalent in black and white, to create a strong image.

See Richard's photo submissions

The Short List (in alphabetical order):

Please check out the photos of our short-listed entrants. Where the photos are in a set, the link goes to that set of 5 submission photos, otherwise the link goes to one of their photos within the group pool.

Nels Andereck (Japan)
Hüseyin Aysan (Sweden)
Dan Ballard (USA)
Nazrul Haider Chowdhury (Bangladesh)
Thomas Cristofoletti (Spain)
Andrea Davoust (Ecuador)
Vincent de Groot (France)
Michael Donovan (USA)
Varun Dutt (Japan)
Laura Fetherstonhaugh (Canada)
Goncalo Figueiredo (Portugal)
Anna Frenette (Canada)
Rory Gardiner (Australia)
Jeremy Hall (Australia)
Alexander Hedley (New Zealand)
Andrija Ilic (Faroe Islands)
Stephen Ironside (USA)
Michael Kelley (USA)
Bonnie Low (UK)
Rob McKerlie (Canada)
James Morgan (UK)
Ken Ng (Canada)
Jing Peng (China/Singapore)
Gunta Podina (Sweden)
Alexander Talamante (Mexico)
Temenuga Trifonova (Canada)
Taylor Weidman (USA)
Ethan Welty (USA)

The Judging Panel:

Our shortlist was created by Tina Seeto, Marketing Manager, National Geographic Channel & Simon Monk, Director, World Nomads, Chris Noble, General Manager World Nomads, Chris Potter, Creative Director World Nomads.

Our winner and runners up were selected by Jason Edwards, National Geographic on-assignment photographer.

A Final thought from Jason:

Hi Everybody,

As you will all be aware the judging for this year’s event is over and we have our winner, congratulations Anna! There were many wonderful entries, so many in fact the judges had a tough time narrowing down the finalists. I would like to thank everyone for his or her patience.

The competition was incredibly tight and especially so amongst the finalists where people were separated by only a point or two. At these times you cannot afford a weak image or to ignore any part of the judging criteria. There were several finalists I would love to take along based on their essays alone, people who had a vision of what they wanted their photography to be.

If you had not previously read my post on the judging process please see below, and if you have not read the submission guidelines then please do. Just because an entry made it to the final round does not preclude it from these criteria, in fact that is when the entry was critiqued the hardest.

So if you are looking at the finalists and scratching your head over a heavily manipulated image have no fear, they were penalised. If a particular image had no relevance to the story, have no fear they were penalised. Likewise for captioning and the written component. Ignore the judging process criteria at your own peril! I would strongly suggest everyone including the finalists, review their entries with the judging process criteria at hand and try to see where they may have lost a point or two.

In closing congratulations to everyone that took the time to produce a portfolio and enter. This in itself is a great exercise and strengthens your photographic ability in ways you may not realise. Please remember, what is most important about your images is what you capture at the time, not what you do to them on the computer or in the darkroom.

I hope to see you all again next year!

Best Wishes

Jason

The judging process

Jason has been generous enough to share with us the 10 key elements that formed the fabric of his selection proces;

1. Composition: Every element should have it's place in an image, even shadows and highlights.

2. Exposure: The exposure should match the tone and mood of the image, without manipulating the integrity of the subject matter.

3. Originality: There are more images being taken in the world today, but there are fewer photographers. See it differently.

4. Story: Every individual frame should tell a story, if an image doesn't do this then remove it.

5. Opinionated: Is your story opinionated? It does not have to be a moral or ethical viewpoint just your emotion coming through.

6. Depth: Have you explored your story or scraped the surface?

7. Captioning: Do not rely on an editor seeing everything you see in an image. Provide at least some background to what is happening in the frame.

8. Reason for why you should win: Always a personal viewpoint, entrants were ranked based on what people hoped to gain from the experience and what they hoped to contribute back to the greater community.

9. Willingness to learn: Very, very important! It is a scholarship, and the successful applicant had to be willing to learn, and in some cases re-learn elements of their photographic technique and how they behave as photographers.

10. Contribution to Photography: Did the images and story as a whole contribute something to the art of photography?

If you didn’t make the cut this year then don’t worry SIGN UP TO THE MAILING LIST to find out about next year’s program, which is already shaping up to be pretty exciting!!

Our Partners

On behalf of World Nomads I would like to thank all of our partners because let’s face it, without them our scholarship program would not have been possible.

National Geographic Channel invites viewers to live curious through its smart and innovative programming that questions what we know, how we view the world and what drives us forward. NGC contributes to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education through its channels: National Geographic Channel, National Geographic Channel HD, Nat Geo Wild and Nat Geo Adventure. Globally, National Geographic Channel is available in more than 315 million homes in 166 countries and 34 languages. For more information, please visit www.natgeotv.com.

Gap Adventures run a number of exciting adventure tours for small groups of independent travelers, taking you off the beaten track for a chance to really connect with nature and the local cultures. If you share a lust of life and have the insatiable curiosity to travel and truly experience the world we live in, then Sign up to Gap Adventures' e-newsletter to be the first to hear about specials, great new trips and stories from the road.

C.R. Kennedy is the oldest Pentax distributor outside of Japan and Australia’s largest photographics distributor. Right now the new Pentax K-7 SLR, is the ultimate travel camera. Over a hundred weather seals make it dustproof and waterproof. It is compact, lightweight, with a sturdy alloy body and gives stunning results in both stills and HD and movies. Check out the product specs here.

Michaels is the must visit destination for everyone interested in photography, video or digital devices. The Michael family has traded from the corner of Elizabeth and Lonsdale Streets, Melbourne since 1916, and is now one of Australia's largest photographic specialists. www.michaels.com.au

Columbia Established in 1938, Columbia Sportswear has over 70 years of experience making clothing and gear to help get you outside and keep you comfortable once you’re there. http://www.columbia.com/

Vietnam Medical Trek - mission accomplished!

scholarships — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:48:00 GMT

Maranatha Hay, winner of our Travel Documentary Scholarship has just returned from the lush Mai Chau Valley in North Vietnam. Maranatha trekked deep into the valley with a group of Doctors to set up health clinics to offer vital medical services to the White Thai people.

Her challenge was to find a story and make a short docuementary for Nat Geo Adventure Channel.

Battling extreme humidity and giant bugs, Maranatha finaly finds her story ....and learns a thing or two about Australian music along the way.

Read Marantha's Adventures here.

Travel Photography Scholarship to Antarctica from WorldNomads.com NOW CLOSED

scholarships — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 23:29:00 GMT

Join a National Geographic on-assignment photographer in Antarctica!

Applications Close: October 4, 2009 NOW CLOSED

WorldNomads.com, National Geographic Channel & Gap Adventures are giving one exceptional individual the chance to go on assignment with renowned wildlife photographer Jason Edwards to Antarctica!

The brief is to photograph the world's most remote wilderness aboard Gap Adventure's Antarctica Classic M/S Expedition, exploring the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.

To help you take the best photos, the scholarship recipient will receive AU$2000 worth of Pentax photographic equipment of your choice.

Your best photos will be published on the National Geographic Channel's website where they will be viewed by thousands of travellers worldwide, offering you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get your foot in the door of one of the most revered exploration organisations in the world!

Highly regarded for his wildlife and remote landscape photography, Jason Edwards is represented by National Geographic Image Collection.

Your Assignment Brief

* We'll fly you in from your country of residence to Ushuaia, Argentina where you will board the M/S Expedition on an 11 day assignment. You'll need to be available to be in Antarctica between November 22 - December 2, 2009.

* On the Expedition, you will work alongside Jason Edwards photographing some of the planet's most impressive wildlife including Minke & Humpback Whales, Leopard Seals, Penguins, Albatross and dramatic iceberg landscapes. You will gain invaluable mentoring and hands-on experience in everything from shot set up, technique and composition through to insights into his many years of diverse experience as an award winning photographer.

* Your assignment will involve observing and assisting Jason as well as undertaking your own photographic work. This will involve long days chasing the perfect shot!

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

* On your return you will submit your top photographs to National Geographic Channel for publication on www.natgeotv.com.au.

* Most of all, you'll be experiencing what it's like to be a photographer-on assignment with National Geographic!

Who can apply

* Anyone can apply - this is open to photography students, lovers of photography or any non-professional trying to kickstart a career in travel photography.

* Minimum age 18.

* This is a global opportunity - you may apply from any country.

* You should be an exceptional photographer with a lust for adventure, ambition to grow your photographic skills and forge a career in Travel Photography, and of course a desire to travel to Antarctica.

*Remember this is a scholarship, a learning experience, and therefore will not be suitable for professional or Semi-professional photographers.

Apply now

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

1. Shoot a series of photos (maximum of 5) that tell a story about a place you have visited. The judges will be looking for:

* originality
* ability to convey a story through photos
* excellent technique

Read the guidelines about making digital adjustments.

Read about Jason's judging process for the 2008 Scholarship.

2. Upload your photos (maximum of 5) from this theme to Flickr and;

a. Use the image captions to tell us about the place you photographed.
b. Numerically number your photos in the title if you wish them to be considered in a particular order.
c. Please do not use any Flickr tools that highlight certain parts of your photos as this only hampers the judging process.
d. Add the images to the World Nomads Scholarship Group. Only photographs in this group will be considered.

3. Complete an entry form which includes a 300 word (max) essay on why you should be chosen and copy and paste the links to your photo series. Your written response will have significant weighting in the judging process, so think carefully about why you should be chosen. Remember this is a learning opportunity, not a junket for professional photographers.

5. The recipient of the Scholarship, along with the best entries will be published on WorldNomads.com on October 23, 2009.

See our 2008 winner's photos featured on National Geographic Channel

Check out our finalists and shortlist from 2008 along with judge's comments.

Applications close:
Midnight, October 4, 2009 (Australian Eastern Standard Time)

DOWNLOAD A SCHOLARSHIP POSTER TO PUT UP AT YOUR SCHOOL/COLLEGE;

A4 SIZE

A3 SIZE

US LETTER SIZE

Conditions of Entry

5.Should your portfolio reach the final round of judging you must supply the following upon request, for comparison with your competition entry:
- RAW file (e.g. *.NEF, *.CR2, *.CRW etc), or original JPEG as captured by the camera. DNG files are only permitted if DNG is the native RAW format of the camera.
- The largest file (preferably TIF), to check that it is an adequate file size for reproduction.
- Or original transparency or black and white negative.
- All finalists will be required to provide full picture information, along with when and how the picture was taken. Technical details are also required (i.e. camera, lens, exposure, speed, and other equipment used).

6.The scholarship entries can be submitted from 9.00am AEST on July 5, 2009 and entries close at 11.59m (Australian Eastern Standard Time) on 4 October 2009. 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.

7. 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 demonstrates excellent technique and best depicts a story about "a place you have visited" and articulates why the applicant should be awarded the 2009 World Nomads Travel Photography Scholarship. The selection will be conducted at World Nomads Pty Limited of Level 5, 24 York St, Sydney, NSW 2000 on October 5, 2009. 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 Ushuaia, Argentina from nearest major international airport organised by World Nomads.
*9 x nights aboard the M/S Expedition including all meals.
*Scheduled visits to modern scientific research station, all shore expeditions and zodiac cruises.
*1 x nights accommodation in Ushuaia.
* Pentax photographic equipment of your choice selected from www.pentax.com.au a to the value of AU$2000 and subject to availability.
* Columbia will be providing a full outfit including boots, parka, pants, hat and gloves designed for Antarctic conditions (US$780)
* Travel Insurance
* Mentorship from Jason Edwards

8. The scholarship recipient must submit a disk of their top photographs from the assignment to World Nomads and the National Geographic Channel no later than 1 month after returning from the trip. The scholarship recipient must also agree not to promote, sell or offer their assignment photographs to any other National Geographic body other than the National Geographic Channel.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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 19 October 2009, the next best entry will be selected as scholarship recipient.

12. 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.

13. Scholarship prize consists of:

* 1 x return economy airfare to Ushuaia, Argentina from nearest major international airport organised by World Nomads. (approx AU$3,000)
*9 x nights aboard the M/S Expedition including all meals.Scheduled visits to modern scientific research station, all shore expeditions and zodiac cruises plus 1 x nights accommodation in Ushuaia. (Approx Au$4310)
* Pentax photographic equipment of your choice selected from www.pentax.com.au and subject to availability. (AU$2000)
* Columbia will be providing a full outfit including boots, parka, pants, hat and gloves designed for Antarctic conditions (US$780)
* Travel Insurance (Approx $AU300)

Total prize value of scholarship is approximately AUD$10,610

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. The scholarship recipient must hold valid passports. Entry visas, if applicable will be organised prior to departure.

17. 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,National Geographic Channel, Gap Adventures, Pentax and Michaels 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.

18. As the author of your entry, you warrant that your photographs are original, your own work and have not been digitally manipulated in any way. Any photos deemed by the judges to be digitally manipulated will not be considered for the Scholarship.

19. 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, National Geographic Channel, Gap Adventures, Pentax and Michaels to reproduce the work for subsequent promotion of the Scholarship Program.

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

Podcast Scholarship winner returns from Guatemala

scholarships — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 03:19:00 GMT

Enrique Nunez Musa, our 2009 Podcast Scholarship winner recently returned from a GVI run volunteer project in Guatemala where he built an energy saving stove for a local Mayan family, taught at the local school and fell in love with Antigua.

Enrique is currently working on his podcast with his mentor, in the meantime you can read about his experience in Sweet Home Guatemala.

Documentary Scholarship - the winner!

scholarships — Fri, 3 Jul 2009 05:26:00 GMT

_{Our winner: Maranatha Hay}

The judging panel for the 2009 Documentary Scholarship have weighed in their results to announce this year's winner. As you will see from the winning and shortlisted entries below, the standard was exceptional, giving the judges a very difficult task to separate a winner.

Here are the results....

The Winner....

First Place:

Maranatha Hay

Judge's comments: I was really impressed with Maranatha's film, particularly the way it balanced the personal story with the larger medical issue. It had a strong engaging narrative, an honest, direct approach and great access to the subjects which gave an insight into a world I knew nothing about. It was an incredibly emotional rollercoaster of a film that was remarkably powerful and moving for such a short piece. Maranatha's written application was also excellent. A great effort by a filmmaker with enormous potential.

Congratulations Maranatha! We look forward to seeing your documentary from Vietnam.

Runners Up...

1st Runners Up: Jon Scorer

Judge's Comments: Jon’s film was a very very close second. It was instantly engaging and gave a fascinating insight into the plight of the refugees. He got great natural moments from his subjects and I really liked the way it didn’t feel that it was pandering to audience heart strings but rather just presenting a well told story. It felt like this story would sustain a longer format – It left me wanting to see more. An excellent doco.

2nd Runners Up: Allison Otto

Judge's comments:Really enjoyed this little insight into the world of the ultra marathon runner. I like the way Allison focused on the motives and mindset of the competitors as much as the race itself. It was beautifully shot and captured the landscape and lonely journey of the runners and in a very natural, unobtrusive way. A very interesting and well told story.

The Shortlist

(in alphabetical order)

Ankit Bapna

Jan Bednaz

Matt Freeman

Natalie Garwin

Dan Hottie

Mackenzie Hunkin

Erin Johnson

Belle Keynes

Andrew Lynch

Don Meers

Andrew Oppenheminer

Morgan Paar

Kirsty Starke

The Judging Panel

This year's judging panel was made up of;

Trent O'Donnel, Film-maker

Ram Bhat, National Geographic Channel

Chris Noble, Worldnomads.com

Amanda Byrne, Worldnomads.com

Congratulations to everyone who applied. The judge's thoroughly enjoyed reviewing all the entries and were impressed by the number of issues raised through your documentaries.

One general piece of feedback from the judging panel was not to underestimate the weight of your written application. Make sure you answer the questions with consideration (and spell check your application!) When applying for an opportunity in such a competitive environment, these factors may work for or against your overall application.

What's next on the Scholarship program?

Apply now for the Travel Photography Scholarship and your opportunity to go to Antarctica with National Geographic!

Want to keep filming but looking for something more light hearted? Check out for Van-Tastic Adventures for your opportunity to film the ultimate Aussie Road Trip.

Useful tips: On applying for the 2009 Travel Photography Scholarship

scholarships — Fri, 3 Jul 2009 04:29:00 GMT

_{Jason Edwards on assignment}

We have been receiving a lot of questions about preparing your entry for the 2009 Travel Photography Scholarship . Our mentor and on-assignment National Geographic photographer, Jason Edwards has shared some of his thoughts on what he will be looking for and also some guidelines in relation to that grey stormy area of 'digital adjustments'.

We hope you find this useful when preparing your application.

Preparing your entries - digital adjustment guidelines

-Calibration and colour Images must be colour profiled/corrected using a calibrated monitor and utilising Adobe RGB 98 colour space before submission. Allowances will NOT be made for poorly colour managed/corrected images.

-Please ensure your images are not over saturated and faithfully represent the subject matter. The same applies to Contrast Levels, the resultant image should be realistic.

-Sharpening is allowed but use sparingly – many images are ruined by over-sharpening. Likewise for Noise Reduction, only use this function where absolutely necessary, and keep it to a minimum.

-Mild cropping is allowed, but please be mindful that if you are a finalist and the original file is requested for comparison with your submitted image, you may be penalized for excessive cropping. We are interested in your ability to capture the image at the time, not find the perfect composition whilst sitting at the computer.

-Digital adjustments are only acceptable if limited to minor cleaning work (removing dust spots), levels, curves, colour, saturation and contrast work. Setting the Black and White Points, minor adjustments to the Curves and correcting for any colour shifts should be all that is required.

-Compositing and multiple exposures are not allowed. Sandwich shots, double exposures, photographs which consist in any way of more than one separate image and images that have been digitally manipulated are not eligible.

-Adding or removing people, animals, parts of animals, plants, reflections, distractions, architecture, objects etc into/from the image is NOT allowed. Always keep in mind as a finalist you may be required to submit the original file or film for comparison.

The faithful representation of what was captured at the time of the shot
being taken must be maintained.

Some thoughts from Jason..

Today the world is awash in imagery but there are fewer Photographers. Is
the art of photography dying, quite possibly, and the root cause is the
reliance on postproduction software to make poor images better. Our
scholarship provides a unique opportunity to learn the art of making a
beautiful image in the field rather than in front of the computer. I am not interested in your skills with imaging software, in fact quite the
opposite.

We are looking for an individual with potential, and the greatest desire to listen and learn. I am working on this assignment and will need your
assistance; this will take patience and focus. Remember that we analyse
every image in your submission, so read the Judging process and Conditions carefully. If one frame is weak then leave it out, you do not necessarily have to submit five images. In addition, the format of your entry does not matter, film, digital, and 35mm or medium format. However, if you are mixing formats ensure the images work together.

The theme of your story does not have to be wondrous or exotic, just a
place you have visited. Look at your immediate life and be creative.

Good Luck!

Jason Edwards

Ready to apply? Click HERE

2009 Worldnomads.com Travel Documentary Scholarship

scholarships — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 06:02:00 GMT

Go on assignment to Vietnam and have your video documentary broadcast on Nat Geo Adventure!

Mai Chau Valley, Vietnam Medical Trek

- Applications are now closed -

Kick start your documentary career by going on assignment deep into the Mai Chau Valley with documentary producer Trent O'donnell(who filmed the Positive Footprints screened on Nat Geo Adventure Channel). Trekking with a team of 20 volunteer doctors who will be providing vital medical services to remote hill tribes, you will create your own short video documentary.

The lucky scholarship recipient will have their documentary considered for broadcast on Nat Geo Adventure! That's right - the holy grail that documentary makers work their whole lives to achieve, could be yours now!

Your assignment brief

* We'll fly you to Vietnam from your country of residence. You will join a Buffalo Tours trek with a team of volunteer doctors deep into the picturesque Mai Chau Valley. Their mission is to set up temporary health clinics to provide vital medical services to remote hill tribes, many of whom have never seen a Doctor before. Your mission is to tell their story.

* You need to be available between August 22 and September 2, 2009 to participate on the Medical Trek.

* Under the mentorship of documentary film-maker Trent O'donnell you will shoot a video documentary about the Medical Trek.

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

* You will edit together your 3 minute documentary and submit it to Nat Geo Adventure and World Nomads within 2 months of your return.

Assignment Location

Mai Chau is the heart of a beautiful valley that is a world away from the hustle of Hanoi, a verdant landscape of tapioca and sugar cane fields, and lush rice paddies. The stunning area is home to the ethnic White Thai, distantly related to tribes in Thailand, Laos and China.

Who can apply

* Anyone can apply - this is open to film students, lovers of film or anyone who's trying to build a career in documentary making!

* Minimum age 18 with a current passport.

* You should be a mad-keen auteur with a lust for adventure and a desire to enhance your documentary filmmaking skills.

* You must be fit, healthy, and excited by the prospect of trekking up to 7 hours a day!

Apply now

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

1. Compile a 3 minute (or less) video documentary in English based around the theme; 'Journey into an Unknown Culture'. 'Journey' is open to interpretation and may involve somewhere you have travelled or a journey of a more personal nature. The documentary may be compiled from previous travel video you've shot.

It's up to you to convince our judging panel through your video that you have the spirit for adventure and passion for filmmaking to be chosen for this scholarship. Our judging panel will be looking for;

* The ability to convey a strong narrative within a short time-frame
* Originality
* A visually engaging story
* A candidate whose passion for documentary filmmaking makes them an obvious choice to benefit from this professional mentorship opportunity.

2. Upload your video : Go to Natgeoadventuretv.com.au, click on Blog Notes, sign up and follow the simple instructions to submit your video online. Don't forget to tag your video with 'World Nomads' when you upload it. You can only submit your entry in one of the following formats: MOV, AVI, WMV, MPG, FLV, with a maximum size of max 25 MB.

3. Complete an application form : Copy & paste the URL of your uploaded video into the online application form and complete your personal details. You will also be asked to provide 200 words or less on why you should be awarded the World Nomads 2009 Travel Documentary Scholarship, and what this opportunity means to you? Your answer will provide considerable weight in the judging process.

4. One entry per person.

Watch Jambha. - our 2008 winner's documentary which is being broadcast on Nat Geo Adventure constantly over the coming months!

Applications close Sunday July 5, 2009.(Australian Easten Standard Time)

DOWNLOAD A SCHOLARSHIP POSTER;

A4 SIZE

A3 SIZE

USLETTER SIZE

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 Group) 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 Group Ltd of Level 5, 24 York St, Sydney, NSW 2000.

3. Employees of World Nomads Group, Nat Geo Adventure, Buffalo Tours, 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 hold a valid passport. To enter, submit an English language short film of less than three minutes in length on the theme "A Journey into an Unknown Culture”. You can submit your entry by doing the following:

a) Go to Natgeoadventuretv.com.au, click on Blog Notes, sign up and follow the simple instructions to submit your video online. Don't forget to tag your video with 'World Noamds' when you upload it. You can only submit your entry in one of the following formats: MOV,AVI,WMV,MPG,FLV , with the maximum size of max 25 MB

b) Go to http://journals.worldnomads.com/scholarships/post/19299.aspx and follow the directions to fill out the application form and tell us in English in 200 words or less why you should be chosen as the 2009 Travel Documentary Scholarship recipient.

5. The scholarship entries can be submitted from 9.00am AEST on April 6 2009 and entries close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time on July 5 2009. 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 judging the best overall entry from a review of all eligible entries. The best overall entry will best interpret both "A Journey into an Unknown Culture" and best articulate why the author of the entry should be awarded the 2009 World Nomads Travel Documentary Scholarship. The selection will be conducted at World Nomads Group Limited of Level 5, 24 York St, Sydney, NSW 2000 over the week commencing Monday 6th July 2009. 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;

- 11 day Medical Trek in the Mai Chau Village in Vietnam with Buffalo Tours and mentorship from World Nomads documentary filmmaker, Trent O’donnell.
- trip includes all meals, internal transfers & transport, services of tour leadr throughout, accommodation based on twin share and homestay.
- Return Economy airfares from nearest major international airport to project destination organised by World Nomads Group.

7. The scholarship recipient must produce / edit a video documentary on their own equiment of 3 minutes in duration, post participating on the Medical Trek. This documentary must focus on the Medical Trek and the impact it has on the local community. The recipient must then submit this documentary to World Nomads Group no later than 2 months after returning from the Medical trek. The scholarship recipient must also keep a daily travel diary and upload diary entries ( no less than 200 words per daily entry) to the World Nomads website, via an online travel journal, no later than 2 weeks after returning from the Buffalo Tours trek.

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

9. If the Scholarship recipient is not immediately identifiable or contactable World Nomads Group will make reasonable efforts to identify and/or contact the Scholarship recipient. If the Scholarship recipient has not accepted the prize by 25 July 2009, 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:

- 11 day Medical Trek in the Mai Chau Village in Vietnam (valued at AU$2400)
- Return Economy airfares from nearest major international airport to project destination organised by World Nomads. (valued at approx. AU$2500)
- Travel Insurance (valued at approx. AU$150)

Total value of prize is approximately AU$$5050

12. The value of the prize is accurate at the date of commencement of the scholarship promotion. World Nomads Group 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 and any tips/gratuity during the trek.

14. The scholarship recipient must hold valid passports. Entry visas will be organised 14 days in advance.

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 Group, Nat Geo Adventure, Buffalo Tours 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 Group 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.

17. 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 Group, Nat Geo Adventure and Buffalo Tours to reproduce the work for subsequent promotion of the World Nomads Travel Scholarships. You can view World Nomads' privacy policy at http://www.worldnomads.com/privacy.aspx

Jessica, our intrepid writer returns from India.

scholarships — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:08:00 GMT

^{River Nila, Photo by Jessica Lee}

Jessica Lee, winner of the 2009 Travel Writing Scholarship has recently returned from her trip to the Nila River in Kerala,India. Jess enjoyed a tour with The Blue Yonder and completed her assignment writing and researching for the Footprint India Handbook where she will be published in the next edition!

Read about Jessica's experience on the River Nila in her insightful story below.

And read her journal HERE.

ALONG THE RIVER NILA

by Jessica Lee

There is no sound except for the slow creak of the boat’s timber as the captain uses his punt to cast us adrift into the current. On the shore a young boy riding his bicycle waves at me. I wave back and out of the corner of my eye, spot a glittering blue-streak clinging onto a swaying reed. It turns out to be a tiny kingfisher which darts hurriedly away when our boat gets too near.

I’m onboard a thoni (a traditional Keralite boat), floating serenely down the Nila River. Fed by the highland springs of the Western Ghats, the Nila meanders for 209 kilometres through the centre of the state and is Kerala’s longest river. Lush vegetation tumbles down to the water’s edge and palm trees sway in the breeze above. This fecundity of nature has historically also nourished a fertile culture. The classical dance Kathakali and the martial art Kalaripayattu can both trace their roots to here and this region is revered by many as the birthplace of Keralite culture.

With all this bountiful greenery it’s not hard to sit back and believe I’m amid a tropical Eden but it seems there is trouble in paradise after all. Arun Prabhakaran is a guide for The Blue Yonder; a tour operator focused on preserving the Nila. “In old days the river was considered a divine being,” he tells me, “but now it is just seen as something to exploit.” Deforestation, pollution and the converting of paddy fields to grow cash crops have all played their part in the degeneration of the Nila, but its biggest threat these days comes from illegal sand-mining of the river’s banks. Kerala’s building boom is leading to the waterway being plundered.

“The average daily wage in Kerala is 250 rupees. Sand miners earn 1500 to 2000 rupees a day,” Arun says. It’s not difficult then to understand why the local people who once worshipped their river have decided instead to pillage it. The Blue Yonder actively promote the culture and legends of the river to bring these issues to light. Their tours also allow travellers to actively engage with the people who live along the Nila’s banks. The captain now punting me down the waterway used to be involved with illegal mining and the thoni I am sitting in was once used to cart sand away from the banks. Now the thoni carts a cargo of curious visitors wanting to appreciate the beauty of the river instead. This may only be a tiny step in providing an alternate income for a few captains but it is a huge step in changing the mindset of the people. Seeing tourists enjoy their time here, Arun says, “gives them pride back in their river.”

Silver slivers of flying fish break the surface, arcing gracefully into the air, before diving downwards to disappear into the blue below. I sit back on my wooden seat and breath in the Nila as a gloriously fat orange sun sinks below the palm fronds. The air is tinged with the smoulder of kitchen fires. Plumes of smoke rise from the chimneys of shacks knitted together from palm leaves and timber. Strung out beside them, colourful lines of laundry flap in the breeze. Except for the lapping of water against timber, I am surrounded by a rare and beautiful silence.

But then suddenly an unholy bellowing begins. A diabolic thumping drumbeat brutally pierces the quiet and begins to rise in volume. Shrill police sirens screech maniacally over the top of the beat. A rudely awakened flock of egrets fly out of a nearby tree in disgust, swooping over the bank in search of quieter perches. The captain grins sheepishly and begins to rummage through some junk at the back of the boat. He grabs his pulsating mobile phone and answers it. I laugh. Modern life has managed to interrupt my quiet contemplation of the river. Luckily, because of ongoing initiatives of companies like The Blue Yonder, terrible mobile phone ring-tones will continue to be the Nila’s only modern interruption.

Be our next travel writer, sign up to the scholarships mailing list.

2009 Worldnomads.com Travel Podcast Scholarship - CLOSED

scholarships — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 03:07:00 GMT

- APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED FOR PODCAST -

TRAVEL VIDEO DOCUMENTARY SCHOLARSHIP

WorldNomads.com will send one exceptional individual on assignment to volunteer on a GVI run project near Antigua in Guatemala. The Indigenous Maya in Guatemala make up a huge percentage of the population with many families' income around $3 a day.

You will work with the San Andres Itzapa and Santa Maria de Jesus Indigenous communities to help improve their quality of life through building an energy efficient stove for a family to help provide cleaner air and encourage less wood consumption.

As part of this assignment, you will receive mentorship from ABC Radio Journalist, Executive Producer & Author, Tim Latham, who will provide assistance via telephone/internet with story development, scripting and final editing.

Your accommodation will be homestay and include a couple of days of Spanish tuition, followed by a three day project building the stove for a family. Your trip will also include visits to the local school and introductions to members of the community where you you will seek out your own unique story to be recorded on your new mobile digital recorder.

The Scholarship also covers airfares from your nearest international airport to Guatemala City, home-cooked meals, travel vaccinations and visa costs.

Once you have returned home, you'll create a 5 minute Podcast Documentary which will become a feature piece on the Indie Travel Podcast website and will be submitted to a number of international radio programs, podcast channels and partner sites, giving you the chance to have your story heard by thousands of travellers!

Your Assignment Brief

* We'll fly you in from your country of residence and you'll have to be available to be in Guatemala between May 15th and May 30th 2009.

* Prior to leaving you will be mentored by journalist Tim Latham to guide you in how to approach finding your story.

* In Guatemala, you will be given unique access to interview the local indigenous community with assistance from a GVI translator.

* Your assignment includes volunteering to build an energy efficient stove, Spanish lessons and some local sight seeing. More details available at GVI.

* You will keep a daily diary about your time on the trip and upload this plus pictures you've taken to your WorldNomads.com travel journal.

* On your return you will receive further mentoring from Tim Latham to assist in editing together your story. You will then upload the 5 minute documentary podcast to the World Nomads web site within 2 months of your return.

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

Who can apply

* Anyone can apply - it's open to students, emerging and non-professional journalists and lovers of travel looking for a career change.

* You must speak fluent English.

* Minimum age 18.

* You should have a sharp, inquisitive mind, excellent speaking/presentation skills, a lust for adventure travel, and a burning desire to enhance your journalism skills.

Apply now

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

1. Compile a 3 minute (or less) travel focussed podcast documentary in English around the theme ‘Is Home Where the Heart is?’. It's up to you to convince our judging panel through your podcast documentary 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 presentation and interview skills(we strongly recommend you include an interview in in your doco.)
• ability to source and tell a compelling story.

Indie Travel Podcast have posted some great tips about how to put a podcast together.

2. Upload your podcast documentary anywhere you wish on the internet (e.g podcast hosts such as bigcontact.com, blogamp.com, ipodnetwoks.com etc) and note the url address.

3. Go to WorldNomads.com and complete the 2009 World Nomads Podcast Documentary Scholarship application form which includes personal details and a 300 words (or less) essay on why you should be chosen. Copy and paste the link to your podcast submission into the entry form.

Applications close Midnight Sunday April 5, 2009 (Australian Eastern Standard Time)

DOWNLOAD A POSTER

Conditions of Entry

2. The promoter is World Nomads Pty Limited of Level 5, 24 York St, Sydney, NSW 2000.

3. Employees of World Nomads, Global Vision International(GVI), Indie Travel Podcast 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 and have a valid passport and be available to be in Guatemala from May 15-30, 2009. To enter, submit an English language podcast documentary of less than three minutes in length on the theme " Is Home Where the Heart is?”. You can submit your entry by doing the following:

a) Upload your podcast anywhere you wish on the internet.

and

b) Go to http://journals.worldnomads.com/scholarships/post/27876.aspx and follow the directions to fill out the application form and tell us in English in 300 words or less why you should be chosen as the 2009 Travel Podcast Scholarship recipient. Copy and paste the link to your podcast submission into the application form.

5. The scholarship entries can be submitted from 9.00am AEST on January 19 2009 and entries close at 11.59m Australian Eastern Standard Time on 5 April 2009. 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 judging the best overall entry from a review of all eligible entries. The best overall entry will best interpret both "Is Home where the Heart is?" and best articulate why the author of the entry should be awarded the 2009 World Nomads Travel Podcast Scholarship. The selection will be conducted at World Nomads Pty Limited of Level 5, 24 York St, Sydney, NSW 2000 from April 6th January 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 Guatemala City from nearest major international airport organised by World Nomads
* 1 x 14 day GVI volunteer project near Antigua, Guatemala including volunteer work building a stove and assisting in the local schools, Spanish lessons, homestay accommodation, home-cooked meals, transfers and some activities . Check GVI's website for full details of trip: http://www.gvi.co.uk/projects/central-america/guatemala/volunteer-community-construction-project-guatemala/home
* 1 x Micro Tack II Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Recorder and accessories
* Travel Insurance
* Cost of any necessary vaccinations and visas

7. The scholarship recipient must produce / edit an audio documentary of 5 minutes in duration post the Guatemala assignment. This documentary must focus on a story resulting from the visit to Guatemala. The recipient must then submit this podcast to World Nomads no later than 2 months 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 the World Nomads website, via an online travel 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 12 April 2009, 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 Guatemala City from nearest major international airport organised by World Nomads (approximate value $AUD3000)_{* 1 x 14 day GVI volunteer project in Guatemala (approximate cost $AUD2000)
* 1 x Micro Tack II Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Recorder and accessories (approximate value $AUD750)}
* Travel Insurance (approximate value $AUD300)
* Cost of any necessary vaccinations and visas (approximate value $AUD500)

Total prize value of scholarship is approximately AUD$6550

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, Global Vision International and Indie Podcast Channel 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, Global Vision International and Indie Podcast Channel to reproduce the work for subsequent promotion of World Nomads Travel Scholarships.

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

Travel Documentary Scholarship winner to be broadcast on Nat Geo Adventure!

scholarships — Thu, 5 Feb 2009 03:15:00 GMT

David Wardell, winner of our 2008 Travel Documentary Scholarship created this beautiful and poignant 5 minute documentary about the effects of climate change in a small remote village in Rajasthan.

Nat Geo Adventure Channel Australia loved it, and they have confirmed they will be broadcasting David's documentary shortly (stay tuned for confirmation of date).

Congratulations David - what a fantastic achievement!

_{Mentor Trent O'Donnel, M.P Singh and David Wardell (far right) in Jambha, Rajasthan}

If you've got a travel documentary you'd like to share with us, we'd love to see it in our Worldnomads.com Youtube group.

Do you want to be broadcast on Nat Geo Adventure? Make sure you sign up to our Scholarship Mailing List to find out about our upcoming 2009 opportunity.

2009 Travel Writing Scholarship - THE WINNER!!!

scholarships — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

There has been an electrifying buzz surrounding this year's Travel Writing Scholarship, and with very good reason. We received over 340 entries, and you guys are talented travel writers!!

The judging panel have landed back on Terra Firma after being escorted on a virtual odyssey through the wonderful, bazaar, surprising, lump-in-throat-sad, and the staggeringly beautiful worlds created by each scholarship applicant.

Congratulations to everyone who shared their story....our judges said the top 5 were ALL exceptional and it was very difficult to separate the winner......but I know you just want RESULTS!

And the winner is......

Jessica Lee

David Stott (our mentor) said of Jessica's story;

"It was extremely hard to separate the top five, but Jessica took the prize for several reasons. First, her fantastic pen portrait of rush hour in Cairo put me right in the moment, as the distorted roar of the muezzins ("Even in prayer Cairo is deafening") rose into the sky above the car horns. Second, she did a great job of evoking the moment that fortunate and patient travellers sometimes get to experience, of coming to feel at home in a foreign place. Her comment to the gridlocked taxi driver ("You need a louder horn") was sardonic, sympathetic and funny. Though there's always room for a little extra polish, Jessica's writing shows loads of potential and, just as importantly, passion for the work, and I'm confident she'll grab this opportunity with both hands."

Read Jessica's story below

Our 4 runners up (in alphabetical order)

Sophie Ellis

David's comments;

"Sophie's story shone with enthusiasm, and vividly illustrated the traveller's internal journey from outsider to insider. With some effective use of multisensory imagery – fish scales glinting in the sun, tarpaulin flaps beating on a car door – she did a great job of carrying me with her right to the arid Portuguese hills. A glittering future surely awaits."

Read Sophie's story below

Toby Nowlan

David's comments;

"Toby's story tricks you into thinking it's a rollicking yarn about tribal gents with unusual tastes in body adornment, but the comic tone sets up a serious issue that confronts travellers in wilder parts of the world: the impact of deforestation and modernisation on indigenous cultures. It's one of the key issues that responsible travel tries to address, and therefore represents an excellent choice of topic for this competition. Having given us a taste of their lives, Toby's poignant ending leaves us hoping that the world can find a place for the Sarawak forests - and the tribes and spirits that call them home."

Read Toby's story below

Elliot Norton

David's comments;

"Elliot did a superb job of obeying the First Rule of Writing: make the editor's job easy. His grammar is spot on, his story rolls along at a well-judged pace, and he allows his characters (introduced by name – always a good idea) to unfold by showing us, not merely telling us, who they are. He also shows a healthy regard for the often enigmatic culture of Aboriginal Australia."

Read Elliot's story below

Rebecca Wicks

"I loved Rebecca's depiction of the chaotic street life in Jaipur, and in particular the vignette of the rickshaw driver asleep on his vehicle. She also demonstrates a nifty turn of phrase: the motorbikes weaving through traffic "like needles knitting death certificates" was the most extraordinary phrase I read in the entire judging process. With talent like this, and the resourcefulness her life story demonstrates, Rebecca definitely has the makings of a successful travel writer."

Read Rebecca's story below

GOOD LUCK JESS.....

Jessica is packing for her trip of a life-time to Kerala to become a travel writer on the long and dusty road with Footprint Travel Guides. Namaste Jess!

Make sure you check back to read about Jess's adventures.

If you haven't already, make sure you sign up to the SCHOLARSHIP MAILING LIST so you can stay in the know.

READ THE WINNING STORIES

Jessica Lee's story (winner)

I am slowly going deaf. There is a tell-tale ringing in my ears and a new-found tendency to shout: definite symptoms of graduating from tourist to local. Most foreigners only last a few days here and leave with nerves rubbed raw by the never-ending noise. I have been in Cairo long enough to develop hearing loss. This city is adopting me.

My taxi has ground to a halt amid downtown’s traffic grid-lock. Looming above this pandemonium are the architectural relics of a bygone quieter era. Khedive Ismail’s ornate baroque facades now slouch under the weight of years of grime. My taxi driver lets out his frustration in the only way he knows how: he makes noise. Two million cars fight for space on Cairo’s woefully inadequate roads every day, and all of their drivers have their hand firmly placed on their car’s horn. The city’s relentless soundtrack is a cacophonous symphony of bass honks and baritone beeps that ring out from the overcrowded streets.

Up in front of us a panic-stricken police officer, cheeks flushed from blowing a piercing whistle, attempts to be heard above the racket. It is a hopeless task. Ambient noise levels in Cairo were recently revealed to average 85 decibels: comparable to standing 15 metres away from a freight train, and the same level that causes hearing loss with extended exposure. We are all sinking into deafness in this city. My driver turns up the volume of a scratchy Om Kalthoum tape to drown out the drone. “Masnoon,” he mutters under his breath.
“Kuula masnoon,” I agree. Yes it is totally crazy – a perfect summation of this traffic babel.

Outside an avalanche of rubbish slowly bakes in the sun. With the window wound down the cab reeks of the city’s petrol-tinged perfume. A group of shopkeepers are laying down make-shift mats of cardboard on the street corner. They stand quietly reverent, while the traffic howls beside them. It is nearing time to pray. The mosque’s microphone clicks on with a hiss of static and a muffled cough before the muezzin begins the song of faith. The first notes reverberate in the air and in the distance another muezzin joins in, and then another, and another. Soon a hundred voices seem to be duelling above the streets of the city; blending together into a distorted roar that drowns out the clamour of the cars below. Even in prayer Cairo is deafening.

As the call to prayer reaches its dizzying crescendo I realise that the unrelenting din of this brash city no longer jangles my nerves. Cairo broadcasts its frustrations, anger and even its faith at top volume, and I am slowly learning to survive amid the surrounding uproar. Traffic is still grid-locked, and my driver slams his hand onto the steering wheel in frustration. “You need a louder horn,” I say.
“Aywa,” he nods in agreement. Yes. I sit back in my seat and smile. I have begun to belong.

Sophie Ellis's story

The tarpaulin flaps gently in the wind, beating against the side of our car like a drum-roll. Suitcases and camping equipment are tightly packed underneath - as my fourteen year old self scornfully avows - ‘my only link to civilisation.’ We stop the car in the town square of Alcantarilha, a tiny, traditional village in the Algarve, to get supplies. A dozen pairs of crinkled eyes turned towards us. In their faded sun dresses and hats, the matriarchs of this Moorish town line the streets, sitting on the steps of their homes, armed with a fan and a sweeping brush. Here they’ll stay for the whole day, chatting and overseeing the activity of the village. They rarely smile and look a bit like gargoyles.

The square itself is old and crumbling. The stone cobbles shiny from footfall and, looking up, each old building has a cornice of swallow’s nests, running like a choker around the guttering. Standing underneath, you can hear the chicks and see the occasional beak emerge from the eyelet of the nest. There’s an ornate fountain in the centre of the square with carvings in the stone, and weather-worn dents where people have sat with their hand dipped in the water. The phrase nook and cranny truly applies to Alcantarilha – there are several. I stumbled upon a church, hidden in a backstreet - it's walls literally made out of skulls and bones. “In remembrance of our ancestors, the people who built village,” says a woman seated at a minuscule pew behind me.” She’s instantly recognisable as Portuguese but her English is impeccable – a nod that tourism might be impinging a bit too closely upon these rural old towns. No wonder the old community watches over the village so protectively.

There are two more churches and a pretty bridge dating back to the 16th century and which the village itself is named after. In one dimly-lit corner of the square is a little shop - it's shutters and window frames painted vivid, chalky blue. It’s run by a family who've lived in Alcantarilha for at least five generations (or so I'm told by a local who waves his hand vaguely about the specifics) and sells fruit, cool iced tea and watermelon to gorge on in a shady spot during the summer months, when the heat is so intense it burns through your sunhat. If you venture deep enough between the shelves, you'll find a cabinet full of fresh pastel natãs - Portuguese delicacies of custard and sweet, flaky pastry. On Thursdays, fresh fish is delivered and tanned boys throw the fish across the square from an ice box, across to the cooler in the shop. Mid-flight, the scales catch the light and the boys all cheer and clap.

Walking through the square every day, I can smell grilling seafood wafting from one of the local restaurants and hear thimble-sized espresso cups clinking from the village's only cafe/bar. No neon lights or translated menu's? I was wrong - this is civilisation. The same old eyes from the same old steps follow my movements with suspicion or curiosity – I’m not sure which. But after several days, I notice that the gargoyles are smiling - wide, wise, toothless grins. I’m welcome, and they aren’t made of stone.

Toby Nowlan's story

You guys want to see Borneo?" We’re in Kuching, bordering Borneo’s jungle province of Sarawak. The man addressing us looks Malay and appears drunk. I’m surprised when he continues: “I’m Brian, this is my friend Dave. Come down the river!” I have yet to discover that Brian and Dave are from tribes of hard-drinking headhunters and penis piercers. “Sure,” I say glancing nervously at my ordinarily English travelling companion.

Piling into Dave’s car, we’re immediately offered beer. Preconceptions of untouched paradise begin to fade. From the backseat I ask; "Could you teach us some Bahasa Malayu?"
"We’re not Malay,” proclaims my new friend Brian with a hearty chuckle. “We are Sarawakian!" Another assumption crumbles.

Brian belongs to Sarawak’s Iban tribe, Dave to the Berdayu. Despite history of trade with the Chinese, British occupation and recent integration of Sarawak with Malaysia, they have held steadfast to their origins.

Oil palms line the road. It’s customary in Kuching to have a grandfather who keeps a bag of human skulls in his porch. Dave launches into tales of ancestors' headhunting habits in the ‘Rajah days’ and of skirmishes with Philippine pirates. With every mile driven, Bornean tribal identity is further unveiled. Brian describes how after a heavy night of drinking, the Iban may treat a lucky hung-over individual to a penis piercing, or ampalang, which increases the pleasure of love-making. I double check that we'll be safely up and away before morning.

We stop to join a family gathering for lunch in a tiny Berdayu village. Dave pours lankau (local fiery rice wine) into cups fashioned from plastic bottles with a parang (machete). He pours a cupful away; an offering to forest spirits who would otherwise ensure that someone spills and wastes their drink.
Our now extended clan climbs into three longboats; half a metre wide and six long. The boats settle into the water until their gunwhales are a few inches above the river. We haul up onto an island of shingle and driftwood.

The group arranges itself in a circle, cross-legged and shirtless. Tattoos of spears and snakes wind around their torsos. The air is soon scented with the aroma of clove cigarettes. A fire crackles in the centre of the assembly and the lankau continues to circulate. A guitar appears and the group erupts into choruses of mandi ai pasi (‘bathing in the river’).

This scene is becoming less common. Mining and logging companies are ripping out the region’s forest, displacing tribal villages and endangering their ways of life. As the sun sets, the merriment falls away.

Aboard the longboats once more, intoxicated, anatomy thankfully intact, we drift silently back to the village. Throughout their turbulent history, Sarawak’s tribes have held true to their contradictory identity: resisting oppression, integration and cultural dilution. Until now, that is. My river journey leaves me fearful for the Iban and Berdayu.

Behind me an unsteady Dave reaches for his lankau which, seconds later, tumbles onto his lap. Perhaps the forest spirits have already left.

Elliot Norton's story

I would never have made it to the sacred waterfalls of Wujal Wujal had it not been for the Aboriginal ladies who met me in a white Toyota 4WD. I was surprised to see descendants of the first Australians driving a Landcruiser along the banks of the Bloomfield River. I had foolishly assumed that Aboriginal people always travelled on foot. With hindsight of course this was absurd. But at the time, seeing black Australians behind the wheel of the latest Japanese off-roader ran contrary to my naïve expectations.
The reason I would not have reached the Bloomfield Falls was not only that the last mile of the dirt track beyond was impassable by car. It was also because, if I had proceeded any further, I would have been trespassing on the land of the Kuku Yalanji people. But with Francis and Kathleen Walker with me, two of the traditional custodians of the land, there was no such problem. Kathleen was shy, but not painfully so – the calm expression on her face betrayed nothing more serious than a bout of timidity with strangers. And Francis, by contrast, was much more forthcoming and gregarious. She was clearly the spokesperson of the family. Francis brimmed with pride and confidence as she presented their land to me, talking through which bushes and shrubs were used for what ceremonial or medicinal purposes by their ancestors, and telling Dreamtime stories about the features of the World-Heritage-listed rainforest landscape.
But despite the modern, motorised transport and the Western clothing, some things had not changed for Francis’ and Kathleen’s clan since time immemorial. When we arrived at the bottom of the falls, my attempt to go for a dip was stopped abruptly by an admonishment from Francis. The walk up the gorge had made me hot and sticky, and the sub-tropical humidity of northern Queensland in late summer was stifling. But my entreaties were to no avail. I could not swim in the plunge pool beneath the 40-metre-high falls because it was a highly sacred place, where only the initiated were allowed to swim under tribal law.
‘So who decides which privileged few get to swim here?’ I asked.
‘The elders,’ Francis explained.
‘And how do they make the decision?’
‘That’s their business.’
‘So what happens if you swim in the pool when you’re not supposed to?’ I asked.
‘You die,’ Kathleen explained.
‘What, the elders have you killed?’
‘No, no; you just get crook and die.’
As I sat chatting to the Walker family at the base of the roaring waterfall and a thin film of spray covered me from head to toe, I felt I was being enveloped in the liquid embrace of an ancient culture. I knew I was only just starting to scratch the surface of its mysteries. But as the tiny, condensing droplets of mist-water cooled my body down, I felt my inhibitions begin to chill too. I did not properly understand the Kuku Yalanji culture, but I had taken the first step.

Rebecca Wicks' story

In the most beautiful garden I've ever seen, the emerald feathers of a squawking parrot catch my eyes as I lift them from my notepad. I'm in India, in a place called Samode Bagh, about 40km from Jaipur. I can finally breathe again.

"People come here to escape the craziness", the manager tells me, proudly. He's just given me my room for an extra nine hours, free of charge, because I tell him I can't bear to go back any sooner than I have to. He nods knowingly as he lifts a mobile phone to his turban and informs housekeeping. He’s seen it all before.

I arrived at Samode Bagh two days previously, having paid a man with a Toyota to take me to this promised land. The beaten up car was luxury to me, as riding on the tuk-tuk – my previous mode of transport – had me verging on a quarter-life-crisis. With no road system to speak of, the people of Jaipur drive without lights at night. They cycle on ancient bikes with barrels of hay and rusty cookers strapped to the back, and they weave through traffic on motorbikes like needles knitting death certificates. A journey on a main road could quite easily be halted by a passing wedding procession. A herd of goats could come running at you from the sidelines, or a lonely, roaming cow could rear his head suddenly, obliviously spiking your ever-ready camera with his horns. It’s a perilous adventure through aggravation and grime, one that had me constantly holding my scarf to my mouth, struggling for a breath of normality.

But the driver, who sleeps every night in his tuk-tuk under filth-ridden blankets and dutifully rises at the beck and call of his passengers, shows no fear as he peddles through the chaos. He slams on the breaks with practiced expertise as an elderly lady stumbles blindly out in front of us. “Sorry, sorry!” he calls back to me, picking up the pace again as I struggle to keep my lunch down.

I’m snapping my camera every ten seconds. The fear for my life is…occasionally… overridden by awe. I've never seen so many colours. As we’re moving, saris, all the colours of the rainbow blur into roadside stalls of fresh fruit and vegetables. The eyes of bewildered bovine shine next to wrinkled men making shoes, right next to piles of drying cowpats. Founded in 1727, the shimmering, pink stucco capital of Rajasthan is now home to over five million busy people. It feels as though they’re all on the same street as me.

Back in Samode Bagh, life slows down. There's no Internet connection here. Most of the staff live next door in a camp of concrete huts, surrounded by milking cows. At dinnertime, I sit on the lawn before a roaring fire. I spoon my chicken masala into my mouth and sip my Kingfisher beer happily, as a trio of musicians paint the night with Bollywood colours - classics, so we're told, although most of us wouldn't know.

Flicking through the photos on my camera, I realise that the Hathroi Fort at sunset looks even more beautiful than I noticed on the day, set against the hazy hills. And the smiles of local children as they run around the ruins are genuine, though I looked at their world with cynicism and fear at the time. I’m safe in this garden. I’m grateful for the structured, safe existence I call my own at home. But in retrospect, it’s never going to seem as exciting.

WorldNomads.com Scholarship on Canadian TV!

scholarships — Mon, 8 Dec 2008 03:47:00 GMT

It seems Nelson Mouellic, winner of the 2008 Travel Photography Scholarship is not just an awesome photographer but a charmer as well!

We were flabbergasted when he told us he talked his way into a FIRST CLASS upgrade on his flight back home to Canada, and now here he is chatting on Canada's Global TV Sunday Noon Hour about his scholarship experience.....

We love it, go Nelson!

Nelson hanging out of a chopper on assignment in Hughenden.
Photo by Jason Edwards.

2009 WorldNomads.com Travel Writing Scholarship - CLOSED

scholarships — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:33:00 GMT

^{The River Nila offers countless opportunities to witness thrilling folk performances, far beyond the tourist trail. Photo courtesy of David Stott}

Do you want to be a published travel writer?

Go on assignment to Kerala with Footprint Travel Guides!

APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED

Kick start your travel writing career by going on assignment to Kerala, India. You will enjoy a 10 day tour with The Blue Yonder, offering unique insight into the River Nila civilization. Then, after touching base with your travel writing mentor - David Stott, you will hit the road for 10 days reviewing and writing for the Footprint India Handbook!

Your assignment brief

* We'll fly you to India from your country of residence. You need to be available between February 16th and March 7, 2009 to participate on the Blue Yonder Tour and Footprint travel writing assignment.

*Your Kerala journey with The Blue Yonder will give you unique insight into the River Nila region. With a focus on sustainable tourism, the tour is specifically tailored for the lucky scholarship recipient to inspire your travel writing , and you will be personally escorted by a TBY interpreter.

*The ten day tour will include interactions with musicians, folk artists, bell metal workers, potters, sand miners, fire worshippers and ritualistic healers. You will also be planting saplings at the 'Traveller's Forest' a community driven eco-restoration project.The tour will be based on the age-old tradition of story telling that reveals the uniqueness of the region and the importance of rivers for a sustainable life.

*After touching base with your mentor - David Stott, you will research, review and update essential travel info including accommodation, bars & restaurants, entertainment, shopping, tours, activities and transport, as well as searching out those local secrets that travellers want to read about.

* Your mentor will be at hand to offer guidance, but essentially this is your assignment; you will travel on your own for this part of the journey so you must be comfortable travelling solo. David will assign you a specific local area based on your travelling experience.

* The fruits of your labour will feature in the new edition of the Footprint Inida Handbook, placing your foot firmly in the door of the elusive travel writing industry!

Assignment location

^{Photos courtesy of www.theblueyonder.com}

While Kerala is ranked as a top ten destination in the world, some parts of Kerala still remain unknown and unvisited. The river Nila, the longest river in Kerala (209kms) offers one of the most unique cultural experiences as it has an ancient and steeped in tradition river civilization. Be it the classical Kathakali or ritualistic folk art forms or temple festivals or literary traditions, you can trace a definite and indelible impact of the river Nila in each and every aspect.

Who can apply

* Anyone can apply - it's open to students, emerging and non-professional writers and lovers of travel looking for a career change.

* You must have a high degree of proficiency in written English.

Apply now

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

1. Write. Craft a 500 word (or less)travel focused essay based on a personal experience around one of the following themes;

a. 'A Journey that Changed Lives'
b. 'Responsible Travel'
c. 'Adventure in an Unknown Culture'

It's up to you to convince our judging panel through your writing that you have the spirit of adventure and passion for travel writing to be chosen for this scholarship. We will be looking for;

- great descriptive ability
- strong eye for detail
- ability to uncover and tell a compelling story
- excellent spelling and grammar and a knack for avoiding clichés

2. Complete an entry form which includes contact details and a 200 word (or less) essay on why you should be chosen and what the opportunity will mean for you. Your answer will provide considerable weight in the judging process.

3. One entry per person.

4. The entry must be submitted in English.

The recipient of the Scholarship, along with the best entries will be published on the WorldNomads.com website on January 23, 2009.

Read the winning and best entries from our 2008 Travel Writing Scholarship

Applications close midnight January 9, 2009.(AEST)

Program supported by

^{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 Level 5, 24 York St, Sydney, NSW 2000.}

^{3.
Employees of World Nomads, The Blue Yonder, Footprint Books 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 hold a valid passport. To enter,submit a 500 word(or less)travel focused essay in English based on a personal experience
around one of the following themes; 'A Journey that changed Lives', 'Responsible Travel'or 'Adventure in an Unknown Culture'. You are also required to complete an entry form which includes contact details and a 200 word (or less) essay on why you should
be chosen and what the opportunity means to you.}

^{5. The scholarship entries
can be submitted from 9.00am AEST on October 1, 2008 and entries close
at 11.59pm AEST on 9 January 2009. 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 judging the best overall entry from a review of all
eligible entries. The best overall entry will best interpret both the writing task and best articulate why the author of the
entry should be awarded the 2009 World Nomads Travel Writing
Scholarship. The selection will be conducted at World Nomads Pty
Limited of Level 5, 24 York St, Sydney, NSW 2000 over the week
commencing Monday 12th January 2009. 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.}

^{7. The successful applicant will receive the following;}

^{- 10 day tour with The Blue Yonder in Kerala, India including accommodation based on homestay and resort, all meals, airport transfers and ground transport, various cultural activities, an escort /interpretor from The Blue Yonder.}
^{- 10 day assignment in the local Kerala area, reviewing and updating for Footprint Guide Books, including a stipend of AU$600 to cover local transport, accommodation and meals.}
^{- return economy airfares from nearest international airport to either Cohcin or Calicut airport India.}
^{- mentorship with travel writer David Stott}
^{- cost of any relevant vaccinations and visas.}

^{7.
The scholarship recipient must work with the mentor David Stott, and under his direction, review and update local travel information in Kerala such as accommodation, transport, bars & restaurants, entertainment, shopping, tours & activities. All relevant writing must be submitted to David Stott for review and possible editing no later than March 31, 2009. Some or all parts of the work submitted may be published in the 2010 Footprint India Handbook where the Scholarship recipient will be duely credited.}

^{The scholarship recipient must also
keep a daily travel diary and upload diary entries (no less than 200
words per daily entry) to the World Nomads website, via an online
travel 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 websites 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 prize within 7 days, 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:}

^{- One return economy flight, to trip destination, Kerala, India departing from
the nearest international airport to the scholarship recipient's home (approximate value AU$3000). The carrier's
normal terms and conditions of travel will apply;}
^{- 1 x 10 day tour with The Blue Yonder in Kerala, India (approximate value AU$2000);}
^{- Stipend of AU$600 to cover all costs including but not limited to accommodation, transport and meals whilst travelling in Kerala working on the 10 day Footprint travel writing assignment. (Value AU$600)}

^{Total prize value of scholarship is approximately AUD$5,600}

^{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 recipient is 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.

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 Blue Yonder and Footprint Books, 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.}

^{17. The scholarship recipient agrees to grant exclusive copyright to
Footprint Books for all existing text and maps that have been updated
by the scholarship recipient and revised, plus all additional text
researched and written by the scholarship recipient in accordance with
the Footprint travel writing assignment.}

^{18. 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 Blue Yonder, and Footprint Books to reproduce the submitted
work for subsequent promotion of the World Nomads Travel Scholarships.}

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

Watch an interview with David Wardell, winner of the Travel Documentary Scholarship.

scholarships — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:58:00 GMT

I caught up with David Wardell and his mentor Trent O'donnell over a cup of chai in the Thar desert in Rajasthan at the tail end of his assignment.

David is currently working on his mini-doco for Nat Geo Adventure, check out what he had to say about his experience.

Where would you like to go on assignment? Let us know your dream scholarship program.

David returns from Rajasthan, India - doco in the making.

scholarships — Mon, 3 Nov 2008 23:20:00 GMT

^{David, interviewing local village women in Rajasthan}

David Wardell, recipient of the 2008 Video Documentary Scholarship has returned from his assignment in Rajasthan, India.

Enduring extreme heat, dodging scorpions and wrangling camels, David was given unique access to the lives of the Jambha village people. Under mentorship from Trent O' Donnell, David filmed and interviewed various members of the community and is currently working on his mini-doco for Nat Geo Adventure.

^{David & Trent interviewing the local Raj ..David filming on location Jambha School.}

Whilst we eagerly await David's doco - you can read about his Indian adventure here.

2008 Travel Writing Scholarships - Story gets published!

scholarships — Wed, 1 Oct 2008 04:57:00 GMT

Susannah Palk, winner of the 2008 Travel Writing Scholarship has just had her travel article published in both The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age (Melbourne based paper).

It's a beautiful story about her volunteering assignment in Sri Lanka. Congratulations Susannah!

READ SUSANNAH'S PUBLISHED STORY

Don't miss your opportunity to be the next published travel writer, apply for the 2009 Travel Writing Scholarship now!

2008 Travel Photography Scholarship - WINNER SHARES ALL!

scholarships — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 05:21:00 GMT

Nelson has returned from his travel photography assignment in Outback Australia with National Geographic on-assignment photographer Jason Edwards.

Its seems the pair had a real outback Aussie experience including cattle yards, camel herding, giant hamburgers, helicopter rides, cowboy campfires and plenty of close encounters with the 'roo kind.

And the photos? Well they speak for themselves!

Congratulations Nelson on a brilliant job.

READ NELSON'S JOURNAL

SEE NELSON'S PHOTOS

2008 Travel Documentary Scholarship - The winner!

scholarships — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 05:43:00 GMT

Thank you to everyone who submitted a video for consideration, we appreciate the time and effort that went into creating your documentaries. The judging panel experienced the full gammet of emotions whilst viewing - they were moved, shocked, delighted and entertained.

Congratulations to our winner and runners up;

The Winner

David Wardell - Pipalyatjara

Judge's Comments: I loved the look and straightforward narration of David's film. It was beautifully shot, technically strong and immediately engaging. It gave a great sense of being a part of such a community – the highs and lows; hopelessness and hope for the future. It was a great effort to convey all this in such a concise doco and in a manner which was neither contrived or overtly pandering for audience sympathy. It was a really great little piece that left me wanting to know about the Pipalyatjara community.

Seond Place

Mirabai Nicholson-McKeller- A Journey that Changed Me

Judge's comments: I thought Mirabai showed a great eye for both stunning visuals and compelling storytelling. Having spent a few days in Varanasi I though she captured the mystic and wonderment of the Ganges River beautifully. It was a really moving piece of communication and showed enormous potential for future work.

Third Place

Tendaya Nyeki- Home Sick

Judge's comments: This was another film that I thought showed great potential. It was a really interesting narrative device to use a trip home as the journey that most changed you. The gritty, observation handheld look and feel of the piece gave the audience a sense of being along for the ride. The film was a great personal insight into what is a global issue. It was sincere without being melodramatic and resonated with authenticity.

Highly Commended

Ruth Somalo - Going Places

Don Meers - From the Country to the City

The Judging Panel

Our shortlist was created by Ram Bhat, National Geographic Channel and
Amanda Byrne, World Nomads

Our winner and runners up were selected by Trent O'donnell, film-maker.

What next?

Whilst David heads off to India in October, we will be full steam ahead working on our 2009 Scholarship Program - so make sure you

SIGN UP TO THE MAILING LIST to get all the info as it comes to hand.

Travel Writing Assignment - mission accomplished!

scholarships — Mon, 4 Aug 2008 03:01:00 GMT

Susannah has returned from her Travel Writing assignment in Sri Lanka where she volunteered in Kosgoda, a small coastal village devastated by the tsunami. She got her hands dirty working on everything from building houses to teaching English and saving turtles!

Whilst Susannah prepares her travel story for publication in the Sydney Morning Herald, we can read all about her adventures and see the pics at her World Nomads journal page.

Susannah said of her adventure; "I'd do it all again in a flash, I loved Sri Lanka, so beautiful and the local people were so friendly...working with my mentor Keith Austin has been an amazing experience, I can't wait to get my story finished so I can share with everyone."

Neither can we!

Susannah also used the opportunity whilst in Sri Lanka to put together a radio story about the ongoing conflict between the Government and Tamil Tigers. Her podcast was picked up and broadcast by ABC Radio National (Australia).

Congratulations Susannah!

CLICK HERE to listen to Susannah's podcast.

Travel Scholarship Program - one year on

scholarships — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:41:00 GMT

It's almost a year since we kicked off our first Scholarship Program - sending Cameron Herweynen up to Arhnem Land, Australia to photograph the Garma Festival under mentorship from Mark Rogers.

One year on and what's Cameron up to?

Well, what's he not up to!

Cameron has recently been appointed as the East Australian correspondent for The Wide Angle International Photo Agency which he is understandably pretty chuffed about!

He tells us they were really impressed with his photos of the Yolngu people (weren't we all!) - so we are ecstatic that the Scholarship experience has helped open these doors for Cameron.

He's also been busy working as the official photographer for the Dreaming Festival - another brilliant indigenous event in Australia, documenting indigenous theatre, concerts and traditional dancing.

To complete the circle, Cameron has been invited back to photograph the Garma Festival. Cameron is looking forward to re-uniting with his Yolngu friends and plans to stay on in Arnhem Land with a local family after the event.

^{Photo by Cameron Herweynen, Garma Festival 2007}

Cameron has also had images published on various websites and in French Magazine Les Exploratures.

And what next for Cameron?

More travel in Arnhem Land and Northern Australia continuing to photograph the Aboriginal people - and there's rumblings of a book in the making.......

I want to go on assignment!

If Cameron's story has inspired you - make sure you SIGN UP TO THE TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIP MAILING LIST to find out about our 2009 program.

.

2008 Travel Documentary Scholarship - CLOSED

scholarships — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:32:00 GMT

Go on assignment to India and have your video documentary broadcast on Nat Geo Adventure!

ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED

India , Rajasthan Jambha village primary school project

Applications close: August 31, 2008

Kick start your documentary career by going on assignment to India with documentary producer Trent O'Donnell, (who filmed the Positive Footprints series to be screened later this year on Nat Geo Adventure channel), and create your own short video documentary about a World Expeditions community project trek.

The lucky scholarship recipient will have their video documentary considered for broadcast on Nat Geo Adventure! That's right - the holy grail that documentary makers work their whole lives to achieve, could be yours now!

You'll also receive a Lenovo Ideapad Y-510 laptop to help document your adventure and an Osprey backpack plus a men's or women's Canyon Shirt from Paddy Pallin to keep you cool in the desert.

Your assignment brief

* We'll fly you to India from your country of residence. You need to be available between October 11th and October 25th 2008 to participate in the Community Project Trip to Rajasthan.

* Under the mentorship of documentary film-maker Trent O'Donnell you will shoot a video documentary on the theme of community project travel and the impact it has on both the local community as well as the travellers that participate.

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

* You will edit together your 7-10 minute documentary and submit it to Nat Geo Adventure and World Nomads within 2 months of your return.

Assignment location

The vast Thar Desert in India's north west is home to the colourful Rajasthani people. Communities in this area are steeped in cultural traditions that date back thousands of years. Local camel guides will escort you to the project- to upgrade their Rajikya Adrash Prathmik Vidyalaya School which supports 175 students from the outlying desert areas, providing an inspiring immersion into the life of these hardy people. Then take a fascinating three day camel crossing of the Thar Desert followed by a visit to the city of Agra to view the unforgettable sight of the Taj Mahal, then to the magnificent pink city of Jaipur and the UNESCO listed town of Jaisalmer. For more info check out World Expeditions

Who can apply

* Anyone can apply - this is open to film students, lovers of film or anyone who's trying to build a career in documentary making!(why we'e opened it up to everyone)

* Minimum age 18 with a current passport.

* You should be a mad-keen auteur with a lust for adventure and a desire to enhance your documentary filmmaking skills.

Apply now

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

1. Compile a 3 minute (or less) video documentary in English based around the theme; 'A Journey that Changed Me'. 'Journey' is open to interpretation and may involve somewhere you have travelled or a journey of a more personal nature. The documentary may be compiled from previous travel video you've shot.

3. Complete an application form : Copy & paste the URL of your uploaded video into the online application form and complete your personal details. You will also be asked to provide 200 words or less on why you should be awarded the World Nomads 2008 Travel Documentary Scholarship, and what this opportunity means to you?. Your answer will provide considerable weight in the judging process.

4. One entry per person.

Watch the Documentary made by last year's winner - Cesar Salmeron

Applications close Sunday August 31, 2008.(AEST)

_{^{- 15 day community project travel trip to India with World Expeditions and
mentorship from World Nomads documentary filmmaker, Trent O’Donnell.
- Trip includes}14 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners, airport transfers on day 1
and day 15,internal transporation by
private vehicle and train, expert bilingual guide, group medical kit, good quality accommodation in Delhi/Agra/Jaipur/Jodphur/Jaisalmer, gear package including kit bag, sleeping bag, liner and insulated
sleeping mat during community project and camel ride, all group camping
equipment, all equipment and materials for the community project, sightseeing as per itinerary, site entry fee,support staff in
Rajasthan
^{- Return Economy airfares from nearest major international airport to project destination organised by World Expeditions.
- Lenovo Y510 Ideapad and Osprey daypack.}}

_{The first runners up will also receive a Flip Ultra Camera.}

^{7.
The scholarship recipient must produce / edit a video documentary on their own equiment of no
less than 7 minutes, and no longer than 10 minutes in duration post
participating in the World Expeditions Community Project Trip. This
documentary must focus on “community project travel and the impact it
has only both the local community as well as the travellers that
participate”. The recipient must then submit this documentary to World Nomads no later than 2 months after returning from the World
Expeditions Community Project trip. The scholarship recipient must also
keep a daily travel diary and upload diary entries ( no less than 200
words per daily entry) to the World Nomads website, via an online
travel journal, no later than 2 weeks after returning from the World
Expeditions Community Project trip.

8. The Scholarship recipient
will be notified by email and the recipient's name will be published on
the World Nomads and Natgeoadventuretv websites 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 prize by 7 September 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:

- One return economy flight, to trip destination, Rajasthan, India departing from
the nearest international airport to the scholarship recipient's home (approximate value AU$3000). The carrier's
normal terms and conditions of travel will apply;
- A World Expeditions Community Project Trip to India(approximate value AU$2790);
- 1 x Lenovo Ideapad Y-510 laptop computer (AUD $1499);
- 1 x Osprey daypack (AUD$99);
- Travel Insurance provided by World Nomads(approximate retail value AU$300).

Total prize value of scholarship is approximately AUD$7688}

^{The first runners up prize consists of;}

^{- 1 x Flip Ultra camera (AU$150)} ^{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 organised 14 days in advance of
departure through World Expeditions.

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, Nat Geo Adventure, World Expeditions, Lenovo, Paddy Pallin 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.}

^{17. 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, Nat Geo Adventure, World Expeditions and Lenovo to reproduce the
work for subsequent promotion of the World Nomads Travel Scholarships.}

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

2008 World Nomads Travel Photography Scholarship - the Winner!

scholarships — Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:10:00 GMT

_{One of Nelson Mouëllic's winning photos.}

Thank you to everyone who submitted to the 2008 World Nomads Travel Photography Scholarship. We received over 290 applications, and the standard was awe-inspiring.

Congratulations to our winner, runners up and shortlisted applicants, who all submitted exceptional work.

The winner

Nelson Mouëllic from Canada.

Judge's comments: Nelson very successfully documented his ‘place’ London, but also interlaced a second theme, Spectators. Every image was strong compositionally, exposed beautifully, and told a story; all worked well as a portfolio, there were no weak links. He searched for depth in his images and managed to create diversity in a small number of frames.

Congratulations Nelson, see you Down Under!

See Nelson's photo submissions.

Second Place

Raditya Ardianto Taepur from Indonesia.

Judge's comments: Raditya’s portfolio leapt out at me immediately. It was simple but clever, highlighting the fact that ‘a place’ does not have to be exotic or wondrous. His composition was excellent and the concept very original. His image of the bridge shadow was one of my favourites.

See Raditya's photo submissions.

Third Place

Laura Buckman from U.S.A

Judge's comments: I felt Laura’s composition was excellent as was her exposure. The story carried itself strongly and Laura allowed herself to come through in the imagery. The emptiness of the fair was disconcerting and she did well to highlight this.

See Laura's photo submissions

The Shortlist (in alphabetical order)

Marina Alamo-Bryan Judge's comments: It was great to see imagery from a larger format camera and Marina’s exposure was spot on for illustrating her chosen subject appropriately. There was solid depth to the portfolio and an obvious awareness of the reality of the situation.

Mark Bailey Judge's comments: It was evident Mark had immersed himself in his story and that he had taken the time to think through, and cover the different elements. His portfolio worked well as a story supported by his strong captioning.

David Cartier Judge's comments: David’s composition was excellent and his subtle use of light added to the strength of his images. His portfolio was opinionated and worked well as a sequence

Allison Fahmie Judge's comments: There was excellent depth to Allison’s coverage and her obvious passion for her subject shone through. Her exposure was good under difficult climactic conditions.

Mira Kellerman Judge's comments: I loved Mira’s concept, it was original and very strong. Her work was opinionated and her commitment was evident. In addition, the facts she contributed in her written component were very appropriate.

Ana Carolina Kruschewsky Judge's comments: In many ways composing for a square format is more difficult than for standard 35mm. Ana very successfully composed her subjects in a way that strengthened the format and in turn the imagery. Her exposure was great and the story flowed smoothly.

Leonoardo Mercon Judge's Comments: Leonardo’s images were opinionated and there was good depth to the coverage. He substantiated his imagery with text that indicated he had taken the time to get to know his subjects.

Karen Tanaka Judge's comments: Karen made strong use of the harsh tropical sun that bothers many photographers. There was depth to her coverage, which also came across in her written component.

Mikko Takkunen Judge's comments: Mikko’s exposure was excellent in a difficult situation, light earth and dark skinned people. His imagery told the story of the diamond miners very well.

The judging panel

Our shortlist was created by Tina Seeto, Marketing Manager, National Geographic Channel & Simon Monk, Director, World Nomads.

Our winner and runners up were selected by Jason Edwards, National Geographic on-assignment photographer.

The judging process

Jason has been generous enough to share with us the 10 key elements that formed the fabric of his selection proces;

1.Composition: Every element should have it's place in an image, even shadows and highlights.

2.Exposure: The exposure should match the tone and mood of the image, without manipulating the integrity of the subject matter.

3.Originality: There are more images being taken in the world today, but there are fewer photographers. See it differently.

4.Story: Every individual frame should tell a story, if an image doesn't do this then remove it.

5.Opinionated: Is your story opinionated? It does not have to be a moral or ethical viewpoint just your emotion coming through.

6.Depth: Have you explored your story or scraped the surface?

7.Captioning: Do not rely on an editor seeing everything you see in an image. Provide at least some background to what is happening in the frame.

8.Reason for why you should win: Always a personal viewpoint, entrants were ranked based on what people hoped to gain from the experience and what they hoped to contribute back to the greater community.

9. Willingness to learn: Very, very important! It is a scholarship, and the successful applicant had to be willing to learn, and in some cases re-learn elements of their photographic technique and how they behave as photographers.

10. Contribution to Photography: Did the images and story as a whole contribute something to the art of photography?

We are already working on our 2009 Scholarship Program - so make sure you

SIGN UP TO THE MAILING LIST to get all the info as it comes to hand.

Susannah sets off to Sri Lanka - on assignment

scholarships — Mon, 7 Jul 2008 03:38:00 GMT

_{Susannah Palk (left), recipient of the World Nomads Travel Writing Scholarship & our Programs Manager, Amanda Byrne.}

We were lucky enough to meet the lovely Susannah before she set off on her travel writing assignment to Sri Lanka. We discovered Susannah spent many of her school years living in various parts of South East Asia with her family, so travel is in her blood - but she has never been to Sri Lanka and is suitably excited by the opportunity!

Armed with her new Lenovo computer, professional guidance from our mentor Keith Austin and travel tips from Safety Sanchez, Susannah has embarked on her mission to see first hand the effects of sustainable tourism in rural communities.

Check back here to see Susannah's story unfold.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Travel Scholarships Program now open to everyone!

scholarships — Thu, 5 Jun 2008 03:17:00 GMT

When we started the Scholarships program it's intent was to offer great opportunities to students to enable them to gain valuable experience in their field of study and go on to use that experience to further their career. Over the first year we have received lots of email from people asking "Why can't I enter just because I'm not a student?"

On reflection we created these Travel Scholarships to provide passionate individuals the opportunity to further their skills. So what if you're a 24 year old who couldn't afford to attend college but are passionate about becoming a travel writer? Maybe a 52 year old aspiring documentary producer who dreams of changing careers to that field for example. Why shouldn't anyone have the opportunity to develop their skills and receive training from a professional?

This won't change the essence of the Travel Scholarship program. We are still looking for the very best talent, it will still be highly competitive and you'll need to be exceptionally ambitious and keen to learn.

We want to help someone follow their dreams and then share the amazing results with all of our World Nomads.

Our first Scholarship open to everyone is the 2008 Travel Documentary Scholarship. Please note the 2008 Travel Photography Scholarship which is already running will only be open to students as per the original terms & conditions.

To get the all the Scholarship news as it comes to hand, SIGN UP TO THE MAILING LIST.

2008 Travel Writing Scholarship - the winner!

scholarships — Sun, 1 Jun 2008 23:46:00 GMT

It's been an adventurous week for our judges who have enjoyed reading the Scholarship submissions. We received over 200 entries from all corners of the globe and the standard was exceptionally high.

And the winner is.....

Of course there must be one winner - and our very worthy recipient of the 2008 World Nomads Travel Writing Scholarship is Susannah Palk!

Congratulations Susannah!

Keith Austin, travel writer from our judging panel had the following to say about Susannah's story;

Susannah’s story of finding the beating heart of Havana by taking the trail less touristed struck me both for its simplicity and for her ability to paint a world in a few words. As she wanders away from the brightly coloured facades to find the buildings “held together by dirt and depravation” where men fix old Ladas and the police turn a blind eye to the streetside entrepreneurs I found myself wanting to jump on the next flight to Cuba. I, too, wanted to taste the cigars, the rum and the salsa of the Malecon at midnight. And that, surely, is the basic aim of a travel story – to bring new places to life and perhaps persuade the more sedate among us to get out there and taste what life has to offer.
Susannah also impressed because her story structure is sound, her emphasis is on the reader and not herself, and her grammar and spelling are correct. These last two are important but hideously overlooked attributes in any travel story; travel editors get inundated with stories every day and simply cannot read every word of every submission. By misspelling names or misplacing apostrophes you are giving them the excuse they need to throw your masterpiece in the bin.

Read Susannah's story

Our runners up....

The competition was tight, and we strongly congratulate our runners up, as they were all exceptional. Keith Austin has made the following comments;

First runners up: Lynette Willoughby

Lynette’s story from the Kimberley had great characters, a good ear for dialogue and life-threatening action. What more can you want from a travel story? Her description of Stumpy the one-legged donkey shooter brought him to wonderful life. I wanted to read more about her 4WD campervan trip. Lynette has a good future in travel journalism if she keeps up these standards - and I should note that very little separated her and the eventual winner. (Read Lynette's story)

Second runners up: Mark Bailey

Mark took a different approach in that he looked at the slowly burgeoning tourism business in Papua New Guinea through a local tour guide who has been trying to teach his countrymen to embrace tourism and protect their environment at the same time. It’s a nice profile of a country seen through a man who has, to our eyes, nothing but who really has everything he needs to be happy. (Read Mark's story)

Third runners up: Emily Sim

Possibly not the favourite tourist destination du jour but Emily’s tale of living and travelling in Uganda, and of confronting death, landmines and the need to pee during a crowded bus ride was a terrific read. It was simple and unhurried, and she manages to convey a lot about her experience and her feelings in a few well-chosen words. Her description of a piece of old asphalt road as “a fossil from a faraway time” said so much in so little. (Read Emily's story)

Read the winning stories about 'An Unforgettable Adventure'

Winner: Susannah Palk

An old man is sitting quietly on the steps, looking me up and down as I reach for my guidebook. At the sight of my book, he is suddenly spurred into action. ‘One peso…one peso for photo, with me, famous Cuban’ he says. ‘Err, no thanks, I’m okay’ I reply.

As he becomes more animated, I have a momentary sense of deja vu. His face, his beady eyes, grizzly beard and communist beret are strangely familiar.

I close my guidebook and then I realise, this old man on the steps is the same guy gracing the cover of my guidebook!

‘Ah’, says the ageing poster, now smiling, ‘two peso, I sign book’… I must be in tourist territory!

I’m on one of the main roads in Havana Veija, Havana’s old historical centre, a patchwork of brightly-coloured colonial facades set amongst impressive cathedrals, castillos and town squares.

There is an almost theme park quality to the place and it’s crammed with tourists. Everything you’ve ever associated with Cuba you can get here; rum, cigars, mojitos, salsa, vintage cars, even revolutionary leaders -Che Guevara t-shirts anyone?

But of course, this is a sanitized Havana, minus the poverty, dirt and grime. Stray, ever so slightly, off the prescribed tourist path and what you’ll find is a completely different city. As I venture down a back street, metres away from the tourist clad Museo de la Revolution in downtown Centro Havana, I enter a different world. No brightly coloured facades around here, just crumbling buildings held together by dirt and depravation.

Layers of washing hang from lines strung out of windows. Women gossip across balconies as children play baseball in the street below. A man lies beneath his car, a little Russian Lada, wrestling with a mechanical problem. A cyclist zooms past, a double bass strapped to his back.

One man has set up a barbershop on the street outside his house. Down the road another resident is also open for business - a table and chair - repairing watches and shoes.

A police car cruises past, its occupants turning a blind eye to these small and illegal outposts of entrepreneurial businesses. I get an odd look from the police.

‘You American?’ a middle-aged man in a baseball cap asks me as I turn to look back down the street. ‘No, no’, I hastily reply. ‘Ah’, he smiles, ‘good, we not like Americans here’. He flashes me a cheeky grin. ‘Hungry?’ he asks as he leads me to a house a few doors down. I am a little apprehensive but pleasantly surprised to find a miniature restaurant set up in the back courtyard, illegal of course.

Going local, I order the Cuban staple of pork with salty rice and a stew of black beans. The food is served by the matron of the house, Marie-Louise, who obviously thinks I am eating for three burley men. After polishing off my meal, well a good quarter of it, I take a stroll along the Malecon, Havana’s famous boardwalk where the city meets the sea.

Deserted during the day, life slowly seeps back along the Malecon as families, friends and lovers emerge to stroll the strip and watch the sun set behind the sea.

As it gets darker more and more people gather to meet and drink in the cool breeze. Young girls in short skirts and big hoop earrings, flirt and giggle with boys swigging drinks and swaying their hips to the music.

A few entrepreneurial types walk from group to group, selling peso pizzas as couples canoodle, positioning themselves away from prying eyes. By midnight this five-kilometre stretch of concrete is a sea of people and music. The Malecon, I’ve discovered, has the lot, cigars, rum, sea and salsa. The only thing missing is the tourists.

First runners up: Lynette Willoughby

Five days into our trip adrenalin levels were high, fresh supplies were low, and hot showers an all too distant memory.

As our 4WD campervan rattled along a red, dusty, corrugated track we dodged curious Brahman bulls, kangaroos and other animal life that choose to call this wild, north-western pocket of Australia ‘home’. Welcome to the Kimberley. The turn-off to ‘Drysdale River Station Homestead’ was an invitation that could not be refused. This million acre property offered camping sites with showers ! And the dining house offered Brahman burgers (what sweet revenge). We sat on carved red gum stools relishing beer on tap. Cold beer. And then we met Stumpy.

Stumpy didn’t mess with words. Two short sentences later we knew that Stumpy used to shoot ‘roos further up north. A confrontation with a salt-water crocodile whilst fishing in his ‘tinnie’ resulted in Stumpy losing half his left leg. Now he was hired to accompany bush pilots in helicopters (“choppers”) and shoot feral donkeys for the station owners. “We sus out the females and ping ‘em with a tracking device” he explained. “Come breeding season the males swarm around the female like maggots to a lump of meat. Then we get ‘em all in one go. Piece of piss”. Stumpy took another long draw on his cigarette, hitched his holster belt further up and lovingly caressed the handle of his rifle. His piercing black eyes reminded me of the wedge tail eagle we saw yesterday.

“What’s the fishing like around here Stumpy”? Stumpy carefully ground the butt into the red dirt and surveyed us again with those eagle eyes. Seemed like he was working out whether we could be trusted with confidential information. “Good barra on the Drysdale landing about 5 k’s up”. He paused again. “Gotta watch out for salties. If you see a moving ‘V’ formation in the water; get the hell out of there”. Then as an afterthought “We don’t like losing our visitors”.

We took Stumpy at his word. The barra were biting, and so were the mosquitoes. Nature called and I left my mates and walked further along the bank. I barely noticed the roughly strewn mound of sticks and dirt. Then I heard a noise. I spun around and saw a salt water crocodile snaking its way through the mud towards me. My life flashed before me. Most of what happened next is a horrible blur, but the terror of the moment will stay with me forever. Afterwards Stumpy explained in his usual laconic fashion. “You were dead lucky it missed you at the first lunge. Uses up their adrenalin; they’re knackered if they don’t get you first time round. Forgot to warn you about the females nesting. Here, I’ll shout you a beer.”

Second runners up: Mark Bailey

In some countries Kay Nupore could be a wealthy man. He runs his own tour guide business, he is the founder of a wildlife conservation centre, he has been nominated to run for ward councillor in the regional elections, and he has recently been interviewed by the national airline’s in-flight magazine. This, however, is Papua New Guinea; and, like most of the other 5.7million people living here, he lives on only a few dollars a day, his home is made from dried grass and wood, and he has no electricity or running water. But he has few complaints.

“You know, not many whitemen come here. But when they do, I find them – like you!” Smiling mischievously he was referring to how he had accosted me in the supermarket while I was comparing lettuces. Given Kay’s appearance: a diminutive, dark-skinned man with reddened teeth in his late 30s, sporting an unkempt beard and cheap clothing, he bears little resemblence to a tour guide.

But in an area only discovered by outsiders 60 years ago Kay’s experience is invaluable; he has been conducting treks and village stays in PNG’s remote and beautiful highland interior for over twenty years. In such inaccessable terrain it seems like each valley has its own dialect – nationwide there are reported to be 867 languages – and he not only speaks all the local languages but also seems to know somebody in every village.

But for Kay, his most rewarding tour is the fruits of his own work. “I try to teach them not to destroy our land; they can make money from the forest.” he explains, recounting how he convinced his village of the benefits tourism could bring; eventually persuading them to constuct a cage-less wildlife refuge, showcasing local creatures like tree kangaroos and birds of paradise in their natural habitat. Since then, on the land originally set aside for his deceased son, he has built a traditional hut to serve as a guest house for more adventurous travellers.

He realised tourists come to PNG to see unspoilt scenery, traditional culture and amazing wildlife. And his own village has it all: a small row of round-based wooden huts with conical thatched roofs, set against a backdrop of verdant forest that rises up steeply to contrast against a deep blue sky; warm indigenous villagers; and a first-hand insight into the Papua New Guinean wantok (tribe) – along with gardening and pigs, the most important aspect of PNG society. He explains how the wantok give money to each other, provide food, give each other jobs, and fight for each other, to the death. Thanks to the success of his scheme Kay has become one of the most respected figures in the area, recently being chosen by the surrounding villages to run for councillor in the regional elections. Sitting in his impressively colourful garden watching his children chasing a neighbours chicken, it is easy to see why Kay has few complaints. “I am a rich man!” He says laughing, though I suspect only half jokingly. “Maybe even richer than you.”

Third runners up: Emily Sim

The road to hell is unpaved. It is narrow and dusty and riddled with potholes large enough to swim in when the rains come. Occasionally there is a bump of decades-old asphalt jutting out of the dirt, a fossil from a faraway time. Since that time, a generation of babies has been born to a soundtrack of gunshots and screams, and these days those babies are now giving birth to their own babies. Half the population of Uganda is under the age of fifteen and the proportion is even higher in the North. Here, rebels waged a gruesome war for over two decades. There are few who are old enough to remember the paved roads of the past.

I see my first dead body along the road to Kitgum. Despite living in Uganda for over six months and attending a handful of the numerous burials that took place in our village, I have not yet seen death in the flesh. In Rwanda I had been to the genocide museum and seen concrete slabs, which lie on top of 200,000 bodies in a mass grave. Inside the museum are hundreds more bones neatly sorted and lined up side by side like pieces of Lego ready to be put together again. How can this be real?

Through the bus window, my eyes see the body, wrapped in a sheet, with two small feet sticking out the end. Feet the same size as Tefula’s, the tiny boy who cried when he first saw my white skin but later taught me to count in Lusoga despite his knowledge of English being limited to the word ‘bye’. For the next few hours I am numb. My head swims with small bodies. Thankfully something else eventually takes over. I have to pee. I stagger down to the front of the rocking metal cage. The conductor says, ‘OK, OK soon’, and half an hour later I leap off into the bushes. ‘Ahh...No!’ the conductor pulls my arm back and laughs again. ‘Not there’, he says shaking his head, and pushing me towards the road at the back of the bus. ‘Landmines’ he says and mimes an explosion with his hands. My mind tumbles with the question of which way I should be going. There are twice as many passengers as seats, not counting the babies sprinkled around everyone’s laps. A scrawny chicken pecks my foot, my bags are piled high on my lap, someone’s sweet potatoes are wedged tightly around me, there’s a baby poking my knee, and a goat somewhere behind. Conversation ripples through the length of the bus and I pick up a few strands in English and a few tiny fragments in Lusoga. The rains have drenched the fields and the crops have sprouted, bringing forth livelihoods and sustenance. Men’s sweat lingers with goat breath and rotting jackfruit skins and milky babies and fresh rain. I breathe it all in deeply, for I don’t want to forget.

Travel Photography Scholarship 2008 - CLOSED

scholarships — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:45:00 GMT

Join a National Geographic on-assignment photographer in the Australian Outback!

Applications are now closed

World Nomads & National Geographic Channel are giving one exceptional student the chance to go on assignment with renowned wildlife photographer Jason Edwards!

The brief is to photograph the Arid Lands Festival and The Great Hughenden Endurance Camel Race - a 160 km camel endurance race run in the stunningly beautiful area of Porcupine Gorge in Outback Queensland, Australia.

^{Porcupine Gorge Queensland, image coutesy of Tourism Queensland.}

As part of this assignment, you will work alongside and receive mentorship from Jason Edwards, gaining valuable hands-on experience in everything from shot set up, technique and composition through to insights into his many years of diverse experience as an award winning photographer.

To help you take professional photos, the scholarship recipient will receive an Olympus E3 digital camera with 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 Standard Wide Zoom Lens plus a new Lenovo Ideapad Y-510 laptop computer to store your photos and keep your journal.

The scholarship recipient's top photos will be published on the National Geographic Channel's website where they will be viewed by thousands of travellers world wide and offer you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get your foot in the door of one of the most revered exploration organisations in the world!

The Scholarship also includes airfares from your nearest international airport, accommodation, travel insurance, visa costs and per diems.

Highly regarded for his wildlife and remote landscape photography, Jason Edwards is represented by National Geographic Image Collection.

What you'll be doing

* We'll fly you in from your country of residence to Longreach, Australia. You'll need to be available to be in Australia between August 19-26, 2008. The festival dates are August 22,23 & 24, 2008.

* In Hughenden, you will work alongside Jason Edwards photographing the camel race, festival events and local landscape. Your assignment will involve observing and assisting Jason as well as undertaking your own photographic work. This involves VERY early mornings, and long days chasing the perfect shot, this is not a pool-side holiday!

* You will 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 submit your top photographs to National Geographic Channel for publication on www.natgeotv.com.au.

* Most of all, you'll be experiencing what it's like to be a photographer-on-asssignment with National Geographic!

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 must have a valid drivers licence and be comfortable driving a manual vehicle. This is the Outback!

* You should be an exceptional photographer with a lust for adventure, ambition to grow your photographic skills and desire to travel to Outback Australia.

Apply now

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

1. Shoot a series of photos (maximum of 5) that tell a story about a place you have visited. The judges will be looking for:

* originality
* ability to convey a story through photos
* excellent technique

2. Upload your photos (maximum of 5) from this theme to Flickr and

a. Use the image captions to tell us about the place you photographed.
b. Tag your images with the keywords 'Scholarship 2008' - remember to use the inverted commas.
c. Add the images to the World Nomads Group. Only photographs in this group, tagged correctly will be considered.

3. Complete an entry form which includes a 300 word (max) essay on why you should be chosen and copy and paste the links to your photo series.

5. The recipient of the Scholarship, along with the best entries will be published on the World Nomads website on July 14, 2008.

Applications are closed

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 Level 5, 24 York St, Sydney, NSW 2000.

3. Employees of World Nomads, National Geographic Channel, Lenovo, Olympus 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 Australia from August 19- 26, 2008. You must also have a valid drivers licence and be comfortable driving a manual car. To enter you must shoot a series of photos which tell a story about a place you have visited, upload your photos (maximum of 5) to www.flickr.com , tag your images with the keywords 'Scholarship 2008' and add them to the World Nomads Group. Only photographs in this group will be considered. You must also complete an entry form which includes a 300 word (or less) essay on why you should be chosen and copy and paste the links to your photo series.

5. The scholarship entries can be submitted from 9.00am AEST on April 1, 2008 and entries close at 11.59m AEST on 30 June 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 demonstrates excellent technique and best depicts a story about "a place you have visited" and articulates why the applicant should be awarded the 2008 World Nomads Travel Photography Scholarship. The selection will be conducted at World Nomads Pty Limited of Level 5, 24 York St, Sydney, NSW 2000 on Tuesday July 1, 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 Townsville or Longreach, Australia from nearest major international airport organised by World Nomads.
* Ground transport to and from the airport to Hughenden.
* 4 x nights accomodtion in Hughenden (premises tbc) and overnight accommodation in Brisbane if required.
* per diems of AUD$60 per day to cover meals
* 1 x E3 Olympus digital camera and with 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 Standard Wide Zoom.
* 1 x Lenovo Ideapad Y-510 laptop computer
* Travel Insurance
* Mentorship from Jason Edwards

7. The scholarship recipient must submit a disk of their top photographs from the assignment to World Nomads and the National Geographic Channel no later than 1 month after returning from the trip. The scholarship recipient must also agree not to promote, sell or offer their assignment photographs to any other National Geographic body other than the National Geographic Channel.

8. 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 10 July 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 Townsville or Longreach (Approx AUD$2500)
* 4 x nights accomodtion in Hughenden (Approx AUD$400)
* per diems of AUD$60 per day to cover meals (AUD $300)
* 1 x E3 Olympus digital camera and with 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 Standard Wide Zoom.(AU$3599)
* 1 x Lenovo Ideapad Y-510 laptop computer (AUD $1499)
* Travel Insurance (Approx $300)

Total prize value of scholarship is approximately AUD$8,598

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, if applicable will be organised 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,National Geographic Channel, Lenovo, Olympus, Outback Australia Tourism, Arid Lands Festival 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 photographs are original, your own work and have not been digitally manipulated in any way. Any photos deemed by the judges to be digitally manipulated will not be considered for the Scholarship.

17. 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, National Geographic Channel, Lenovo, Olympus and Outback Queensland Tourism to reproduce the work for subsequent promotion of the Scholarship Program.

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

Travel Writing Scholarship 2008 - Closed!

scholarships — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 03:54:00 GMT

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-510 laptop 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.

2008 Travel Scholarships - Get ready!

scholarships — Fri, 1 Feb 2008 05:06:00 GMT

What are the WorldNomads.com Travel Scholarships?

WorldNomads.com has created the Travel Scholarship program to provide passionate individuals the opportunity to further their skills through professional mentorship in the fields of travel writing, travel photography, video documentary filmmaking or podcasting.

We know that there is no better way than to learn on the job and no more valuable experience when it comes to learning than having a professional in that field guide you. We're absolutely passionate about not only keeping our World Nomads travelling safely, but also about providing opportunities to get the most out of their travel experience. For some, that is a desire to combine their love of travel and a chosen career and we want the Travel Scholarships program to be a stepping stone to achieve that.

The following are the confirmed Scholarships for 2008 and we look forward to your submissions.

Travel Writing Scholarship

SUBMISSIONS OPEN FROM: MARCH 7th 2008

Go on assignment to Sri Lanka in July 2008, to the tsunami devastated coastal village of Kosgoda. Working with the community on various local projects you will uncover a story for your own feature article under mentorship from a top travel writer.

For full details and application form, click here

Travel Photography Scholarship

SUBMISSIONS OPEN FROM: APRIL 2008

A photographer's dream come true! Go on assignment In August 2008 with a National Geographic photographer and receive mentorship from the best in the field.

Travel Documentary Scholarship

SUBMISSIONS OPEN FROM: JUNE, 2008

Go on assignment to Rajasthan, India and have your documentary broadcast on Nat Geo Adventure! Joining a World Expeditions community project to restore the local Rajasthan Jambha Village School, you will gain unique access to film and interview the local Rajasthani community and create a documentary under the guidance of film maker Trent O’Donnell.

Make sure you SIGN UP TO THE MAILING LIST to be the first to get the full details.