The ICU Global Youth Essay Competition 2024 invites young minds worldwide to showcase their writing talents and share their unique perspectives on pressing global issues. The International Christian University (ICU) in Tokyo, Japan, organizes this prestigious competition, which is open to students aged 14-18 who reside outside of Japan. The essay competition challenges participants to reflect on topics related to human rights and current events, encouraging them to think critically about how they can contribute to world peace and social justice. The competition in Japan offers young writers a unique opportunity to visit the ICU and experience Japanese culture firsthand, with a top prize of a fully-funded trip to Japan.
This essay competition is more than just a contest; it provides young leaders with a platform to express their ideas and propose innovative solutions to global challenges. Participants must write an original essay on one of the provided topics, which revolves around global issues affecting local communities and cultural participation rights. The competition encourages deep thinking and originality among youth, with a strict policy against plagiarism and the use of AI-generated content. Participants must write their essays in English, and they should not exceed 650 words, excluding the title and bibliography.
The competition will select winners based on the quality of their thesis, supporting arguments, originality, and writing execution. The top prize includes a fully-funded trip to Tokyo for the winner and a guardian, with the option to receive 100,000 yen instead of the trip. Second and third-prize winners will receive generous gift cards and educational materials, respectively. The competition is free to enter, making it accessible to all eligible participants regardless of their financial background.
Quick Overview of ICU Global Youth Essay Competition 2024
- Host Country: Japan
- Host University: International Christian University (ICU), Tokyo
- Deadline: October 9, 2024, 23:59 JST
- Prizes:
- Top Prize: Two round-trip airline tickets to Tokyo or 100,000 yen (1 winner)
- Second Prize: 50,000 yen gift card (1 winner)
- Third Prize: “Illustrated Universal Declaration of Human Rights” book (10 winners)
- Special Prize: Same as Third Prize for non-English educated participants (1 winner)
- Age Limit: 14-18 years old (as of October 9, 2024)
- Eligibility: Must reside outside Japan; University/college students are ineligible
Perks of the Essay Competition by International Christian University 2024
- Opportunity to win a fully-funded trip to Japan
- Recognition on the ICU website and certificates for winners
- Chance to visit the ICU and learn about Japanese culture
- Prizes include cash awards and educational materials
Benefits of participating in the Essay Competition in Japan
- Platform to express original ideas on global issues
- Develop critical thinking and writing skills
- Opportunity to engage with a global audience
- Enhances your academic and extracurricular portfolio
Exclusions of the Global Youth Essay Competition by ICU
- Essays must be original and address only one topic
- No AI-generated content or plagiarism allowed
- Essays that do not follow the guidelines will be disqualified
- Participation is limited to those residing outside of Japan
Eligibility Criteria for the Essay Competition in Japan 2024
- Age: 14-18 years old as of October 9, 2024
- Residency: Must currently reside outside Japan
- Enrollment Status: Must not be a university/college student by the application deadline
- Language: Essays must be written in English
Important Dates for the ICU Global Youth Essay Competition 2024
- Application Opens: August 9, 2024
- Application Deadline: October 9, 2024, 23:59 JST
- Winners Announcement: December 20, 2024, at 11:00 AM JST
How to Apply for the ICU Global Youth Essay Competition 2024
- Submission Platform: All essays must be submitted online through the Submittable platform.
- Apply Here: ICU Global Youth Essay Competition 2024 Submission
- Writing Guidelines: Choose one of the provided topics, write an essay in English (max 650 words), and submit it by the deadline.
Required Documents for the ICU Global Youth Essay Competition 2024
- Essay: Original, unpublished essay in English (maximum 650 words)
- Essay Title: Create a descriptive title that captures the essence of your essay
- Bibliography: If needed, include full citations for any sources referenced
For more information or to get started, visit the ICU Essat Competition page.
