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International Student Essay Contest

The International Student Essay Contest provides an opportunity for international students to reflect on their experiences and share their Spartan stories to encourage, inspire and educate others. By sharing your story, you can help fellow students and people in the greater Lansing community better understand what it’s like to be an international student at MSU. 

 

Essay Topic

2026 Essay Topic: Defining Success Abroad: As an international student, how do you define success at MSU, and what experiences have shaped that definition?

Submission Guidelines

Eligibility

Open to currently enrolled students in F or J immigration status at MSU.

Length

No more than 750 words typed and double-spaced. Include your name and email address in the header on each page.

Font

Times New Roman, 12 pt

Submission Deadline

Saturday, January 31, 2026, or once 50 total submissions are received, whichever comes first. Winners will be notified via email in March 2026.

Consent to Share

By submitting this essay, you grant permission to the MSU Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) to share your submission with contest judges and to publish or share my essay, in whole or in part, through MSU, OISS, or affiliated media for educational and promotional purposes. Anonymity cannot be guaranteed and essays may not be able to be removed once published.

Prize

Three winners will be chosen, each winner will receive a monetary prize, as follows: 

  • Best Overall Essay: $1,000
  • Best Essay by an Undergraduate Student: $750
  • Best Essay by a Graduate or Professional Student: $750

Prizes will be deposited into your student account. The money will be applied to any balance due on your account. If you do not have a balance due, you will receive the award as a refund less any applicable taxes. 

Submit Your Essay

The deadline to submit your essay is January 31, 2026 or once 50 total submissions are received, whichever comes first. 

Reception

Join us for a reception on Wednesday, March 25th, from 4:00pm to 5:00pm in the International Center, Room 303, as we recognize and celebrate the essay contest winners. Winners will have the opportunity to read their essays aloud to attendees.