International Christian University (ICU) and the Japan ICU Foundation are organizing an online Global Youth Essay Competition, inviting students of all nationalities to articulate their perspectives on enhancing societal conditions. Each year, the themes of current affairs and human rights are selected for the essays. Participants must choose one of the two questions provided by the organizing body and compose a 650-word essay in response. The primary objective of the ICU essay contest is to cultivate students who will champion global peace.
ICU is a distinguished private institution located in Tokyo, Japan, recognized for its bilingual liberal arts curriculum offered in both Japanese and English. Since its establishment in 1953, ICU has been dedicated to equipping students to serve as global advocates for justice and peace through a comprehensive international education. The Japan ICU Foundation, based in New York City, operates as an independent educational entity with the mission of fostering global citizens committed to promoting human welfare. Together, these organizations are hosting this international youth competition, welcoming participants from around the globe without any form of discrimination.
The concept of “peace” can vary significantly based on context, as the challenges faced by humanity, both locally and globally, are intricately linked. The first question posed in this essay competition for international students is: “Identify a global issue that affects your community, explain your interest in it, and outline your approach to fostering peace in that context.” Participants are encouraged to share their innovative ideas and solutions in relation to the selected essay prompt.
The institution known as International Christian University exemplifies its commitment to fostering a global perspective and cultivating a diverse campus atmosphere. The University adheres to the tenets established in Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which asserts that “everyone has the right to freely participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.” The second inquiry of this international youth essay competition is, “Are there individuals in your vicinity who do not or cannot engage in the cultural life of your community? What do you believe contributes to this situation, and what measures would you take to ensure that cultural participation is accessible to all?” Submit your essay for an opportunity to win a complimentary trip to Japan or 100,000 Yen.
Benefits of ICU Global Youth Essay Competition 2024:
- There is no participation fee.
- Top Prize which include Two round-trio airline tickets to Tokyo in summer 2025 will be given to 1st winner and a guardian.
- A visit to ICU will be included into the trip.
- Instead of the airline tickets, the top prize 1st winner has the option of receiving an amount of 100,000 yen.
- 1 Second Prize winner will get a gift card of 50,000
- Third Prize 10 winners will get a copy of the “illustrated
- Universal Declaration of
- Human Rights in French, English, and Japanese” which is translated by the students of ICU.
- A Special Prize to 1 winner will be given who has not been educated in English for more than 1 year. The prize will be same as 3rd prize.
- All winners will get a certificate of winning the prize.
Eligibility Requirements for the ICU Global Youth Essay Competition 2024:
- ICU will not accept essays that propose solutions that are already established. It is essential for you to present your own original ideas and solutions. Participants must adhere to the ICU Policy on Academic Integrity and the institution’s stance on the use of Generative AI by students throughout this competition.
- Applicants should be aged between 14 and 18 years as of October 9, 2024.
- Only those residing outside of Japan are eligible to apply.
- University or college students as of October 9, 2024, cannot participate in this essay competition.
- Essays must be written in English and should include a title that accurately reflects the essay’s theme.
- The maximum word count for the essay is 650 words.
- Any essays that are not original will be disqualified.
Criteria for Participation in the ICU Global Youth Essay Competition 2024:
- Essays that offer pre-existing solutions will not be accepted by ICU. You are encouraged to share your own innovative ideas and solutions. It is crucial to follow the ICU Policy on Academic Integrity and the guidelines regarding the use of Generative AI by students in this competition.
- Participants must be aged between 14 and 18 years old by October 9, 2024.
- Applicants must reside outside of Japan to be eligible.
- Students enrolled in university or college as of October 9, 2024, are not permitted to enter this essay competition.
- Essays should be composed in English and must have a title that effectively conveys the essay’s theme.
- The essay should not exceed 650 words in length.
- Any submissions that are not original will be disqualified.
Application Deadline
9th October, 2024.
How to Apply
- The essays must be submitted online through the Submittable platform.
- First sign up, read the instructions and then submit your application.
- You can type your essay in a designated text box or you can write it in another document and paste it.
- The applicants can submit their essays till October 9, 2024 on official website.
- Winners will be announced on 20th December on the official website of ICU an by email.
- if you are interested and qualified. For additional information, check out the official link
English