Essay SamplesF-1 PhD Student in Biochemistry from Argentina

“I greet most Americans with a nod… possibly a handshake and very rarely a hug. In contrast, Argentineans kiss on the cheek when we meet… Have you ever hugged an American?… I am not sure if it is the lack of practice or the possibility of lawsuit that renders Americans such awkward huggers, but I could get rich giving lessons, although I would rather not risk deportation due to violation of my F-1 status.”

J-1 Exchange Student from China

“The most exhilarating thing about living in a new country is that it enables you adopt a totally new mindset… Before I came here, I got accustomed to hiding my feelings and always tried not to make any mistakes. It was not until I met these vigorous students full of vitality and energy did I realized my passion towards life… Believe it or not, I’m a girl who has a long-existing fear for writing since elementary school. How incredible it is that I’m taking part in an essay competition now? Maybe that is just why America is called the land of dreams.”

Full text of winners’ essays: oiss.rice.edu/uploadedFiles/Docs/Essay_extracts_winners.pdf

Overview•Goal: Provide an event for International Education Week to bring together the campus community to reflect on cultural adaptation and internationalization as international students and scholars continue to become a more significant component of the Rice population.

•Topic: Acculturation and adjustment in the U.S. as Rice internationals through personal experiences (both good and bad). Essays from 500 to 1000 words.

•Prizes: Cash awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd places and three Honorable Mentions; awards given at reception where winners read excerpts

Diverse Participation from Campus Community

• 43 Entries included F-1 Undergraduate and Graduate Students, J-1 Exchange Students, and J-1 Research Scholars

• 5 Judges included Center for Asian Studies Associate Director, University Librarian, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, and OISS staff

Matt Stein, International Student Advisor