Are you, or do you know, a high school student passionate about international relations and ready to make a global impact? The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) and Semester at Sea (SAS) invite you to embark on an educational journey like no other. Through the AFSA National High School Essay Contest, students not only have the chance to sharpen their understanding of diplomacy but also compete for an incredible reward: a full Semester at Sea scholarship.
The Contest: A Launchpad for Aspiring Diplomats
The AFSA National High School Essay Contest challenges students in grades 9-12 to tackle pressing issues in U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy. Open to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, this contest fosters critical thinking and writing skills while inspiring young minds to explore international affairs.
Prizes Include:
- First Place: $2,500 cash, an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with a State Department leader, and a full scholarship for a Semester at Sea voyage (valued at $24,950).
- Runner-Up: $1,250 cash and full tuition for the National Student Leadership Conference’s International Diplomacy Program.
Applications for the 2025 contest are now being accepted!
Deadline to submit is March 1, 2025 by 11:59 p.m. EDT.
A Transformative Partnership
The collaboration between AFSA and the Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE), the sponsor of Semester at Sea, underscores a mutual commitment to global learning and cross-cultural understanding. Semester at Sea’s unique study-abroad model takes students on a voyage across multiple countries, combining academic coursework with hands-on learning experiences.
By participating in the essay contest and embarking on a Semester at Sea voyage, students gain:
- Academic Excellence: Rigorous coursework paired with real-world applications.
- Cultural Immersion: Meaningful engagement with diverse communities around the world.
- Personal Growth: A foundation for leadership roles in diplomacy, global education, or international relations.
The Future Awaits
The world needs empathetic leaders ready to navigate its complexities. This partnership between AFSA and Semester at Sea inspires the next generation to step into these roles and make a meaningful difference. Could the next essay contest winner be you? The journey of a lifetime starts here.