Have you made a difference in the lives of others while studying abroad? Have you connected in a meaningful way with people and cultures in other countries? Have you built long-lasting friendships and mutual understanding through your actions abroad? If so, you are a student diplomat. Show us your study abroad experience through the power of video and enter the 2011 Student Diplomat Video Contest.

Ideas to consider:

* How did your study abroad experience affect you as a student and as a person? Are you more prepared for school and a career?
* What valuable lessons did you learn about the culture and people?
* How did you learn to adapt to a new environment and/or language?
* Did you have opportunities during your study abroad program to correct misconceptions about the United States or Americans?
* Are there ways that you were able to contribute something specific to the local community in which you studied, through volunteer work or other activities?

How to Enter the Contest

Video submissions should tell a compelling story about how students can become “student diplomats” while studying abroad, by making a difference in the lives of others, connecting in a meaningful way with people and cultures in other countries, and building long-lasting friendships and mutual understanding. Videos can be no longer than three minutes in length.

Ready? Head to:
http://www.connectingourworld.org/get-involved/students-connecting-our-world/student-diplomat/

Who Is Eligible

The contest is open to undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. You must have studied abroad through an accredited college or university program sometime in the past three calendars years (no earlier than spring 2008) or be currently studying abroad. Not sure if you qualify? Send questions to studentdiplomat@nafsa.org.

Join our new student community at facebook.com/StudentsCoWorld, which will keep you updated about the contest.

Contest Deadline

The deadline for submissions is 11:59 PM EST on November 7, 2011. After a slate of finalists is chosen by an expert judging panel, the winning and runner-up videos will be selected through open voting on the Connecting Our World Web site. The winner will receive a $1,000 travel voucher from STA Travel and the title of "2011 Student Diplomat." The runner-up will receive a hand-held flip camera from Connecting Our World and NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

Made Possible By…

Connecting Our World (powered by NAFSA: Association of International Educators), in partnership with STA Travel, are hosting the 2011 Student Diplomat Video Contest.

All information contained herein provided by Connect Our World, NAFSA, and STA Travel.