ISE is committed to students. Obviously they work hard to get us all abroad, but they also offer cash prizes for a variety of things. Here is a list. I encourage you all to keep these incentives in mind and to apply for anything you can. Last year 2 of our students were awarded cash. Mitch Christensen was named Most Valuable Traveler ($250). I nominated Collin Powell for a college scholarship because he is continuing to study German. He completed the application process and was chosen for the ISE German scholarship. Are you ready? $2000! I know that helped him as he spent the summer studying in Berlin.
The ISE Student Alumnus College Scholarship
One $2000 scholarship is awarded to a student who traveled as a junior or senior on an ISE program. These students must also be planning to continue their language study in college. Students are nominated by their German teacher.
Most Valuable Traveler
There are 2 categories: Leadership and use of German. One student from our group will be nominated for each category. Nominees for each are entered into a drawing for a $250 prize.
Best Photo Contest
After the trip, you can send your best photos to ISE and enter them in the photo contest. They select one $100 winner for each category. Also, any pictures that are used in their marketing will receive a $10 Amazon or iTunes gift card.
· Nature and Landscapes
· People
· Elements of Design
The Trip Photographer Program
This is a new program for students who are especially interested in photography. It is a great way to show their talent and contribute even more. The guest photographers will agree to provide at least 15 high-resolution photos and descriptions to ISE at the completion of the trip. They must follow the guidelines established in the trip photographer agreement. Upon the receipt of the photos, ISE will provide the student with a stipend of $75 and he/she will be entered into a drawing for a cash prize of $250. More details are found here: http://www.isemn.org/assets/documents/ise-trip-photographer-agreement.pdf
Blog Post Contest
ISE has a student blog called embark!. It is a place for students to learn and to share about their own experiences. Students can write about their perspectives before, during, or after their trip. Visit http://letsembark.org to learn more about the blog categories:
· The Journey
· You are HERE
· Home Away from Home
· Let’s Eat!
· (Mis)Adventures
You can write a blog post, create a photo essay or a video. Each student who is published on their website will receive a Guest Blogger Certificate and a $10 Amazon or iTues gift card. At the end of the traveling season, they pick one winner from each category to receive a $25 gift card.
Here is an example from our own recent grad, Collin Powell. http://letsembark.org/how-to-change-your-life-in-ten-days/