Celebrating Your Stories, Cultivating a Community
The Confucius Institute U.S. Center People-to-People Award honors a diverse group of students from across the United States for their outstanding commitment to studying Chinese language and participation in US-China educational and cultural exchanges.
Award winners will be recognized at the 2021 CIUS Center National Honors Gala in Washington, DC and invited to join the CIUS Center People-to-People Alumni Community, a network of honorees who promote the importance of US-China cultural exchanges and foster their continued interest in Chinese language and culture through CIUS Center global education programming.
‘Students’ of ALL ages are encouraged to participate.
Who can enter?
SHORT ANSWER: ANYONE with a connection to Chinese language or culture
We encourage all students of Chinese language and culture to apply. We define “students” broadly, focusing on competitor’s stories and experiences over age or affiliation.
Past Honorees have been:
- Mid-career professionals who feel connected to China
- Participants of Chinese Bridge and other similar competitions
- Retirees at the beginning of their Chinese language journey
- Exemplary elementary and middle school students
- College professors with a passion for learning or teaching Mandarin
What are the benefits?
Honorees will…
- Receive access to an exclusive Alumni community, including special events and networking opportunities
- Be honored at the 6th Annual People-to-People Award Gala in Washington, DC [or virtually - TBD]
- Be featured on the CIUS Center website and promoted on CIUS Center social media
- Have opportunities to be interviewed and/or write blogs and articles that will be promoted by the CIUS Center
How do I apply?
Applicants can apply via https://forms.gle/nThptTTpojMmJNUX6
Steps to Apply:
1) Read past contest winner’s stories
2) Write about your story.
Some things to consider:
- What makes you unique?
- How have you engaged with the Chinese/Chinese-American community and/or Chinese language?
- What aspects of cross-cultural exchange fascinate you the most?
3) Submit your application via the online form liked above
Essay Guidelines for Nominated Students
- Essays must share your personal story of cross-cultural engagement while exploring China and Chinese language and culture
- Essays will be evaluated on creativity, reflection, storytelling and your ability to highlight the impact of global education experiences.
- Mechanical Guidelines: 1-2 pages, single-spaced, Times New Roman, Size 12 font, excellent grammar and formatting, including a title, written in English, .docx format preferred
Essay Submissions must be submitted through this electronic form by April 27, 2020.
Why is there a nomination form?
Essay contest participants must be nominated by a Confucius Institute administrator or Chinese language program representative. If you have not received a nomination and are interested in participating, please email cius@ciuscenter.org
Is this contest only for college students?
No, Chinese language and culture students of ALL ages are encouraged to submit an essay. The ages of past winners range from 9 to 70+.
What if my Chinese isn’t very good?
Chinese language ability is not a consideration for the contest. Essays will be evaluated on creativity, reflection, compelling storytelling, and ability to highlight the impact of global education experiences.
Will I be notified if I am not selected as a finalist?
Only contest finalists will be notified and the names of finalists will be listed on the CIUS Center website.