WORLD IS A CLASSROOM

Do you have a story to tell about your favorite trip, and what you learned from it? Perhaps you experienced how different it is to live in France while visiting Paris with your high school French class? How about the time you learned Canadian history while traveling to one of the country’s national monuments? Maybe you learned about conservation efforts while visiting your local aquarium! 

Students who write an essay describing what they learned and how they were impacted by travel could earn a cash scholarship of up to $1,500.00 USD! The other top four essay entries will also receive a cash scholarship of $1,000.00 USD! The SYTA Youth Foundation offers scholarships to students who use their creativity to compose an article or speech that illustrates a student travel experience.  

The World is a Classroom Essay Contest was created in recognition of Ripley Hunter, Co-Founder and Past Chair of the SYTA Youth Foundation for his commitment and dedication to changing young lives through travel.
The application period is now closed. Winners will be announced in late June.​
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].

2025 WINNER AND FINALISTS

Congratulations to Ajrin Nawaz for being named the 2025 World Is a Classroom Essay Contest Winner!

 

Winner – Ajrin Nawaz

Ajrin Nawaz

Finalists

All winners and finalist’s essays will be featured in Teach & Travel magazine.

 

XinTong He

XinTong He

Ciaran Treinen

Ciaran Treinen

Watch videos from past recipients and read their winning submissions!