CENTER FOR ASIA PACIFIC STUDIES
Bridging the Pacific Essay Contest
The USF Center for Asia Pacific Studies is excited to announce the call for papers for our Bridging the Pacific Essay Contest. This contest is designed to promote student research and writing on topics important for our understanding of the Asia Pacific region both historically and today. All undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to submit a paper that exemplifies their outstanding work at USF.
Award
The center will select 2 recipients of the essay contest each year (1 undergraduate and 1 graduate student). Awardees will receive a monetary award ($200) and the opportunity to publish in the center’s e-journal, Asia Pacific Perspectives.
Eligibility
- Open to all current undergraduate and graduate students
- Only single-authored papers will be accepted
- Papers must have been written this semester (spring 2026) or last semester (fall 2025)
- The paper topic must be primarily focused on the Asia Pacific region and from a discipline in the social sciences and the humanities
Essay Requirements
- Undergraduate paper: Must be double-spaced and 2500-3500 words in length
- Graduate paper: Must be double-spaced and 5000-7500 words in length
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Students must submit paper by the last day of final exams (May 21)
- For questions or more information, please contact centerasiapacific@usfca.edu
Judging Criteria
- Significance of topic
- Logic & argumentation
- Clarity of writing
- Use of evidence
How to Submit Your Paper
- Redact your name, class, and date from your paper
- Paper format: PDF
- File Name: The document name should be the same as your paper title
- Submit your paper via email by May 21st at centerasiapacific@usfca.edu
- Subject line: Bridging the Pacific Essay Contest