Win a 14-day Travel Writing Scholarship in Portugal!
Frequently Asked Questions
In partnership with:
Strictly one application per person.
Eligibility
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What is the minimum age to be eligible for the scholarship?
You need to be 18 or over at the time of the application deadline (before March 13, 2019).
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I'm not from an English speaking country. Can I still apply?
The scholarship is open to all nationalities. However, you must have an exceptionally high degree of proficiency in written English to be considered for the scholarship. Please note: you do not need to supply an English proficiency certificate to apply.
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I live in Portugal. Can I apply for this scholarship?
Of course. Our friends from Portugal are eligible too!
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Can professional writers apply? Am I considered a professional writer?
The scholarship is not open to professional writers of any kind. Essentially this is a 'learning opportunity' for someone who is looking for an introduction into the travel writing industry and more importantly, is keen to be mentored.
For the purposes of this opportunity, we would consider you to be professional writer if you have been published regularly in commercial blogs, newspapers, magazines or journals. We would also consider you to be a professional writer if you derive more than 25% of your income from writing of any kind.
If you have only had a few stories published, or keep a regular travel blog then we would not consider this professional.
Please consider the spirit of the program which is intended to help those with a burning desire to be a professional travel writer and need some help getting started.
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Do I need a current passport? What about visa requirements?
You do need a current passport with at least eight months left before expiry. We'll assist the winner in acquiring a visa and reimburse all associated costs. However, the applicant must be eligible to obtain a Portuguese visa.
Applications
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Can I apply more than once?
No, you can only submit one story per person, make it a good one!
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Does my application have to be in English?
Yes, the judges will not be able to understand your story unless it is written in English. The travel writing workshop will also be run in English.
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Do I have to write to the themes mentioned in the application form?
Yes, please pick one of the three themes we've provided you with. As a travel writer it is important to demonstrate your ability to stick to a given brief.
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Can I add pictures to my submission?
We haven't allowed for photos to be added to the submission, simply because you will be judged on the quality of your writing alone.
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My story has already been published on my personal blog. Can I submit the same story?
Yes, however, you should ensure the story meets the requirements of our brief.
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Last year when I applied I had to write about why I should be chosen for this opportunity, what's changed?
This year we'll only be asking the top 100 applicants for their personal essay. The successful applicants will be contacted by email with more information about how the process will work. So keep an eye on your inbox!
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I have submitted my story to a previous travel writing scholarship for World Nomads and did not win. Can I submit it again?
If your old submission still fits the criteria that you are looking for – yes. However, we do encourage you to read our guide, The Art of Travel Writing written by scholarship mentor Tim Neville so that you can improve your story before applying. Use the sign-up form on the left of this page to download your guide.
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Is there any wiggle room with the word count?
No, your travel story needs to be within the 700 word count otherwise you will not be allowed to submit. Please do not email us with a longer version of your travel story.
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Will my travel story be available for the public to view?
Yes, your travel story will be publicly displayed on our website. Please don't share information or anything you would mind your mother reading in this section!
If you would like your travel story removed from the World Nomads website please email scholarships@worldnomads.com with the title of your entry. Please note, your personal information and contact details will not be made public.
You can apply with a pseudonym if you don't want your full name visible on the post. Preferably in the following format: Preferred Name. First Initial of Surname (eg. Ernest. H).
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Can I edit my application after I submit it?
Once you apply, you will not be able to go back and edit your entry, so please make sure you are completely satisfied before you submit an application.
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Where can I find winning applications from previous Travel Writing Scholarships?
You can see last year's winners and shortlisted applicants here. We encourage everyone to read these before applying.
The Trip
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What will the scholarship winners receive?
The successful applicants will receive the following:
- Return economy airfare from the nearest international airport to Portugal.
- 4-day all-expenses-paid workshop with professional travel writer and scholarship mentor, Tim Neville in Portugal.
- 10-day trip in a specific region of Portugal with itinerary planning assistance and accommodation provided by Visit Portugal.
- 1-month Global Eurail or Interrail pass.
- US $1,000 spending money from World Nomads.
- Portfolio review of content produced in Portugal by National Geographic Editor-at-large Norie Quintos
- Copy of 'How to Be a Travel Writer' from our friends at Lonely Planet.
- The cost of any relevant visas and vaccinations and travel insurance for the duration of the trip from World Nomads.
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What are the trip dates?
The travel writing workshop in Portugal will take place on August 13 - 17, 2019 and the individual trips will take place from August 18 - 27, 2019.
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What will I be doing during the workshop?
Under the mentorship of professional travel writer Tim Neville, the winners will learn how to find a great story, create solid pitches, improve their writing skills and gain a better understanding of the travel writing industry.
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What will I be doing during the 10-day trip after the workshop?
After the workshop, each writer will embark on a solo 10-day trip within Portugal. During the trip, you will be tasked with writing about the people you meet, your adventures (and misadventures), and your local off-the-beaten-path encounters.
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Can I bring a travel companion or my partner along for the trip?
No, only the winners will be allowed on assignment.
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Can I extend the trip beyond the specified trip dates?
Yes, you can extend your trip after the assignment, however any travel after the official 2-week assignment will need to be carried out at the winner's own expense.
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Is there any other way to get into the program besides the scholarship? Can I pay for my room & board myself and take part in the program?
No, unfortunately, you cannot pay your way onto this trip.
Troubleshooting
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I have a problem submitting my application. Can I email my application to you? Help!
No, you cannot email your entry to us. All applicants need to fill out the application page and submit their applications via our website. If you have encountered any specific issues please contact us at scholarships@worldnomads.com.
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I'm not sure if my application was submitted correctly. How do I check this?
Successful applications will be visible within this section. If you cannot find your application here, it is likely we have not received your submission. Please try to apply again.
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I keep receiving a word count error with my story, how can I fix this?
Make sure that your essay is within the 700 word limit, as per our form's counter, and that you are typing your essay directly into the form. Keep in mind that we can't guarantee an external count will match our form's count.
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