World Nomads Travel Writing Scholarship 2020 for Aspiring Writers

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Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified Aspiring Writers for the 2020/2021 World Nomads Travel Writing Scholarships. This year they are looking for 3 aspiring travel writers to go on assignment in Portugal and be mentored by professional travel writer and contributor to The New York Times, Tim Neville.

On the trip you’ll attend a comprehensive travel writing workshop with Tim and witness the evolution of this age-old civilisation as it emerges as a hub for digital nomads and creatives. Then, you’ll be sent off to uncover the stories of the people who give life to the historical heart, sweeping coastlines and cobbled lanes of one of the oldest countries in Europe.

World Nomads Travel Writing Scholarship Benefits

Winners will

Receive a round-trip airfare from your closest international airport to Portugal;
Attend a 4-day workshop with Tim Neville and receive a portfolio review from Norie Quintos;
Embark on a bespoke 10-day adventure with US $1000 and free accommodation;
Score a copy of Lonely Planet’s ‘How to be a Travel Writer’;
Explore more of Portugal and Europe with a 1-month Global Eurail (or Interrail) pass;
As always, travel insurance for the trip provided by World Nomads.

World Nomads Travel Writing Scholarship Eligibility

Open to aspiring writers from all around the world;
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, World Nomad would consider you to be professional writer if you have been published regularly in commercial blogs, newspapers, magazines or journals. They 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 they would not consider this professional.

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Judging Criteria

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To be chosen for this scholarship you’ll need to convince the judging panel through your writing that you have the spirit of adventure and passion for travel writing. Your writing should showcase:

Great descriptive ability (without getting flowery)
A well-structured narrative and a strong eye for detail
Ability to uncover a great travel story and tell it in a compelling way
Excellent spelling and grammar and a knack for avoiding clichés

How to Apply for World Nomads Travel Writing Scholarship

Select your story theme
- ‘A leap into the unknown’
- ‘Making a local connection’
- ‘I didn’t expect to find’
Write a travel story
- Use your chosen theme to craft a compelling story about a travel experience you’ve had in 700 words or less
Complete the application form: Fill in your personal details so we know how to contact you should you make the shortlist.