Eligibility: Students from Grades 8-12 Registration is Open!
APPLY NOW The Yale International Relations Association Global Essay competition provides an exciting opportunity for students to show their talents and ideas to Yale students and receive feedback from students accomplished in International Relations.
This competition inspires students to push their boundaries and experiment with diverse writing styles, enhancing their overall writing proficiency, with participants from across the globe.
01Valuable feedback to enhance your writing proficiency.
02Opportunity to challenge and refine your academic capabilities.
03Recognition and awards for the top 3 essays.
04Designation as "Finalists" for the top 25% of participants, acknowledging their exceptional contributions.
All Participants to receive certificates from Yale International Relations Association and Learn with Leaders
Exhibit good grammar and a coherent, strong structure.
Demonstrate an awareness of the world around them.
Clearly answer the question by explaining the significance of the issue.
Be bold and exciting to read.
Begin to explore potential solutions to the issue.
Be thought-provoking, leaving the reader with questions to ponder.
The Yale International Relations Association is the largest student-run organizations at Yale College. After the political turbulence of the 1960s, a group of Yale students came together seeking to promote a better understanding of global affairs. As a result, the Yale International Relations Association (YIRA) was founded in 1969.
YIRA strives to foster conversation about international relations on campus and beyond through conferences, classes, travel, publications, and speaker and social events. We aim to create an inclusive, diverse, and accessible educational space for students, providing resources that enrich public speaking, leadership, critical analysis, and problem-solving abilities so members may best apply their passion for international relations and give back to the world.
Micah Draper is a first-year from Wallburg, North Carolina majoring in Global Affairs and Modern Middle East Studies with certificates in Education Studies and Arabic. In addition to his role as a delegate competing for the Model United Nations Team at Yale, he is President of the Yale First-Year College Council, plays French horn in the Yale Concert Band, and is the Under-Secretary-General of Beginner Committees for Yale Model UN Europe. Aside from school, Micah is an avid pickleball player and loves to hike, especially in the North Carolina mountains.
Hello! My name is Alba Quintas Núñez and I am an international student from Spain at Yale. I am double majoring in Computer Science and Political Science, and I love to write. Back in Spain, I participated in several writing competitions and in 2023 I was awarded the best young journalist of my region. I also proofread college essays for prospective Spanish applicants to universities in the US. I look forward to reading all your pieces!
Marah Rigaud, a native of Long Island, New York, is a student at Yale University with plans to major in Global Affairs and African American Studies. She is deeply passionate about human rights, international relations, and law, with a strong commitment to driving meaningful change on a global scale. Marah aspires to work with non-profit organizations and contribute to initiatives led by the United Nations, aiming to address pressing social and political issues worldwide. Her dedication to advocacy and international collaboration reflects her vision for a more equitable and inclusive future.
Milo is a first-year student at Yale University and intends to major in Mathematics and Philosophy. He is currently enrolled in Directed Studies, a year-long humanities program where he writes weekly papers in Philosophy, Literature and Historical and Political Thought. Outside of the classroom, Milo competes on the Model UN Team at Yale and also plays for the Yale Club Tennis team. Milo is a dual French/British citizen and grew up in London.
Netra Easwaran is a sophomore at Yale University, majoring in Political Science. Netra competes on Yale’s Model United Nations Team and Yale’s Debate Association. She has served as Director-General of Committees for YMUN Dubai II, Crisis Director for YMUN Europe, and Assistant Secretary-General of Committees for YMUN 50. Netra has also been involved in projects for the Yale Policy Initiative and Undergraduate Legal Aid Association. She is a Board Member of the South Asian Youth Initiative, a Contributing Reporter for the Yale Daily News, and Events Chair for the Hindu Students Organization.
Felix is a Freshman at Yale studying Ethics, Politics, and Economics. He is from Alaska but also has lived in New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, China, and Canada! Felix is a member of MUNTY and the Yale Debate Association at Yale. He is passionate about education and foreign policy and is looking forward to reading and mentoring these awesome essays!
Melanie is a sophomore at Yale studying History and Russian. She is from Miami and is on the competing Model UN team at Yale! Outside of her involvement with MUN, Melanie writes for the Yale Undergraduate Law Journal, works at the Wu Tsai Institute, and helps students in Florida learn public speaking skills. She is very excited to read your essays and learn about your passion for international relations!
Neuroscience major and Sophomore at Yale University. Training director of Yale’s Competitive MUN Team. New York native, and Atlanta transplant. Current Baltimore, MD pseudo-resident. Aspiring lawyer and infrequent ballet dancer.
Shalina is a sophomore at Yale University majoring in Global Affairs. On campus, she's involved with MUNTY, Yale's competitive Model UN Team, and is on the executive board of the Yale International Relations Association (YIRA). In her free time, she loves to travel, spend time with her friends, and cook.