How has learning another language made your life better?

Submit a video response to this question for a chance to win up to $500!

A little background…

Last year, McGraw Hill created a video series with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jhumpa Lahiri on the life-changing benefits of learning a new language.

In these short video segments, Lahiri talks about her experience of learning Italian as an adult and the valuable life lessons that learned, such as how to survive embarrassing mistakes and how to put ourselves in other people’s shoes. You can read about how learning Italian helped her find a new voice in this recent New York Times article.

Now we’d love to hear from you!

Record a short video of yourself sharing your answer to the question, “How has learning another language made your life better?” Your video can be funny, sweet, profound, heartwarming, silly, or dramatic. Whatever you want. You do you!

It is fundamental to engage with what is outside of us and what is beyond us.

— Jhumpa Lahiri

Whatever your approach, give viewers a glimpse into your experience that demonstrates a big or small transformation—something you realized or learned that changed you forever.

The contest will be open from April 21 – June 1 and we will award a first, second, and third prize of $500, $250, and $150!

To get your ideas flowing, watch the Jhumpa Lahiri video series!

Steps to Enter:

Review the Judging Criteria, Quick Checklist, and Contest Rules (below)
Using the Lahiri videos as inspiration, make a brief video that answers the question: “How has learning another language made your life better?”
You can enter one of two ways:

Upload a video to Youtube (set as Public or Unlisted) or Vimeo (set as Public or Private), and enter by clicking the “ENTER HERE” button below
OR
Post your video to your Twitter or Instagram, tagging @mhhighered and using our hashtag #LanguagesAndMeContest

ENTER HERE

To read the contest Terms and Conditions, click the Contest Rules.

Quick Checklist
In order to be considered, your video needs to be:

An mp4 or mov file
Run time should be 1-3 mins
Free of inappropriate or offensive content
Free of copyrighted material such as art, music, logos, or brand names
Including only yourself, and you must be 18 or over

Judging Criteria:
Content Quality (40%)
Memorable/Creative (25%)
Original/Innovative (25%)
Production (15%)

Here are a few samples from people who have had great language experiences. We look forward to hearing your story!

Questions? Email us at [email protected].