Photo: dotbenjamin

Announcing a new contest where you can win free tuition to MatadorU.

Just over two weeks ago we announced the launch of Matador’s first educational component–MatadorU, a training course for writers at all levels of their careers.

Since then we’ve had dozens of students sign up and begin the 12-week curriculum. Discussion at the forums, writer/editor communication, and social networking / promotion of students’ writing has become more vibrant and diverse every day.

Plain and simple: it’s been the most exciting development at Matador since we grew from a single community to an integrated media network.

As a way of continuing to spread the word, we’re officially launching a twitter-based contest. Each month, we’ll offer one lucky student free tuition for MatadorU’s Travel Writing Course. The rules and ways to participate are super simple.

VIEW THE CONTEST RULES AND ENTER HERE.

Good luck to everyone, and we look forward to announcing the first winner!

[UPDATE 9/24: We're officially closing entries to this contest at midnight EST on 9/24.]

Photo + Video + Film
 

About The Author

David Miller

David Miller is senior editor of Matador (winner of 2010 and 2011 Lowell Thomas awards for travel journalism), and BETA magazine. After living for the last two years in Patagonia, Argentina, he is returning with his wife and two young children to the Southern US. Follow him @dahveed_miller.

  • http://twenty-somethingtravel.com Stephanie

    I would love to win this! Matador’s writing course looks excellent, but I am way to invested saving up money for travel right now to shell out the tuition. @20sTravel

  • http://www.vineyardadventures.com Robbin

    Hello Matador! Here is my entry for the contest!

    @robbin_g

  • http://www.gobackpacking.com/blog Dave

    I’d love to take Matador’s new writing course so I can improve my travel writing, which until now, has mostly been self-published on blogs. To improve I know l need to start getting feedback beyond conversational comments related to topics and content. If I hadn’t spent all my money traveling recently, I’d already be signed up!

    @rtwdave

  • Liam Robichaud

    @liamrobichaud

    I started working for a newspaper and this would be an invaluable course for me to take.

  • Betsy

    Every time I read a story on Matador, I find another interesting one, and then another and then another… There is so much useful information and good writing on the network, and I want to learn more about how to do what Matador writers do so well. I wanted to sign up for the course, but I spent every penny on travel this past year! So it’s not really in my budget. I would love to win entry into the writer’s program so I can better learn to share good stories with the rest of the world!

    @BetsyM

  • http://nomadderwhere.com Lindsay Clark

    I studied art for 4 years thinking visual media was my best means of expression. After spending the last 3 years of my life traveling (or miserable in between trips), I’ve discovered the blogs I’ve been writing for friends and family were not to make my whereabouts known but used as my principal means of expression…of understanding what I’m doing [tromping around this Earth]. I want to be a great writer, so that one day, I can be a great travel writer. And I have no money…so free tuition would be rad.

    @nomadderwhere

    Thanks, Matador. -Linz

  • http://www.mrstevesadventures.com Steve Bramucci

    I’m looking to jump to the next level– I’ve written for COAST, The Weather Channel, 944, BootsNAll, Trazzler and East Meets West Review, among others. One of my pieces was recently anthologized in the book I Learned Kung Fu From a Bearcub. But now I am looking to go full-time freelance and the course would feel invaluable. Why haven’t I simply signed up and paid the fee? Because I’m a writer. Our income streams can get tight.

  • http://www.indianajill.ca Jillian L.

    @phoenixis

    I would love to win this. I would love to learn how to turn my travel ramblings into publishable works.

  • Larissa

    I wanted to get a PhD in travel writing but they didn’t offer such a cirriculum at my university. I am traveling and I am writing, but I am not making enough money to keep myself out of a cubicle at this rate. Help! There are bloggers and travel writers making millions (almost), why can’t I? I want Matador to tell me.

    Love from Sweden,
    @theblondegypsy

  • Chrissy

    I’d love to win Matador’s free tuition contest because I love to travel and write about my experiences but I could definitely use a little help in improving my travel writing skills. This would be a dream come true. Thanks! @chrissycam

  • http://www.fakefoodfree.com Lori

    The MatadorU writing course is just what I need! At the end of this month I’m finishing up a two year experience living abroad in Brazil and getting ready for a month long trip throughout SE Asia. I started travel writing about a year ago, but I greatly need to learn more and sharpen my skill. My travel continues to give me so much material to work with and this course could teach me how to effectively put my experiences into words in order to share my experiences and help other explorers.

    @lori1329

  • http://www.wired2theworld.com Kristina

    I’d love to win this! I’ve had a travel blog for over 10 years, but learning is a never ending process and I’d like to do anything I can to improve my writing. Plus, it would be great if I could figure out a way to get paid to do something I love.

  • http://jackamoonthemove.tumblr.com Jackie

    As a broke recent college grad whose only real passions are writing and travel (well, with some photography in the mix, too) MatadorU would be part of my self-made masters program, which at the moment also includes living and volunteering in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I’m determined to always remain a student in life, be it learning from the editors at MatadorU or the cab drivers of BA.

    @jackamo_

  • http://www.asianramblings.com Steve

    @asianramblings I think the MTU course would help jump-start both my creativity and my career. I’d really like to be part of it.

  • Kristina

    Matador, matador, please select me! I’m a huge fan of your site and want to learn how to write professionally — or at least fine-tune my journalistic skills and better my creative thought process. Currently I write about my travels and ramblings on a self-professed blog but would like to gain a bigger audience, not for personal acknowledgment, but because traveling is a practice that should be shared and experienced by all.

    @kristiwl

  • Charlene

    I’ve heard that MatadorU’s awesome! I’ve tried writing in the past, even made it to school newspapers up until elementary school, but I can never seem to get past just that. Already in high school, my writing is still at the same level as it was in elementary. I’ve traveled all over Europe and Asia and I find myself struggling to remember the exciting things I did because I couldn’t write them down effectively in a journal. I’d love to win this contest because I know it will help me overcome this wall I’ve been stuck at. My trips are at my own expense and at my age, that isn’t very much. I don’t want to wait until I’m older, forget all the trips I’ve been on, and have to get a few D’s here and there in English along the way because of my writing. Anyways, here’s to the unexpected! @Spironin

  • Kal

    I’d like to follow up on one of my new year’s resolutions, (I know we are 3 quarters into the year here), and that is to improve my journalistic writing skills. It will also nicely accompany my passion for traveling as well as new found interest in taking decent digital photography/filming skills on these travels!

    @mastersson

  • Rhea

    @rheapapea I would love this opportunity

  • http://www.doubletakesblog.com Lauren K

    @LaurenKilberg … Because I can’t think of a better component to add to my list of “totally awesome and exciting things to do during my gap year.”

  • http://www.srslyjosie.squarespace.com josie

    because this would be a super awesome learning experience and prob more useful and fun then college ;) @srslyjosie

  • http://journals.worldnomads.com/packlightwalkslow Wendy A

    I’m always looking for ways to improve my writing, and I actually miss that personal connection in writing courses or workshops when we’re honest with each other about how someone can improve. There’s tension, and defensiveness, and then you (or you watch them) slowly see another perspective, moving past the emotion to look at their writing more objectively. And then reading the finished, collaborative piece feels. So. Good. I write for my blog these days, but I miss the constructive input that would help my writing develop with each new creation. Ultimate Goal: National Geographic. And this might be a step in that direction. Who knows! Thanks for this opportunity! – Wendy @ErthDrift

  • http://albara.psdgroups.com Albara

    “Because i believe that Traveling is the best school in life, it can polish and sharpen your character, personality and the way we view your life .. and for me winning this prize will help me spread the knowledge and experience, share it and inspire people” – @albara

    i know this sounds like a total B.S. but .. This is how bad i want it :(

    @albara

  • Abbie

    @abtastic518

    because I am just starting to “officially” write and need to learn some of the basic skills in addition to building upon what I already have!!! I don’t know many other writers that can give me feedback, and in the MatadorU program I would definitely get that feedback and support needed to turn me into an awesome writer!

  • Emona

    @ cofokle

  • http://wanderoverhere.com wanderoverhere

    @wanderoverhere

    I started my travel blog a few months ago for my trip to Japan and need all the help I can get! It’s soo hard to try to digest all of the advice out there and use it to produce good content. A structured training course is the perfect solution. There’s always room for improvement!

    lacking much needed direction,

    Harley @wanderoverhere

  • Emona

    Ever since I started reading articles at Matador, I’ve been amazed by the ability of some of the writers to connect traveling experiences with social or political issues, describe them so vividly and share how they were influenced by them. I would love for my writing to be that way, placing somehow each experience in “the big picture”. To do this elegantly, good writing skills are required and this is why I would like to join.

  • http://www.joelrunyon.com Joel Runyon

    @joelrunyon

    im a recent college grad and broke.

    I love traveling/writing/photography/videography and want to take the course so I can figure out why Matador doesn’t publish more of my submissions! :)

  • http://www.yvonnemjones.com Yvonne

    What a generous contest….

    I was a travel writer in a former life, both for a Large Travel Publisher Who Shall Not Be Named and the Giant Media Conglomerate Formerly Known as AOL Time Warner. I’ve had my passport stamped in Senegal, Greece, Canada, and Belgium, and lived in Oaxaca, Mexico for one glorious, life-altering year. (And I still have lazy daydreams about those colorful days as the only African-American in the state.)

    Last December, I decided to ignore the recession and leave my ‘good job’ at a well-paying dotcom for a fuller, healthier life–part of which means no longer being tied down to a two-weeks per year vacation schedule. Today I’m lightyears happier, forty pounds lighter, significantly poorer, and…itching to combine my mad writing and multi-media skills with the inevitable adventures that come when you temporarily ditch your digs to become a road warrior.

    @yvmariejones

  • http://gotpassport.wordpress.com/ GotPassport

    To whom this may concern:

    I’m not a professional writer obviously, but I believe that because I am passionate about travel, living abroad and a strong desire to improve my writing skills, I feel I am an excellent candidate for this program. I’ve only written a few posts on my blog. I am what you might call a true novice in the Travel Writing community. To become a better writer I do believe that having additional training in this area will enhance my ability to write better posts for the readers. In any new field, I recognize that I have a lot to learn and feedbacks from experts would only help me be a better writer. For me, there’s always room to learn and grow.

    Like many other individuals here I have a passion for travel and travel photography. In addition, I also have a passion for humanitarian issues around the glob, volunteerism, and a sense of responsibility to travel green with my family.

    I look forward to hearing from MatadorU!

    Thanks so much for the opportunity.

    @GotPassport

  • Reeti

    I’d like to learn how to fine tune my writing skills, write effective pitches and learn how to market my ideas. This, I think, would be a step in the right direction for me.

  • http://yaramaz.livejournal.com/ maryanne

    @koangirl

    Why do I need it? Because although I have maintained a blog for over five years and have travelled for 15 years and everyone has told me I ought to be a travel writer, I’ve never been able to find the focus to produce writings professionally…

  • David Tai

    @chincabomber

    I love traveling and have always told myself that I needed to start keeping a journal/blog and learn how to write better. This will give me an opportunity to start learning how to write about my experiences and how to share them with the world.

  • http://www.theaussienomad.com Chris Richardson

    I’d love to win the free admission to the Matador course as a way to improve my writing as I travel the world one adventure at a time.

  • http://www.theaussienomad.com Chris Richardson

    I’d love to win the free admission to the Matador course as a way to improve my writing as I travel the world one adventure at a time. Oh and my twitter username is @chrisricho

  • http://www.ForniFitness.com Tiffany Forni

    @tiffanyforni

  • http://www.thetraveltart.com The Travel Tart

    I’m always on the look out for new ideas and ways to improve my writing – one can never stop learning!

    @TheTravelTart

  • http://tiarashafiq.com Tiara

    Hello! this is @tiaramerchgirl. I have travelled and written since I was a baby, sometimes together. Now I’d like to learn how I can expand the two together!

  • http://slov.tv/ Diogo Slov

    Traveling has inspired me so much. I want to skill up and inspire others too.

    I believe in the growing strength of the internet in the coming years and I want to be part of it. I’m a Brazilian grad student and I want to use the ‘net to help develop the tourism sector in Brazil.

    I want Brazilian students to find out more details on backpacking, scholarships overseas, part time jobs and other alternative ways of traveling the world.

    I want foreigners to get to know Brazil better. We are a lot more than soccer, Carnival and beaches.

    And I also want to network with fellow students, too. I want to learn their points of view, I want to share my views with them.

    These are five big challenges, but I think they blend in well together. MatadorU would be an amazing advantage to speed up the entire process.

    Thanks for the attention, and good luck to all the participants!

    Best,
    Diogo (@slov)

  • http://meditationsonmyrtle.blotspot.com Ashley Flintoff

    @ashleysflintoff

    While travel, writing and photography are passions of mine, I lack the training and access to convert them into a profession that I love. MatadorU’s course, I feel, can provide me with the training and insight to achieve this goal. Why haven’t I signed up yet? Probably a similar reason to many commenting here: lack of extra cash, saving for the next trip, etc. Thank you for the opportunity!

  • http://ciaoamalfi.blogspot.com/ Laura from Ciao Amalfi

    Ciao Matador! I have been reading about and dreaming of taking your MatadorU course. What a lovely surprise to find your generous offer to give away free tuition! I would love to be entered in this contest. My twitter user ID is @ciaoamalfi, and I’m already following you guys. (http://twitter.com/ciaoamalfi) I am an American expat living on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, and this year I have set out on the journey of travel writing. It has been an adventure so far, I know your MatadorU course would be a wonderful help on my journey! I look forward to hearing the results!

  • Mike

    I want to win because having had numerous lame day jobs and having lost the most recent one on account of this suckass economy, I’ve come to seek a more steady, reliable line of work: travel writing. With Matador-U, I can get the training I need to become sucessful, and maybe even rise above my peers, such as the accomplished Steve Barmucci et. al.

    So, please pick me, Matador, before the imprint of my ass on my mother’s couch gets too severe…:-/

    @mluedke

  • http://www.theplanetd.com Dave and Deb

    Hey I am going traveling in two months for an open ended RTW trip. I could use some help learning from the great professionals at Matador!

    http://twitter.com/theplanetd or @theplanetd

  • Suzanne Delaney

    A self-proclaimed Carmen San Diego, this newly-minted NYU grad forged her own path in college, self-styling her very own travel writing major in the Gallatin School of Individualized Study and titling her senior thesis “The Cultural Politics of Travel Writing.” Now, mired in debt and desperate for real-world experiences that will give her the necessary know-how to succeed, she’s willing to go to the ends of the earth for a free pass to MatadorU — which she views as her own travel writing version of graduate school. So pick @suzdelaney to be this month’s winning student!

  • http://www.mikesryukyugallery.com Ryukyu Mike

    Winning this contest would make me a better writer and save me enough money for a downpayment on my next camera lens !

    http://twitter.com/RyukyuMike

  • Stephanie

    @gellersa

    I would love to learn how to actually get paid to share my adventures with other people. Plus, I have a horrible memory so it’s probably best that I put some of these things down on paper (slash word document…)!

  • http://www.twitter.com/TamMHua Tam Hua

    Hi Matador Network,

    My confession is that I have an intense love affair with the world. I am an International Business major at Ohio State University and write on my free time. I would love nothing more than the opportunity to learn at MatadorU about travel writing. Turning passion into a livelihood, wouldn’t that be a dream come true?!! Please find me @TamMHua. http://www.twitter.com/TamMHua

  • http://www.visit-the-coqui.com brian

    Great prize

    @coqui2008

  • http://www.twitter.com/juanxi Ros

    Nothing excites me more than the prospect of travel and the experiences it will bring — all the photos I can take and the food I can try! I’ve been a shutterbug of a foodie stuck in wanderlust for as long as I can remember. It’s about time I pulled my photos from the annals of my hard drive and paired it up with stories of travel — wonderful cultures, amazing cuisines and interesting people I meet along the way. My journal, family and friends have heard enough of my stories, I think it’s time to face a bigger audience! Getting into Matador U’s travel writing course is what I need to enter the next level. Someday I just might be able to travel for a living!

  • http://www.twitter.com/juanxi Ros
  • http://kevinandmeganinsa.blogspot.com Kevin

    The course sounds fantastic! I’m still paying off a few debts from my last adventure in South America, working my way from the Caribbean coast of Colombia to the bottom of Argentine Patagonia. I managed to write a blog and shoot a ton of photos, but haven’t yet figured out how to start getting paid for doing what I love. Here’s hoping that a Matador travel writing course could change that!

    @kevloria

  • http://muxer29.wordpress.com/ *AndreA SantoS*

    I see it as a win-win situation. My point of view is that this contest is more like an scholarship. As most scholarships I know, in exchange of the tuition fees they require some loyalty after graduation. If I was granted this scholarship for studying at MatadorU, I would get the confidence that I’ve been looking for, as a big fan of yours, to write the articles that I would like to see published in Brave New Traveler and you would have one very grateful and committed writer added to your network.

    @muxer29

  • Antonia

    I’m constantly chasing the “high” of being on a new adventure and exploring new lands. I want to complete the MatadorU program so I can spin my addicition into a way of living.

  • Carina

    The best part of traveling is telling your stories and relating it to your own life. I’d love to take the course and find out if I have what it takes to truly be a travel writer. @carinaport.

  • Steve

    @SeekingNothing

    There’s nothing quite like sitting down after experiencing an amazing new place and giving others a taste or two of what it was like.

    I want nothing more than to be able to travel and write for a living.

  • http://AmateurTraveler.com Chris (Amateur Traveler)

    I spend a lot of time doing travel writing and podcasting these days and would like to learn how to do it better – @chris2x

  • http://travelwithcybele.wordpress.com/ cybeleowen

    I am a tour director which is a seasonal job. I have been doing AWAI’s travel writing course but do not receive the support that I thought I would be getting. I would like to write better to sell stories. I have looked at your travel writing course and would like to be part of the Matador Network.

  • auralight1

    @auralight1

    I would like to start a blog with a huge following because that would be really cool considering that I am introvert with few listeners in the real world. Plus I would like to get better at my writiing skills.

  • http://sistersdownunder.waarbenjij.nu Caressa

    @CaressaMarel

    ”In life it’s not about how many breathes you take but about how many places in the world take your breath away.”

    Since I was a kid I loved to travel. Sitting in a plan and knowing that in a few hours you would be in a whole other country. A country with a different language, a different culture and different people. And I just loved it. Still do…
    That’s way I went to Australia for nine months after graduating high school in the Netherlands and I had the time of my life. Writing about it was so much fun, even now I can’t help myself and I read my stories over and over. Just to remember all the happy memories of that time. I’m now back for a month and still miss it. The new people that you meet everyday, the international feeling, the beautiful nature, and just seeing a whole new world far away from your home. I can’t wait to see more of the world and to write about it, so people will open their eyes and will read that there’s so much more in the world than your own little house. Learning about other cultures, getting to know other people is such a satisfying feeling.
    Broaden your horizon. That’s the beginning of a better world.

  • http://www.thereviewbroads.com Zipporah Sandler

    @zipporahs

    As a blogger, I’ve finally found my voice (or should I say “voices” as I have two distinctly different blogs). What I’d like most is to be able to expand what I do to the next level and write about the places I’ve been, people I’ve met and experiences that I’ve had.

    As an early retiree, I have the time to go, desire to experience and creativity to create. What I need is a roadmap to help me channel all of these in the right direction.

  • Mona C

    I have an idea for a book about travel and I want to make sure my writing skills and thoughts line up. Any extra help would be a god send.

    @sonotech63

  • http://www.DoingLifeBeingTiff.com Tiffany Eckhardt

    I have a passion for traveling…I would love to learn how to better tell my tales from the road and communicate my passion for traveling.

  • babs

    As a writer who cooks and a chef who minces words I’d love some practical instruction with regard to sharing stories about taking my show on the road.

  • Jessica Vance

    @jessicavance

    Working my second time as unpaid intern with a college degree is draining. I deserve to do something fun and fulfilling and perhaps, out-of-the-box. I am raring to put my passion for travel into words and perhaps make a few dollars (or euros) from it. I am sure having the MatadorU training would help me do just that; break out from “the box”!

  • http://suiteeats.blogspot.com Katie

    Words are my passion, and I want to learn how to communicate them even more effectively about the beautiful world around us, and not throw them around like dice. @GF_AdventureGrl

  • http://www.twortw.com Daniel

    @twortw

    Would love some motivation and inspiration for keeping up with a torrid flurry of posts on our travel blog!

  • Alex

    @AlexandraRS

    I went from being an ambitious English major and world traveler to a drone in an office cubicle. MatadorU’s travel writing course will help me tap back into my passions. I’d love a reason to think hard about something and develop my writing skills further.

  • Meghan Wilson

    @emmdub

    I want to join the travel writing school because I have been both a writer and a traveler since I was very young, and it’s high time I develop the skill set to combine the two.

  • http://emmalsefton.blogspot.com Emma

    @seftone

    …because travel is an investment in yourself and writing is the way to share the enlightenment.

  • Ana

    I want to win the free tuition to the MatadorU school because travel is my passion, and the only other thing I love just as much is writing. Sharing my journeys with the world as I make my way around the globe would be the ultimate dream come true. And I get antsy when I haven’t been on a plane in over a couple of months!

    @MissAnaMon

  • http://LittleRedTent.net/LRTblog Edie Howe

    @littleredtent

    Count me in for the contest–I live and work in Yosemite National Park.

  • http://www.mknonline.com Mike Nguyen

    @nornny

    I would love to join Matador U just to continue learning, about writing and traveling. I’m setting out to explore all seven continents before I turn 30 and I would love to be able to document all my experiences along the way in the best way possible.

  • jenny

    @jen11star

    After a hiatus of traveling and being an observer far more than a contributor, it is time to put my whirlpool of ideas into the universe. I am ready to go back to class…

  • Angeline Munoz

    @AngelineM1

    I’m 62, getting weary of my life’s work that has revolved around nursing, and am ready to reinvent myself. My dad was a writer and taught me the love of travel. I figure it’s time to put those two things together to start a new adventure. I’m ready to fly, and ready to win a free course from MatadorU to get me started.

  • http://friendfeed.com/wanderstruck Michelle R. (wanderstruck)

    @wanderstruck

    My heart seems to follow the beat of a wanderer. I constantly crave freedom, difference in land and culture, a world away from the one I live… where I can explore, think, learn and grow. And then, write about my experiences to inspire others to wander the world, too.

    I believe MatadorU’s Travel Writing course could help me combine my two passions — traveling and writing — beyond just tweeting and blogging.

    Thank you for hosting this contest!

  • http://mysite.verizon.net/vzepfrvb/fagantravel/ Rick

    I woudl liketo be able to put into words the details of the trips that my wife and I take since I am always asked to do so now.

  • http://warmoctober.blogspot.com gina

    twitter: ginamorra

    I already am a member of the travel writing course, so I don’t know if it works where one can get reimbursed or if there were ever more courses in the future to win!

    I really enjoy the course a lot… I’m learning and getting the chance to write and practice any tips that are given to me. I’m one to need a kick in the butt, so being forced to write is why I joined up. I think the best part of the course, however, is the PEOPLE! The network of travelers and writers all commenting on and creating new forums filled with questions, comments, feedback and suggestions. I’ve already made some friends- we follow each other on facebook/twitter and it really did open up a new world to me.

    Thanks, guys!

  • Wanda

    @worldyking

    What can be better than writing what you love and loving what you write?

  • Starlight

    @vflytrap

    I’ve recently discovered that I must change my career to something that suits me better;it’s been amazing to see the pointing finger of the universe respond with possibilities. Travel writing has always been a dream of mine – and a dear friend of mine who knows just that forwarded me this site. So here I am, following.

  • http://weightofsilence.wordpress.com Shelley Seale

    @shelleyseale

    I would like to take the course because I’ve been a writer for many years, a travel writer for 2, and have written for Matador Travel. I would like to expand and increase my travel writing business and portfolio. Thanks!

  • http://lindasyoga.blogspot.com linda

    @LindaSama

    have always love to write and am a good writer who has been told I should write a book about my adventures in india and about my yoga journey. and because I had never traveled overseas in my life until I went to India for the first time at the age of 51, alone, and have been returning every year since. I have many more stories to write because I am still writing my life. and also because I’ve never won anything in my life!

    my India blog….http://lindiasindia.net/

  • http://www.asianramblings.com Steve

    @asianramblings I’d like to further develop my writing skills and be able to better share the adventures I have.

  • http://www.myspace.com/ailyn Ailyn

    What a fantastic opportunity… I just don’t have Twitter!

    I would certainly love to be a part of this course. I’m already an avid writer; my next step is to finally move into what I truly live for: meshing my two loves of travel and writing. Can it be so? Will you Mr. Miller, be my online genie and grant me my wish? Will I finally move on from writing a blog that’s more like a journal into creating pieces that are published by the likes of Matador???

    But please don’t make me open a twitter account just to sign up for this great opportunity. I love Matador… I just signed up yesterday and am already addicted.

    :o )

  • LeeAnn P.

    @murphykatt
    I would like to develop my writing skills to be better able to share
    the amazing benefits I have received from my travels. I love to travel
    For the cultural experiences as well as the personal growth it has afforded me.
    Now that I have two young children, travel is a whole different experience and
    I’d like to be able to put into words the joy I see on their faces when we visit a new place. And really, how to explain the sheer enormity and vast difference
    between travelling on one’s own and with little ones in tow? Well, explaining and describing it is something I’d like to try with Matador’s help.

  • http://my-bellavita.com Cherrye at My Bella Vita

    @mybellavita

    Because I love to learn … almost as much as I love to write and travel!

  • http://gisforghana.blogspot.com Gayle Pescud

    I want to make a difference through writing and doing. And I want to be better at it. My blog is a start. I have another 120,000 words about my past four year’s experiences in the rough diamond polishing machine now. The more help, the better. Thanks!

  • http://voyagesandwords.blogspot.com Dolly Garland

    @lostwanderer5

    I love travel and I love writing. Having lived in 3 countries so far, travel has become part of my identity. It is a way for me to not only know the world, but know myself. Writing is a way for me to express what I learn and share it with others. I hope this course will enable me to do that in an entertaining, skilled manner. This will be a treasured opportunity for me, one I am unlikely to be able to afford for myself for a while, so winning it would open doors for me in the right direction.

  • http://www.facebook.com/rr5280 Rick

    I think this would be a great opportunity for anyone who like to travel. I enjoy traveling and writing but I don’t do neither nearly enough.

  • Erica

    What can I say that hasn’t been said by everyone else, while still being truthful?
    Because I’m a broke college student, who has yearned to travel and write since those early childhood years, but who seems stuck with a dead-end university degree and not enough money to simply pick up a backpack and see mountains, or sail, or live or indigenous tribes. I can’t boast several articles published before, I can’t boast a sad, sorrowful life, I can’t bost having read every single article on the Matador website, I can’t boast a profitable degree. Yet, if there’s something I can say is that I want — or, rather, need — to travel.

    @englishscissors

  • Tim

    I love traveling. I love writing. I work in a dying industry. What better than a chance to combine the two former as a way out of the latter? – @tball

  • http://yoursabbatical.com/angelapetitt/ Angela

    Just resigned my corporate position to go on sabbatical to further my travels and find a new career. Winning tuition for the program would be an awesome opportunity to inspire others, enhance my skills, share my love of travel, and move into a new travel writing career. Thanks for the opportunity MatadorU!!

    @angelwings1723

  • Yui

    Writing, in my opinion, is like a mirror which is not only to reflect what have I learnt, but also to connect between travel experiences and understanding my innerself and the world.

    I do believe that taking this writing course would help me getting clearer pictures of sharing how journeys has brought me back to life and inspired me to other explorors through words.

    @yuithetraveler

  • http://amanofnonation.blogspot.com/ Kevin Post

    I am a twenty-three year old student utilizing travel and living abroad as my classroom. Studying Spanish (poetry, lit. and teaching), Mountaineering/Climbing, Middle Eastern and Central Asian studies among other things. I would like to win this contest not because I want to make a career out of travel writing but because I simply enjoy it. I hope that people can feel my enjoyment reading my blog as I follow my aspirations living, working, volunteering, traveling, and studying throughout Colombia, North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. I still have a lot to learn and I believe that MatadorU can help me learn to write more inspirational blogs.

    @amanofnonation

  • http://www.reluctantrunner.net Candice

    It’s my itchy feet and my backpack which want me to sign up – I’m just along for the ride :)

  • http://www.nataliectaylor.blogspot.com @nctaylor

    I’m reading your site at 2:26 am for fun. I write. I travel. Let’s amplify it. Good writers you promote help you. I hope I can do that, currently not having the funds to take a course.

  • http://www.mycultivatedlife.com Angela

    This sounds like such a great program! I’ve seen nothing more transformative than being in a brand new place, experiencing a different culture. I’ve already done a substanital amount of traveling, and I’m not looking to just check off places on a list. When I travel, I enjoy trying to live as much as possible as a local… Learning a little of the language, spending time off the beaten path, and having great conversations.

    There’s so much written about where to go, what to see, and how to get there, but I also enjoy exploring why and considering the places I visit in a broader context!

    Thanks!
    @angelaasks

  • Amir

    @leyatem

    Because I don’t want to be just another travel writer – I want to be THE travel writer of our time.

  • Dan

    Well, I’ve been laid off from work for a week now and I need something to do. What better way to start a new career. Sign me up ……

  • http://rawtransformations.blogspot.com Susan

    @elasticfate

    I’ve got gypsy in my blood.

    My parents immigrated to America before I was born & took me on my first flight overseas to visit my family when I was 4. Since then I have not been able to shake this travel bug (Though honestly, I’ve never tried. Why would anyone want it to stop?) so I’ve been working on trying making my life as nomadic as possible so I can follow my soul’s desire to experience cultures all over the world.

    I’m a photographer & blogger have been traveling across the US since February conducting what’s been the most incredible experience of my life so far:

    http://rawtransformations.blogspot.com/2009/02/raw-vagabonding-community-building.html

    and though I used to write a lot in the past, it’s only recently that I’ve become nomadic & began writing about my travels. The response from people has been really encouraging & since I already take photographs, I’d like to learn how to blend the two together better. It’s also been a really long time since I wrote for anyone but myself, so I feel I could really benefit from the input of professionals who know the ins & outs and could help me craft my pieces in a more cohesive manner. I’d also like to learn how (and where) to market them.

    I’m already living an untraditional lifestyle, but would really like to make it more financially sustainable & pursue my passion for sharing my experiences with others.

  • Hailey

    It’s one thing to write about travel experiences… but it’s another to write something that interests and encourages others to reflect on their own travels or to challenge them to a new adventure. I want to challenge people to go beyond where they have before. Matador U will help me gain the skills to do so.

  • Hailey

    It’s one thing to write about travel experiences… but it’s another to write something that interests and encourages others to reflect on their own travels or to challenge them to a new adventure. I want to challenge people to go beyond where they have before. Matador U will help me gain the skills to do so. Find me on twitter! @haileymorton

  • Lindsey

    Find me on Twitter @lindzicarlson

    I’ve recently come home from a year of travels and have so many ideas, stories, and theories stored up that I want to share with the world about the journey that I took, and this opportunity would be the perfect starting point for that. I want to share my experiences with others who understand, as well as others who strive to travel and would like an insight into a travelers mind. Thank you for the opportunity to potentially do that!!

  • http://rcthink.com Ross

    I just got back from 4 months in Australia and New Zealand and had a fantastic time. I put what I could up onto my blog rcthink.com but am a little lacking in the skills department when it comes to writing. I’m definitely going to continue travelling as much as possible and would love to be able to tell my tales with more flair.

    I’m at @rcthink

  • http://www.nihonsun.com Shane

    I’m @shanesakata on Twitter and want to add more personality to my writing to encourage others to get out and explore both themselves and the world in a way that is engaging and captures the feeling of a place or experience in words.

  • http://www.wix.com/88photos/home Crystina McKenna

    I am @88photos on twitter and I really admire this website for the information and ideas it has to offer. Every single article is unique and well written. I would love to be able to take advantage of the educational opportunity and contribute my travel ideas and photographs to the community.

  • Stephen Strecker

    Hi, I’m @apocalisp on twitter and I think this school would do me a world of good, and hopefully in turn others as well. You see, as a traveling chef I spend my days tasting the many tastes of world. it has always been a dream of mine to write about my various adventures in a way that the everyman could relate to and learn the many recipes I have aquired. I believe this schooling may help bring me one step closer to that.

  • Cyra Alcock

    I am @cy_cy_ on twitter and I am interested in the winning the free tuition as I have an interest in travel writing and think it will give me the confidence i need to write freelance for magazines & publications. Also it will help me progress further with a travel story I have started writing. I really like the Matador website and it has helped inspire me to write more, and although I already knew about the course and was interested in it, I cant afford it right now.

  • http://www.examiner.com/x-20591-Springfield-Offbeat-Travel-Examiner Roberta Codemo

    I am @rcodemo on Twitter. I currently write for Examiner.com, where I am the Springfield Offbeat Travel Examiner. I am a freelance writer and former journalist who loves to travel. I am new to travel writing and would love to learn how to write travel articles that sell. I love the Matador website and look forward to having my articles published here soon. This course will give me the expertise and instruction that I need to add depth and richness to my writing.

  • Nita Street

    Been writing radio commercials and television scripts for over 15 years. Am DESPERATE to make the leap to travel writing to follow my dream of ‘walking the earth’, exploring new places and experiencing new cultures like some global vagabond for a variety of valid reasons: 1) to escape my boring life, and 2) to inspire others to do the same!! You better be giving away another free tuition to MatadorU for the month of October — I have to save all my funds for flights around the world!! Please consider me as your next likely candidate…

    Sincerely,

    ~ Nita Street

  • http://whereandwhatintheworld.com Maralyn D Hill

    I have been doing travel writing and blogging for quite some time. However, I always think one can improve and get fresh ideas. At the present time, I’m not in a position to handle the expense, but I would love to be one of those participating in what I understand is an exceptional course. I think this would also be a great course to offer to our members of http://www.ifwtwa.org. Improving and staing current on what works best is always a benefit.

  • courtney

    i’d love to win this contest so i can take my travel writing to the next level! i’ve ready/heard nothing but great things about this opportunity, and i’d be very grateful to be a part of this!

  • Katie Perkis

    I’ve been on a zero gravity flight with the Osbournes in Vegas, been part of a crew that made a film shown at the Cannes Film Festival and swam with dolphins in Florida and New Zealand. I come from a modest background and count myself so, so lucky to have been able to do these things. To be able to write about these wonderful experiences and to have them published would be an amazing dream come true. Fingers crossed! Catwomanga

  • Matthew Slaughter

    @mrslaug I’ve been traveling since I was 16 years old. I’ve had this boiling passion for telling others about my travels and persuading them to experience the world. MatadorU would be truly beneficial in making his endeavor possible. Thanks a ton for your time and consideration. HAPPY TRAVELS

    Matt Slaughter

  • http://amanofnonation.blogspot.com/ Kevin Post

    Hey Dave! I would love to win free tuition at Matador U in order to better express my goals and aspirations to the public. I currently live in Colombia studying rural tourism (which brings me to very remote regions of the country) as well as studying to become a teacher. I honestly don’t see myself as a blogger nor a travel writer but I would like to contribute some of my time and writing abilities to omit good vibes and positive energy about the people I’ve met and the places I have visited. I also would like to promote rural tourism in Colombia to help change the status quo. You can find me on twitter from time to time tweeting inspirational articles I’ve read via Matador.

    Thanks for giving us the opportunity to enter this contest.

    Attentively,

    -Kevin Post @amanofnonation

MatadorU →

Laura Cook is going to South Africa after winning The Guardian's contest!

Photo + Video + Film →

Matador announces new resource pages, creating one of the largest collections of articles...

Supporting Our Community →

Matadorians on hanging, rope, and otherwise long skinny bridges.

MatadorU →

Adventure photographer and MatadorU alum Jeff Bartlett is launching a new travel and...

Supporting Our Community →

Certain body language is universal. It conveys emotions that words often can't.

Supporting Our Community →

Here are Matadorians exploring the other 2/3 of the earth's surface area.

Supporting Our Community →

Grad and current student take first and second place in writing contest.

 

The first writing contest Matador has sponsored in over a year, the Transparent Narrative...

Narrative →

In which the editor of Esquire makes a case for The Magazine as the greatest medium ever...

MatadorU →

Active, direct feedback and a broader market leads system are two of the major changes...

Supporting Our Community →

Susan Marjanovic is totally living the Matador vision...so her win seems like perfect...

Photo + Video + Film →

After 8 months of work, Matador launches its first educational component, a training...