Assisi 2025: My Experience at the Global English Olympics

Balint Nicoleta

11th Grade A

Have you ever considered enrolling in an international language competition? If so, take your 

time and read this article, as it might help you make up your mind.

Last spring, I participated in the first stages of the Hippo International English Competition,

and after stepping on the stage of the European semi-final, I was informed that I would get to

return to Italy for the final round, which was to be held in Assisi a few months later. Only

after the confetti had settled did I realize what an incredible milestone I had reached and how

much I would have to work for the challenge ahead. Nevertheless, looking back, everything

proved undeniably worthwhile, as what followed could only be likened to one of the most

prominent and enriching experiences in my academic life.

Upon my arrival in Assisi, I was welcomed warmly by the contest staff, and the registration

process went flawlessly. The same evening, all the guests were mesmerized by an exceptional 

performance, during which an Italian orchestra played their hearts out for an electrifying half

an hour in front of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels, at once delighting the

raving audience and easing the conspicuously unnerving tension between participants.

Underneath the glamorous atmosphere, this competition truly fostered innumerable benefits

for all its competitors, which thoroughly exceeded my expectations and will be explored in

the following paragraphs.

On the one hand, the mere participation has improved my English skills. Over the past few

months of preparation, I have developed a stronger command of vocabulary and grammar

through constant practice. The competition pushed me to express my thoughts more clearly

and confidently, both in writing and speaking. It also helped me become more attentive to

details and accuracy, which made my overall communication more effective. Most

importantly, this experience taught me discipline and consistency, demonstrating that steady

effort truly is the catalyst of progress.

On the other hand, competitions are notoriously culturally enriching experiences. In Assisi, I

met people from all walks of life and formed unbreakable bonds with people whom I would

have labelled “foreigners” just the previous day. We started conversations on the basis of

shared interests and gradually understood that there really was no world of difference

between us, despite cultural barriers. If you remove all the labels, such as nationality, from

the discussion and try to see the bigger picture, you will notice that all you have left is a

bunch of anxious youngsters awkwardly trying their best to fit in and make the most out of

this unprecedented experience, and will therefore comprehend how we have connected so

easily in just a matter of a few days. Moreover, given the stunning setting of the contest, with

such a culturally prosperous background, I naturally allotted some time to sightseeing and

visited the Papal Basilica of Saint Francis and the Secret Convent, the Basilica of Saint

Claire, and Rocca Maggiore.

On the whole, if I still have not managed to convince you of the advantageous side of

competitions, why don’t you just try it yourself? Even if you do not make it as far as you may

have wished, you still get an immense variety of benefits, with the ultimate goal of personal

development. I’m immeasurably grateful to my English teacher, dr. Vanda Stan, for instilling

ambition and competitiveness in me, providing such opportunities, and supporting me

relentlessly in achieving fourth position. I look forward to my next competition, and so

should you. It does not have to be an English competition; every subject holds tremendous

potential. I urge you to try participating and guarantee that, regardless of your previous

misconceptions, disappointment is not a viable outcome.