The photo contest challenged 2015-16 semester abroad and international students to connect their learning experiences to a global context and deepen their understanding of global issues.
Judges evaluated each submission based on the visual elements of the photo and how well the caption encapsulated an understanding and learning of other cultures. The contest challenged students to connect their learning experiences to a global context and deepen their understanding of global issues.
Read the full category descriptions below. Winning submissions will be on display in the Green Bean beginning the week of April 11 as well as on the Global Forum media wall in the Johnson McKinnon Center for Global Affairs. Contest co-sponsored by the Center for Digital Liberal Arts (CDLA).
Foundational Differences
Category Winner
"Two African American women getting married on the day when the Supreme Court passed the same-sex Marriage Law."
Zhihan Zhang '2018, Economics Major, International Student
Location: New York City, USA
Interconnectedness of Cultures
Category Winner
"At the US International Border crossing, going to start our day in Mexico. This is the reality for many people living bi-nationally."
Jasmine Yin Lim '16, English and Anthropology Major, Exchange Student
Location: US International Border Crossing in San Diego, USA
Sustainability
Category Winner
"Repurposing plastic bottles to divide landing parcels creates a juxtaposition and incites reflection on the human nature relationship."
Cristina Checa '16, Philosophy Major, Richter Summer Research 2015
Location: Cochabamba, Bolivia
Honorable Mention
Due to an overwhelming amount of beautiful submissions, the judges also want to highlight the following students. Their photographs particularly stand out as exceptional representations of the diversity of study abroad experiences.
"Afternoon tea in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town. Bo-Kaap is home to the oldest Muslim community in the region, known for its colorful façades and cuisine."
Nettie Stein-Miller '17, Diplomacy and World Affairs Major, Semester Abroad Fall 2015
Category: Interconnectedness of Cultures
Location: Bo-Kaap, Cape Town, South Africa
"Las Salinas Grandes (large salt flats), located in the Argentine provinces of Salta and Jujuy."
Georgia Tankard '17, Sociology and Spanish Major, Semester Abroad Fall 2015
Category: Sustainability
Location: Salta & Jujuy, Argentina
"Every weekend large crowds gather in the central district of Buenos Aires anticipating the internationally recognized performance Fuerza Bruta."
Georgia Tankard '17, Sociology and Spanish Major, Semester Abroad Fall 2015
Category: Interconnectedness of Cultures
Location: IES Buenos Aires
Category Descriptions
Students were asked to create a photograph that conveys a moment of learning that encapsulates their time abroad.
Foundational Differences
Photos in this category should demonstrate recognition of the cultural and historical foundation of human differences. Did you see differences in the concepts of beauty, time, or health? What moments exemplified fundamental differences in cultural practices, beliefs, religion, gender roles, notions of pride and shame, or values of collectivist or individualistic society?
Interconnectedness of Cultures
Photos in this category should demonstrate moments of engaging attitudes that reflect an understanding of the interconnectedness of history, ideas, people, and problems. These photos could take the form of you engaging with the local culture or otherwise integrating into the surrounding community. What did you see or do that helped you to develop or deepen a global perspective? Photos submitted to this category should demonstrate what you learned while abroad in relation to understanding history and culture through multiple perspectives.
Sustainability
In line with Occidental's 2015-16 college-wide theme of sustainability, photos in this category should engage our relationship not only to the planet, but also to one another—whether material, social, philosophical or aesthetic. How does living in a world of interdependence and finite resources play out across the globe? Did you observe people, places, or events during your travels that provided you with a new perspective on the topic of sustainability?