The photo contest challenged 2016-17 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.
Foundational Differences
Category Winner
“While I don’t hike across an island to herd sheep every day like my host mom, Benita, I was grateful to experience this part of her life."
Sophia Kauffman ’18, Sociology Major, Semester Abroad Fall 2016
Location: La Isla del Sol, Bolivia
Interconnectedness of Cultures
Category Winner
“This red rabbit is traditional" Master Cao said. He pulled another handmade lantern. “The rooster is this coming year’s zodiac animal"
Grace Gowen ’18, Sociology Major, Semester Abroad Fall 2016
Location: Nanjing, China
Oxy Student Experience Abroad
Category Winner
“Late night drive up Jebel Hafeet and jumping barriers allowed for this incredible view of the city of Al Ain."
Hanan Mohamed ’18, Diplomacy and World Affairs Major, Semester Abroad Fall 2016
Location: Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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.
“A wedding between the Indian Attorney General's son and his longtime girlfriend. The party lasted three days and over 1500 guests attended."
Hazel Hering ‘18, Economics Major, Semester Abroad Fall 2016
Category: Foundational Differences
Location: India
"Think of all the places you will ever go to arrive at the person you are today, oneness is achieved by recognizing yourself."
Annika Smith ‘18, Geology Major, Semester Abroad Fall 2016
Category: Oxy Student Experience Abroad
Location: Roy’s Peak in Wanaka, New Zealand
“Here I am with my sweet host mom, María, and two other women who hosted our group on Isla del Sol, in the middle of Lake Titicaca, Bolivia."
Theresa Edwards ‘18, Diplomacy and World Affairs/Spanish Studies Major, Semester Abroad Fall 2016
Category: Oxy Student Experience Abroad
Location Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
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.
Oxy Student Experience Abroad
Photos in this category should be of YOU experiencing your host country. This may include photos of students depicted in local sites, landmarks, buildings, or landscapes of the host country. We encourage students to wear their Oxy gear but it is not required. Be creative and show us how you explored your host country!