Education Abroad

Photo and Essay Contest

Spring 2015 Photo Contest Submissions

  • Alnwick Avenue: In this photo you see a roadway located in Alnwick, Great Britain. This quaint town was the home of my Summer 2014 Criminal Justice study abroad program. The beauty shown to me as a student in England can be encompassed in this picture with the array of colors and sense of calm this photo gives me. This is how I will remember my experience, beautiful, colorful, and unique.
  • Farne Island Chapel: My Summer 2014 Criminal Justice study abroad program in Great Britain included various places of travel, including a small boat trip around Farne Islands. This interior photo of a chapel helps me remember the multitude of ancient beauty to be seen around England. The historic aesthetic memories of my experience will not be forgotten.
  • This photo was taken in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. I was able to travel to northern Chile and spend a week in one of the most incredible places on earth. The Atacama Desert is one of the driest locations on the planet, with areas that have not seen rain in over 400 years. This was one of many opportunities I was able to experience as a result of participating in the study abroad program to Concepcion, Chile.
  • This picture was taken in Vina del Mar, Chile. Valerie Mattson and I took the challenge of sand boarding down hills along the beautiful Pacific coast. The program consistently gave us opportunities to try things we never had done before.
  • Slow Picnic Sunday: This photo was captured in the warm sun of a Sunday afternoon. Some of my best friends and I stayed in the Gold Coast for the weekend to explore the hustling city, and caught a break with a seaside seafood picnic amongst it all. It was accompanied with this view, exhibiting the active Australian lifestyle and the picturesque view the country offers.
  • Start of Something New: Each day is the start of something new; and on Fraser Island that means a breathtaking sunrise. Each morning on our Fraser expedition, the students rose early and dove out of their tents as to not miss the strikingly gorgeous sunrise and sky art Fraser Island showed off. This unedited photo is one of the hundreds I captured as the sun shone inspiration and gratitude upon us.
  • Sunrise in Fiji: Each day is the start of something new; and on Fraser Island that means a breathtaking sunrise. Each morning on our Fraser expedition, the students rose early and dove out of their tents as to not miss the strikingly gorgeous sunrise and sky art Fraser Island showed off. This unedited photo is one of the hundreds I captured as the sun shone inspiration and gratitude upon us.
  • Macerata, Italy: Shows the city of Macerata, Italy. This was our home base for the Italy trip on Higher Education in a European Context where the picture is of the center of the old part of the city. This picture is one block away from the city's center where the church faces off the political building.
  • Urbino, Italy: Shows the city of Urbino, Italy; where we visited the University of Urbino. This hil ly city is where this palace lays in this beautiful Italian landscape. As we discovered the city, a friend and I found a park that overlooked the city with stunning views.
  • Exciting White Water Action: On this day, part of our lesson for the Geography 410 course was experiencing how to use white water rafting equipment. Once we all felt comfortable and were ready, the trip began. We enjoyed over 2 hours of exciting whitewater action. As we floated down the Balsa River, we passed through scenic forests and had the opportunity to spot wildlife. We paddled through crashing rapids and emerged on the other side smiling and wet.
  • Jungle Rafting: During our study abroad experience, we had a chance to enjoy some of the different terrain we were learning in our geography 410 course. We paddled down the jungle river and used teamwork, built team spirit, and saw many jungle animals and plant species we had learned about in class. After making it through each rapid, we would slap our paddles together and holler, "Pura Vida!" This translates to "Pure Life".
  • Little Tenby: The Wales study abroad program also focused on the importance of geography and culture. Tenby is a walled seaside town in Pembrokeshire, Southwest Wales. This small fishing village is one of the most unique in the world. The most notable aspect of Tenby is its unique, pastel colored, Victorian style buildings that line the sandy shore. Boats sail from Tenby's harbor to Caldey Island; a common tourist attraction.
  • Castell Caernarfon: The Wales study abroad program introduced students to a beautiful country that has been shaped by its rich history; this is a country that is unknown to many, but it is loved by all who visit. Castles are a large part of that history, and their current culture. Caernarfon Castle in Gwynedd, North Wales is no exception to the greatness that this country offers. Its breathtaking, yet dilapidated architecture is unlike any other in the world.
  • Growing up in Laos: While visiting several villages in Laos, I found that the children suffer from malnutrition and a large population live in poverty. As you can see, the boy does not have any socks on and he is covered in dirt. Looking towards the right of the photo, you see a shoe which belongs to a young girl that was playing outside. The children spend their days running around outside while their parents work all day. Many children get married right when they become a teen and don't get the opportunity to attend school due to the high costs.
  • Street Food: Street food is very popular in many Asian countries, including Laos. The food is cooked fresh in front of your eyes and due to the low currency in Laos, its quiet affordable. Several food in this photo is fish, sausage, pork, chicken, rice, and several soups. Although it can be unsanitary due to possible contamination and poor hygiene, it is a way of living and making income. Street vending creates employment and also allows those who have a low income to eat. I had various street food that were comparable to restaurant food and the only difference was the cost.
  • Beautiful Hike Along Hadrian's Wall: The first photo captures the beauty of the location of Hadrian's wall. I knew that England and the rest of the UK was a beautiful, bright green wonderland but to see nothing but green rolling hills on that, rare, sunny day was the moment I knew I'd have the best and most beautiful experience of my life. Seeing nothing but green for miles and miles with the sun shining down made me fall in love.
  • The Sunny Coast of Bamburg Castle: The photo of the Bamburgh castle was a great photo opportunity since someone had tried replicating the castle's beauty in the sand and with the sun shining down it looked so beautiful. This was the warmest day of the week break so it was nice to see the sun and let my family who visited see the true beauty of England as I had seen it so many times before that.
  • Looking Back at Arachova: Arachova was a town we only briefly drove through on our way out of Delphi. Delphi was one of the most memorable stops and leaving it behind was difficult. Right outside Arachova was the first place the bus stopped after Delphi and looking back at Arachova was like looking back at Delphi and the whole journey we had been on before that. You just think to yourself how lucky you are to be present in that moment. Cross-Cultural Psychology examines how other people live and interact across nations. It's not always tangible, but it's just as beautiful as Arachova.
  • Cultural Dancers: As many people know, Costa Rica has a rich culture, which is often exemplified by dancing. During one of my cultural excursions during the semester, we had the amazing opportunity to watch many cultural dances specific to the Pacific coast. It was an extremely moving experience for every single person watching.
  • Colors of Nicaragua: Nicaragua, despite most peoples’ opinions, is an incredibly vibrant country that is portrayed in many ways, including their clothes. These dresses were hanging in a small market in Granada and they are a Nicaraguan staple. Bright dresses bring a sense of happiness and positivity to the Nicaraguan people.
  • Top of Trsat: This is a picture taken from the historic Trsat castle overlooking the city of Rijeka, Croatia, where I studied abroad. It gives a view of the Adriatic Sea and Krk Island in the distance and the architectural style of the town in the foreground. We were fortunate enough to visit Krk Island during our three week stay and enjoyed spending our free time near the sea. After class one day, instead of hitting the beach, we made the long walk to Trsat and enjoyed this beautiful view of the city we had become so fond of.
  • Dive into Kintrida: This is picture taken at Kantrida pools in Rijeka, Croatia. This impressive complex contains two olympic pools, as well as a diving pool, and has won a world bronze metal in the category of aquatic facilities. It is located right on the beach overlooking the Adriatic Sea. My classmates and I visited this beach most frequently during our three week stay. The bright blue water, and the amazing divers really make this place stand out.
  • Castell Coch: We toured many castles in Wales, which has the most castles per capita of any country. The most picturesque of these was Castell Coch, "the red castle." The original was built atop a high hill overlooking Cardiff between the 11th and 13th centuries and was destroyed in Welsh rebellions against English rule. The current castle was rebuilt in a Gothic revival style for the Marquesses of Bute, a noble English family of 19th century tycoons who paid for it with money made from Wales' famous coalmines. Touring its extravagant rooms and medieval dungeon was an exciting highlight of the trip.
  • Worm's Head: Another highlight of the trip was hiking Wales' rugged landscape. Our first hike took us out to the three tidal islands called "Worm's Head," a favorite of tourists and locals including the poet Dylan Thomas. From Worm's Head, one can look towards Wales' sandy coast to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and Cornwall on the southern horizon. Goats roam the mainland cliffs, and the islands are home to seals and seabirds, for which the outermost island is a protected sanctuary. Hiking out and back before the tide came in was tiring but well worth it for the breathtaking views.
  • Caerphilly Castle: The subject of this photograph is Caerphilly Castle in Wales, one of many castles we visited. It was built in the late 1200s as part of the English occupation of Wales, and was also used in the English Civil War of the 1600s. It has been partially restored with the exception of the leaning tower at the right, which was bombed after the Civil War and leans at a steeper angle than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This castle is the second largest in Europe and the largest in Wales, which has more castles per person than any other country.
  • View from the Top of Mount Snowdon: Hikes were a major part of our experience, and the hike up Mount Snowdon, the tallest mountain in Wales at 3,560 feet, was the most rewarding. This picture captures a clear view from the summit in which the trail we took and the lakes we passed can be seen. The mountain features prominently in the most famous Welsh myth, King Arthur. Supposedly, Arthur's knights created the mountain as they piled rock on a giant they had slain, and Excalibur is rumored to lie at the bottom of the lakes below. Today, it is one of Wales' most popular outdoor endeavors.
  • Bright Eyes See Hope: Traveling abroad is about more than just being a tourist. It is about being a social change agent, immersing in different cultures, and interacting with people of the community. Volunteering at Little Angel's Daycare has been nothing but a blessing. These children endlessly remind me of why I wanted to spend a semester in South Africa. It is in the bright eyes of these children that I see hope for a broken world.
  • Marula: Marula is a twenty-year-old female elephant that was brought to an elephant sanctuary for safety and protection. She is missing the end of her trunk due to it getting caught in a hunters trap. Luckily, she was able to escape. These animals are killed for their precious ivory tusks, which are needed for survival. Being able to walk with one of the most peaceful creatures in its natural habitat was an unforgettable experience. It makes me wonder why anyone would want to hurt such a beautiful creation.
  • Emu Love: This photo was taking during out very first day trip of my study abroad experience. We were at Currumbin Wild Life sanctuary where these emu's and kangaroos were everywhere! I had then asked one of the workers if the emu would try to bite me if I took a picture with it, and he had said no. As you can see from this picture, as soon as I got close enough for the both of us to be in the frame... the emu opened his mouth to bite me!
  • The Uphill Hike: I took this photo during my Outdoor Education class camping trip! The class had just finished a very long hike up the side of many big hills, I did not think that it was going to be worth the pain in my legs. When I finally got to the top of the hill and turned around I was struck by what I saw, and that is shown here in this picture.
  • Women of the Khoikhoi Tribe: One of my favorite memories on this trip was meeting the leaders of the world's oldest tribe, the Khoikhoi people. The Khoikhoi were some of the first known people inhabiting this earth, and they were able to use their incredible strength and resilience to overcome some of the greatest tragedies in history. They have great pride in their heritage and great respect for human dignity and equality. They live by the belief that all people, animals and nature work together as one. That is something that I live by in my personal life, and meeting them ensured to me that those principles are priceless and irreplaceable. They were truly an inspiration, and their faces and lessons I will never forget.
  • Lawnmarket: One of the best parts about studying abroad in the United Kingdom was adventuring around the various cities we were able to visit on class field trips. My absolute favorite place to visit was Edinburgh, Scotland. Home to the official residence of the British Monarch Queen Elizabeth II at Holyrood Palace and location of Scottish Parliament. Although visiting important historic sites is important as a student abroad, and we did visit both Holyrood and Parliament, I find that the best experiences are in the heart of a nation's culture out in public. Here, is a photo on Lawnmarket Street in Old Town of Edinburgh where my friends and I were able to interact with locals and visit St Giles Cathedral.
  • Norman Acropolis: One of the most fascinating things about studying abroad in England was discovering little historic points at every site we visited. In this photo you see Norman styled Durham Cathedral on the River Wear, home to the Anglican Bishop of Durham. Adjacent to the Cathedral is Durham Castle. This is important because the geographical citing on a hill of both the castle and the cathedral served as a defensive mechanism similar to a Greek acropolis for centuries to come.
  • Taken in a cemetery not far from the cit center,I was exploring taking photos for a film class I was taking on campus. This encapsulates s just how much history London holds.
  • City of Counts: Taken while exploring the streets of Barcelona, It captures the essence of downtown Barcelona. Their flags hung in the window represents the culture that Barcelona holds as well.
  • Magic of Peterhof Palace: This photo is a representation of the types of old-world architecture that I've been lucky to witness in my parent's homeland of Russia. St. Peterhof Palace is considered to be one of the most luxurious (and expensive) palaces in the world. Exploring the extensive grounds of well-kept gardens, and golden fountains quickly became my favorite experience on my whole study abroad trip. I would have never been able to see it without this study abroad program.
  • Adventures in Siberia: Apparently Siberia did not turn out to be the frozen tundra everyone claimed it to be. Instead, this photo captures the raw beauty of St. Cloud and Russian students together exploring the lush green mountains of Altay. Camping with new friends was an incredible experience, and shows that an individual can make friends with people half-way across the world.
  • Reflecting Nature: Hidden in the Homestead Gorge of Mutawinji National Park, there are beautiful pools of water. These pools are completely still and create perfect-mirrored images of their surroundings. Our hiking group stopped at this particular spot to take in the landscape and its beauty. Here we were able to meditate on the idea of how amazing a place like Australia is and how lucky we all were to get the chance to visit locations such as this. Limited numbers of Australians have the chance to visit these secluded locations, which made the experience even more memorable.
  • Boomerang Lesson: Under the setting sun of the Australian outback, our aboriginal guide gave us a lesson in the technique of throwing a boomerang. While avoiding each other's renegade boomerangs, we all attempted this ancient Australian hunting style until we ran out of daylight. This was one of the most unique experiences of our trip, making us feel much more connected to the history of the land and Australian culture.
  • 551 Steps: Falling. Falling is my biggest fear. I am not afraid of heights - I am afraid of falling from heights. Climbing to the top of St. Peter's Basilica tested every inch of my free will. 551 steps, all taken with the acknowledgement that on the other side of the wall I leaned against was a drop of 150 feet. Shaking so hard I almost couldn't stand, I stepped onto the platform where this view could be seen, and in that moment, all my fears faded away. That's what studying abroad is-- fighting past irrational fears to experience the world to the fullest.
  • Many Branches: If studying abroad taught me anything, it was to look at things in a different light and take whatever paths presented themselves. It also taught me how far a friendship can reach. Fulda, Germany is the hometown of a friend of mine from high school. He experienced my America, but it was my turn to experience his Germany. My last night there, the sunset wished me a see-you-later behind a tree that exemplified my time studying abroad. Many branches all leading to one tree, like my many memories all leading to one common ground - a life changing experience.
  • Gold Coast: This picture was taken in the Gold Coast in Queensland Australia. What I tell everyone before showing them this picture is that I am not going to die from a spider bite, snakebite, shark attack, a dingo, or any of the other dangerous animals that call Australia home. I was going to die from looking the wrong way when crossing the street. Whenever someone studies abroad they adapt to whatever environment they are in, and while in Australia I was able to learn valuable life lessons through independence and almost getting run over.
  • Byron Bay: This picture was taken in Byron Bay in New South Wales Australia. What I love about this picture is that it shows what everyone knows about Australia and what most people don't know about Australia. Everyone knows that Australia has white sandy beaches that stretch for miles and miles with crystal clear water and this picture captures that perfectly. However, it also shows off how Australia has lush green hills. What I want people to know from this picture is that Australia is not just red dirt and beaches; it’s complex and beautiful in ways words can't describe.
  • Hmong Women from Opposite Ends of the World Meet: Hmong women from opposite ends of the world meet and stand side by side. A Hmong woman from Minnesota and a Hmong woman from the Nasala Village in Laos. Both are holding tennis balls getting ready to participate in a ball toss activity. This photo shows both simplicity of modern day Hmong American and traditional Hmong back at home in Laos.
  • Raining Monk: While it started raining in this village temple called Kampung Kura in Malaysia I came across a religious act happening, with a monk pouring water on a man while he prays. This photo shows serenity of one's culture and proves to another race or practice that even religion cannot be bought with money but belief.
  • Unforgettable Moments: Towards the end of the day the children's got comfortable with talking to us. With the smiles on their faces and their poses show how much fun they had. To be able to capture each moment that I spent with them is something I cannot forget. In just one day I grew so much closer to the children that it was hard to leave and say bye to them. With the experience that I had it was amazing. This may not be picture of me but it is of my experience.
  • Not All Who Wonder are Lost: Hiking through the Bush at Giraween National Park for our Outdoor Education Camping Trip. Five days, four nights of nothing but the Wilderness. Where people come together with teamwork and strong support. Even with compasses and maps you might find yourself "off the beaten path." As the saying goes: "Not all those who wander are lost."
  • Bali - I'll Never Forget: Trekking through the jungle, rice patty fields, and local village Home-stay's, where they take you in as their own Playing with elephants, and a spa where fish eat your feet Where Monkey's are sacred and rulers of the Temple Fire flares with dancers all around Busy streets, busy people, as mopeds go and go As you roam the streets by feet, Bintang is the choice of drink The beaches and sunsets make you stop and stare. Peace and tranquility fill the air The happiest people I have ever seen. Bali is the place I have been
  • Taking Chances, Falling in Love and Conquering Fears: The city of Barcelona stole a piece of my heart in one amazing summer. This picture was taken from Mount Tibidabo, a mountain overlooking the most beautiful city on earth. I am incredibly afraid of heights, but I conquered my fear and rode this giant ferris wheel in order to catch a glimpse of beauty. This picture will always remind me of how beautiful life is and take chances in order to conquer your fears. Barcelona made me fearless.
  • The River that Saved my Hmong Friends: This is a picture of sunset overlooking the Mekong River during my trip to South East Asia. The Mekong River separates Laos and Thailand. I am standing on the Laos side of the river eating dinner with my 50 Hmong friends. This is the river many of my friends had family drown crossing and for others the river that brought their family to safety during the Vietnam War. The Mekong River brings mixed feelings to our dinner table. Thank you to all my Hmong friends for teaching me about your culture and history.
  • A Hidden Gem: If one is ever traveling in Austria, visiting the small village of Hallstatt is a must. This hidden gem is tucked away in the mountains and the view will leave you breathless. I went to Hallstatt, Austria during a travel break while studying abroad in Alnwick, England. Discovering new places and gaining global knowledge is a essential part of the study abroad experience.
  • The Square Mile: "The Square Mile" is a nickname for one of the most beautiful cities in the world: London, England. London is one of the biggest cities in Europe and has some of the most famous landmarks. While studying in Alnwick, England, I was able to visit London and see some of the well-known buildings such as Big Ben, Westminster, Westminster Abbey, Tower Of London, Tower Bridge and many more. The view from the ground is beautiful, but taking a ride on the London eye and seeing the view from above is just as breathtaking.
  • The River of Hope: The Mekong River, the river that was hope for my people, the Hmong. My parents crossed the Mekong River from Laos to Thailand from the secret genocide that many do not know about. This photo means the world to me knowing that my parents crossed it and went through blood and tears to get my to where I am today. Today I stand as a proud man, to be called Hmong and knowing that my family went through all the horrors to have a better life. It was made me grateful for the things I have and the things I do not have. As I stared at the river all I could think about was my parents, my grandparents and everyone who had to cross that river just to escape for a better life. Its more then a river to me, it is a sign of hope.
  • Temples of Wat: Wat Pho is a Buddhist temple near the Grand Palace located in Bangkok, Thailand. This is where the mighty Reclining Buddha is, along with so many beautiful architectural buildings. While studying abroad and visiting Wat Pho, not only is the culture seen in artwork such as temples and shrines, but also the strong belief for Buddhism and their way of living.
  • Roof Tops of Italy: I traveled to Macerata, Italy during May of 2014 with a few of my fellow graduate students to complete an internship at a University abroad. We worked at the University of Macerata for two weeks and also were able to travel out into the neighboring olive fields and grape fields where they collect olives to make olive oil and grapes to make wine. The picture was taken out of the window on the second story of the university building I was completing my internship in. We walked everywhere in Macerata and the architecture was incredible. Buildings were built to last and had designs so intriguing that you had to stop and look, just for a moment. The picture also shows the fields where farmers worked every day to make fresh local produce that many people in the city indulged in later that day.
  • Cave Climbing: Here our group is climbing up to a cave in Russia where new species of humans have been found. The stairs scared many, but the climb and view was so worth it. The view and cave shocked me because it was a place so untouched, beautiful and intriguing that very few people in the world got to see. This is one of the amazing ways Russia surprised me. It is a Russia so few get to know and see, and we were honored to see a piece of it's magic.
  • Summer Love in St. Petersburg: This isn't a capture of grand architecture or history, but it's something even better; the heart of the Russian people. We walked this bridge in St. Petersburg with metal trees where lovers used locks to metaphorically lock their hearts together. There were so many who loved and locked that the bridge began to break under the weight so the original trees were moved off the bridge and new ones put on. This particular lock caught my eye so I snapped a photo. The Russian people were open, giving, and loving and I wanted to show that heart and love here.
  • The Street Markets of Hanoi: In Hanoi, this is an everyday life for the locals. They've created a market economy within their community and it showcases how everyone there is well adapted to the life of living day by day. Being there has made me realize although the locals do not have much, they are humble for what they have and they continue to do what they do every day in order to survive.
  • The Tilting Tree: This photo was shot off of the Hoan Kiem Lake. This photo shows a tree tilting to the side of the lake. It hovers inches from touching the lake. This photo is relevant to my experience because the tree shows beauty and grace. When you travel to a country that has pollution problems, you don't expect to see nature's beauty. However, arriving in Hanoi showed me what the meaning of beauty meant. Beauty is not shown by being surrounded with alluring objects, beauty is shown by eyes that believes something is beautiful from the inside out.
  • Mount Snowden Climb: Our group had just reached the top of Mount Snowden in northern Wales. All previous hiking ventures throughout our trip had been leading up to this. And finally, we were here. This was the moment so many of us had been looking forward to. It was the first time in my life I had climbed a mountain. The view was breathtaking and in that moment I felt as if I could do anything. I had done something I thought impossible for myself and come out stronger and ready to take on the world.
  • In the Market of Laos: This photo was taken in the outskirts of Laos in the early evening. The one object that stands out most is the face mask that was purchased before the photo was taken. This prevents the dirt road's dust from entering into the lungs. Although the background is blurry, one can tell that merchandise is being sold in an underprivileged fashion. Adding on to that, the road also tells a lot about the financial crises that this country is facing. The experience in this picture helped reveal to me how much we take for granted our clean stores, roads, and air.
  • Sea of Japan Sunset: bicycled to the Sea of Japan and saw one of the most brilliant sunsets of my life. A surreal sunset and my first time seeing the ocean just a short ride away.
  • Sea of Japan Sunset: bicycled to the Sea of Japan and saw one of the most brilliant sunsets of my life. A surreal sunset and my first time seeing the ocean just a short ride away.
  • La Dolce Vita: They say you can't take it with you, so I carried Macerata home in pictures that cannot do true justice to the experience of studying, interning, and living here as a Higher Education Administration graduate student. Deeply rooted ties between the Italian people and their roots nourished my appreciation for human history and my ability to contemplate higher learning cross-culturally, while delighting my palette with flavors coaxed from fragrant countrysides, pictured here in a visit to a vineyard in Metalica. "La Dolce Vita", Italian for the sweet life and rightfully named, endowed me with gifts that will last a lifetime.
  • Home Sweet Home: This picture was taken on my last full day in Alnwick. The castle had become a home to me and I was already sad knowing I had to leave it behind. While I can't visit the castle in it's physical form, I can still remember walking through the guarded doors and taking a minute to gaze at its beauty. I had a fairytale moment every time I went "home" that summer. When I posted this photo on social media, I accompanied it with a quote from Harry Potter that did a better job explaining my scenario than I ever could: Hermione: "Feels strange to be going home, doesn't it?" Harry: "I'm not going home. Not really." -Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone
  • Hadrian's Wall: This is an image of Hadrian's Wall. It was a long hike, but when we all take time to look back on our trip, it was a unanimous favorite memory. There was so much beauty along the way that we were able to take in. It was a historical lesson with many incredible benefits.

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