International Studies Picture this World Photo Contest

Welcome to our Photo Contest Gallery!

Every year the office of Off-Campus Programs/International Studies holds a photo essay contest during both the fall and spring semesters.  Students enter up to five photos that are judged by category.  Winners are chosen from nearly 200 entries by a committee of art faculty, Communications & Marketing staff, representatives from the International Studies department, and a student who previously won the contest.

Fall 2011 winners

Click an image to view it in full resolution.

Untitled Emily Boyd Guatemala Term Guatemala City, Guatemala There is no clearer manifestation of wealth than in the graves of the dead.  In a visit to the cemetery of Guatemala City, the capital of the country, we saw the distinctions of wealth clearly.  These are the public graves, which are rented out for a maximum of seven years before the body is dumped in a mass grave.  The facades are per personal order as well.  Very common was the cheapest option of blank plaster with a name scratched in.  Still, a beautiful sight to behold.
Spectator Sport Tara Clark Guatemala Term Antigua, Guatemala Semana Santa is a weeklong religious celebration leading up to Easter in Latin America. As part of this celebration, Guatemalans, especially in Antigua, participate in elaborate processionals. Clad in purple robes and carrying heavy floats, Guatemalans perform these penance rituals annually at great physical and monetary cost. This man here is doing the traditional burning of incense before the processional begins. Lately, however, this tradition with such sacred roots has become highly commercialized. People mill about, buying things from street vendors and gawking at the natives. Yet, the man still understands what it is all about. His face is turned away, he is focused on his task, and he has not forgotten what this celebration means to him.
The Pier Rahila Hungiapuko Los Angeles Film Studies Center Santa Monica, California As seasons change, locals of the Santa Monica area and visitors rush to the beach for a relaxing day.
Cafe Leah Neumann Guatemala Term Azotea Coffee Plantation, Jocotenango, Guatemala Guatemala’s economy and Bethel students’ alertness is dependent on coffee.  These coffee beans are drying in the sun, waiting to be roasted and become part of making coffee Guatemala’s number one export.
Amazon Amigo Brianna Pensini ISA: Brazil Manaus, Brazil During my time in Brazil I had the opportunity to travel to the Amazon. It was a nice study break to adventure on a riverboat and then sleep in hammocks at night with many other creepy creatures! During this curious adventure of mine I saw much biodiversity and spent some time interacting with the locals. We stopped for a hike and this is where I meet my monkey friend! My Amazon amigo was the pet of an Amazon family that directed our hiking tour. He wanted to eat some of my banana, so we shared!
The "Real" Karate Kid Andy Schiemo China Studies Program Hong Kong, China We were walking along the "Avenue of Stars" seeing the spectacular Hong Kong skyline, which stretched for miles. On the avenue promenade it is covered with stars and statues of famous Chinese celebrities. I then saw this boy showing off his fighting skills in front of a Bruce Lee statue and I think he had a black belt, too!
A View from Robben Island Megan Urness South Africa Term Robben Island, South Africa Right as the boat reaches Robben Island, where thousands of people were imprisoned for wanting change, you see this oddly beautiful pile of stones and then you look to the left and you see this depressing looking island where thousands suffered.  I thought this picture captured the beauty of a very hostile setting.
The Way of the Ostrich Amy Walton South Africa Term Eastern Cape, South Africa During our travels we got to visit an ostrich farm.  We got to learn about the ostrich, feed them and I even got to ride one.  I think I want a pet ostrich.
A View from Three Feet Tall Lindsey Vivian Guatemala Term Magdalena Milpas Altas, Guatemala On a home visit to one of the borrowers in our microfinance program, I saw this beautiful little boy standing amongst a field of corn.  I knew I’d regret it if I left this home without capturing this moment.  Still today, I cannot help but smile whenever I see his irresistible chocolate brown eyes and pudgy cheeks.
Fishers of Men Paige Lemieux Uganda Studies Program Mukono, Uganda Typical day of fishing for the locals on the Nile and Lake Victoria with a young boy in back bathing as usual to start off the morning.