This year’s fifth annual study abroad photo contest gave returning study abroad students the opportunity to share their rich cultural experiences with the campus community through photography. Photos were submitted showcasing scenes from all over the world—from the grand architecture of Moscow to quiet human interactions in Buenos Aires. Among the varied images, three were awarded prizes, in additional to three honorable mentions.
Over the course of the year, students share their experiences with the campus community through essays, presentations delivered in classrooms or during events such as the Academic Conference, and other co-curricular activities. The photo contest, which began in 2011, is another way for students to relay their time abroad with the campus community — an experience they often refer to as life-changing.
"At Holy Cross, we create a dynamic program of study for our students that provides experiences fashioned to challenge them academically and personally. Study Abroad also adds its own unique dimension,” says Brittain Smith, director of study abroad. “The authentic and immersive cultural experience, matched with a demanding academic program, pushes students away from what is known and comfortable. Time and time again, we see students return to campus from any one of our programs as independent learners and thinkers, with a grounded sense of themselves and their role in a greater global context."
The study abroad program continues to grow each year, with 290 students participating during the 2015-2016 academic year, including summer 2015. Holy Cross offers 50 study abroad programs in 29 countries around the world, ranging in duration, but is particularly known for its year-long academic and cultural immersion programs. The College currently ranks number one among baccalaureate institutions in the United States for long-term study abroad programs according to the Institute for International Education.
2015 Study Abroad Photo Contest Award Winners
First Place
"My Home Away From Home"
Lindsay McIlmurray '16
Location: York, England
Program: University of York
Second Place
"Outskirts"
Katherine Parker '16
Location: Lima, Peru
Program: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Perú
Third Place
"Rainbow over Monteverde"
Dan Hodgkinson '16
Location: Monteverde, Costa Rica
Program: The School for Field Studies, Costa Rica
Honorable Mentions
"La Corrida"
Lillian Daley '16
Location: Nîmes, France
Program: Universite de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
Honorable Mentions
"On the road to Hogwarts"
Zhenxi Qi '16
Location: Scottish Highland
Program: University of St. Andrews, Scotland
Honorable Mentions
"Paris beneath storm clouds"
Muriel Ryan '16
Location: Paris, France, on top of the Arc de Triomphe
Program: University of College Cork, Ireland
Related Information
- Check out the blogs of current study abroad students at me.holycross.edu
- Holy Cross Ranks First in Long-Term Study Abroad Participation
- Study Abroad Program
