Collage photo with multiple students on study abroad programs. All photos are finalists for the 2023 photo contest. Photos range from iconic places to students having fun.

Study Abroad Photo Contest – 2023 Finalists

The annual UC Davis Study Abroad Photo Contest aims to recognize and celebrate student photography taking place on the many study abroad programs offered throughout the year at UC Davis. Over 300 photos were submitted this year. Thank you to all students who contributed their photos! Below are the 2023 finalists, broken up into two categories: Places and People. 

Thank you to all students who submitted photos to the 2023 Study Abroad Photo Contest!
Congratulations to our 2023 contest winners: Alexander Hu ’26, civil engineering major (‘A Holy Glow,’ in the PLACES category) and Santhosh Nandakumar, physiological science major at UCLA (‘In Par With Nature,' in the PEOPLE category). 

2023 Finalists – PLACES

Rippled Reflections

A photo of a row of trees with their reflection on a clear, glassy lake.
"Clear, glassy waters develop picturesque scenes across this glacial lake. Longfin eels
populate its waters and the dense podocarp forest provides for an enchanting ambiance as you
walk along the hiking tracks." (Photo credit: Rachel Delaney ’24)

The Colorful Village

A sea of colorful house on a hill in South Korea
"In the beach city of Busan, this small village tucked in the mountains funneling to a quaint port has become quite the star from its picturesque neon colored houses." (Photo credit: Geneva Tripoli)

A Holy Glow **WINNER**

As the sun rises in the east, rays of sunlight perfectly align with the entrance to one of the holiest Catholic shrines in the world.
"As the sun rises in the east, rays of sunlight perfectly align with the entrance to one of the holiest Catholic shrines in the world. An otherworldly environment emerges as the ornate ceilings and arches of the basilica become wrapped in a golden glow, illuminating the massive cathedral for the thousands of worshippers and visitors from around the world." (Photo credit: Alexander Hu '26)

Getting Over a Breakup

A parrot starring head-on at the camera--green feathers and orange/yellow beak.
"Hippo the eclectus parrot eats from a food bowl at Wildlife Habitat. He began overgrooming his feathers after his partner, Christmas, left him for another male eclectus. The keepers are working very hard to rebuild his confidence and find him a new lady." (Photo credit: Parker Milligan '25)

Catching Sunsets

Local vendors in Sedgefield, South Africa cruise through the beaches selling homemade crafts.
"Myoli beach in Sedgefield, South Africa is positioned in the famous Garden Route in Southern Cape. It is the perfect spot for crystal clear waters, soft sand and magnificent sunsets. The local vendors often cruise through the beaches offering local, handmade crafts to people for sale, as captured in the image above." (Photo credit: Aiperi Aruueva)

2023 Finalists – PEOPLE

Mask Dance of the Drums

A traditional Mask Dance being performed in Bhutan.
"A traditional Mask Dance being performed called Drametse Nga Chham “mask dance of the drums.” This dance is commonly performed at festivals in monasteries twice a year in Bhutan" (Photo credit: Caitlyn Wagner)

Meaklang Elephant Sanctuary

An elephant walks alongside his handler at this pastoral sanctuary nestled in the rugged hills outside Doi Inthanon National Park.
"An elephant walks alongside his handler at this pastoral sanctuary nestled in the rugged hills outside Doi Inthanon National Park." (Photo credit: Kira Sterling)

Countless Design Material

A student walks through a gallery of an assortment of materials for inspiration on an upcoming project.
"Gabriella Solakian curiously walks through a gallery of an assortment of materials for inspiration on an upcoming project." (Photo credit: Allen Wong)

In Par With Nature **WINNER**

Three student in a large canyon. The all jump in the air at the same time and the photo captures them high in the air, smiling.
"The Moon Valley is a large canyon filled with tall clay spikes and sharp columns that were formed due to the long process of erosion. The valley was named Moon Valley because the valley resembles the landscape of the moon." (Photo credit: Santhosh Nandakumar)

Lupine Lovin’

A woman looking out into a field of Lupines flowers
"Here is a photo of my mom standing in a field of Lupines. We were lucky enough to be in Lake Tekapo during the time of the flower’s annual bloom. What a beautiful place to be!" (Photo credit: Colin Bokor)