A vibrant photo collage with ten images from various international destinations, featuring landmarks, nature, and wildlife. Scenes include a Gothic cathedral by the water, a person walking toward the sunset, underwater snorkeling, a cozy café, people on salt flats, a torii gate in water, a sea turtle, monkeys resting on a wall, and terraced fields with grazing animals.

Study Abroad Photo Contest – 2024 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 500 photos were submitted this year. Thank you to all students who contributed their photos! Below are the 2024 finalists, broken up into two categories: Places and People.

Thank you to all students who submitted photos to the 2024 Study Abroad Photo Contest!
Congratulations to our 2024 contest winners: Reilly Dunn ’26, computer science and engineering major (‘Colorful Coast of Cobh,’ in the PLACES category) and Ali Yavuz Bozatli '26, mechanical engineering major (‘Silfra Fissure,' in the PEOPLE category).

2024 Finalists – PLACES

The Biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef

A large sea turtle swimming gracefully in clear blue water, surrounded by small fish in the background. The turtle’s shell displays intricate patterns and textures, illuminated by the sunlight filtering through the water.
"A sea turtle glides freely in crystal clear water surrounded by a school of fish within the Southern
Great Barrier Reef of Australia."

Bright Moon Shining

Sun setting as blue waves splash on the beach
"Watching the bright moon shine over the beach as we spent the night in Saintes Maries de la
Mer, in the South of France, after a lively dinner."

Scar and Simba

Two monkeys interact on a sunlit brick wall. One monkey is climbing, reaching out towards another monkey on top of the wall, which appears to be assisting. A metal fence is visible in the background.
"The Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu is a sacred temple that is famous for its vibrant and holy monkey population. I caught these monkeys recreating the iconic scene at the climax of The Lion King! I could almost hear them saying “I KILLED MUFASA!”

Rice Paddy Farming

Photo of green rolling hills in Bhutan.
"Farmers work the terraced rice paddies with cows grazing nearby."

Colorful Coast of Cobh **WINNER**

A waterfront view of Cobh, Ireland, featuring St. Colman’s Cathedral with its tall Gothic spire rising above rows of colorful buildings. The town's houses are painted in bright hues of blue, yellow, and pink, contrasting with the overcast sky. A small red boat floats in the foreground on calm water.
"The city of Cobh, Ireland. As a major port, this city was the departure point for over a third of the Irish emigrants bound for North America in the 19th and 20th centuries. Additionally, Cobh marked the final place the RMS Titanic stopped before its final voyage and sinking in 1912."

2024 Finalists – PEOPLE

Salt Flat Adventures

On a sunlit salt flat, two women wearing sunglasses sit on the ground, playfully holding up smaller figures in their hands through forced perspective. The smaller figures in the background stand in yoga poses, with the salt flats stretching out beneath a wide, clear sky.
"Playing with perspective as our group creates a fun illusion at Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni. The infinite horizon of the salt flats made the perfect backdrop for our balance and teamwork."

The Great Torii Gate

A man stands in calm water, reflecting the serene surroundings and the clear sky above.
"Accessible only by ferry, The Great Torii Gate on Itsukushima Island stands majestically behind a student walking along Hiroshima Bay."

Silfra Fissure **WINNER**

A man in a wetsuit and snorkel explores the underwater world, surrounded by clear blue water and marine life.
"Snorkeling between the Eurasian and North American Tectonic plate in just above freezing water. The “Silfra Fissure” reaches 100 meters deep and has extremely pure water."

Flavors of Comfort

A person skillfully preparing ingredients in a well-equipped kitchen, surrounded by various cooking tools and fresh produce.
"Nestled quietly amidst Osaka's bustling streets, this charming cafe owned by an elderly woman felt like a gentle embrace. For a fleeting moment, it eased the ache of homesickness and became our little haven far from home."

Walkin’ Through a Dream

A person strolls along a winding path through a lush green field under a clear blue sky.
"Ireland’s northerly position and oceanic climate combine to create slow and beautiful sunsets. Here, Brooke leads the group on a picturesque evening stroll through a park in Cork to visit some nearby cows."