Study Abroad Photo Exhibit

1st Place: “They Shall Not Grow Old” by Will Myers

Omaha Beach, Normandy, France
Security and Intelligence Studies in Western Europe
Summer 2023

A French resident stands solumnly in remembrance on Omaha beach in Normandy, France dressed as a US solider from WWII, just like one that would have landed on that beach 79 years ago during D-Day on June 6th, 1944.

2nd Place: “Plassey Shipwreck” by Sarah Vojnovich

Ballyvaughan, Ireland
Ireland: Creative Pilgrimage in Ireland
Summer 2023

This photograph was taken at the famous Plassey Shipwreck in Inis Oirr, which is a part of the Aran Islands. This photograph was a defining moment for me as a photographer and as a student at UNC Charlotte because seeing something so beautiful in its decay revealed to me that I, too, have grown and blossomed in spite of the hardships I’ve been through in life. Seeing this shipwreck in person made me so proud to be a Niner and to have the opportunity to go abroad to not only study in County Clare, Ireland but to also learn about my own family history that also started in County Clare where my great grandmother was born and was brought back to when she died. For me, I wasn’t leaving America – I was coming home to Ireland.

3rd Place: “Savoring Serendipity” by Sam Salvato

Lyon, France
France: International Management & Banking – A European Perspective
Spring 2023

Amidst the bustling streets of a foreign land, where the air is painted with unfamiliar melodies, there exists a tableau of simple pleasures. A dinner table adorned with an abundance of sandwiches, surrounded by new friends, becomes the canvas upon which memories are painted. In this moment, ordinary becomes extraordinary, a testimate to the joy discovered in the simplest of gestures.

Honorable Mention: “On Top of Mt. Fuji” by Von Alberto

Mt. Fuji, Japan
UNC Charlotte Exchange: Nagoya University of Foreign Studies
Fall 2022 – Spring 2023

Asheville hikes were always frequent in my childhood, so when my Japanese friend offered a shot at Japan’s highest peak, I was all in. Five grueling hours of climbing and an over night stay at a mountain hut later, I was determined to see the sunrise at the summit the next day. But dawn rolled in stormy clouds, swallowing my hopeful view. Rain poured on our final push to the summit, but then chaos erupted. Shouts, frantic pointing… then, a collective gasp. The clouds parted, revealing the sun igniting the horizon. My Japanese friend whipped out their phone, capturing the moment I stood atop Japan, drenched yet triumphant, the rising sun painting my face gold. That’s when I knew that this climb will forever be a highlight of my study abroad experience.

Honorable Mention: “Paradoxical Heavens” by Nicole Kythas

Istanbul, Turkey
UNC Charlotte: School of Architecture Istanbul Program
Spring 2023

On a rainy day in the busy city of Istanbul, the majestic Hagia Sophia emerged as a beacon of light amid the gloom. Its ancient spires pierced through the mist, inviting weary souls to witness its timeless grandeur

1st Place: “The Lantern” by Von Alberto

Fushimi Inari, Kyoto, Japan
UNC Charlotte Exchange: Nagoya University of Foreign Studies
Fall 2022 – Spring 2023

Fushimi Inari is a famous Shinto Shrine located in Kyoto known for its long path of Torii Gates. Lanterns would bloom at dusk, transforming the path into a whispering portal, illuminating with forgotten secrets.

2nd Place: “A Blooming Universe” by Sydney Ly

Tokyo, Japan
Japan Tokyo Studio Architecture
Summer 2023

The teamLab Floating Flower Garden mesmerizes visitors with its ethereal beauty, creating an immersive experience where vibrant blooms seem to float in mid-air, evoking a sense of stepping into a blooming universe.

3rd Place: “Mundane Monsters in Progress” by Caroline Wingerd

Wroclaw, Poland
UNC Charlotte Exchange: E.G. Academy of Art and Design in Wroclaw
Spring 2023
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Drawing on a large block of marble that will later become a lithographic print displayed in our exhibition.​​​​​

Honorable Mention: “Il magico Lago di Como” by Sylvia Sriniwass

Varenna, Lago di Como, Italy
USAC Italy: Verona – International Business, Tourism, and Italian Studies
Spring 2023

This picture was taken during a trip to Lake Como, the third-largest lake in Italy. The water was incredibly blue and there was wisteria blooming everywhere. The coastline of the lake is dotted with colorful towns comprised of quaint restaurants and art galleries. Our trip to Lake Como was one of my favorites from my semester abroad.

Honorable Mention: “Welcome to the Team” by Brian Edwards

Shinjuku, Japan
UNC Charlotte Exchange: Sophia University
Fall 2023

Picture after receiving my jersey for Waseda University’s Intercollegiate Bowling Team at Takadanobaba Grand Bowl in Shinjuku, Japan.

1st Place: “Sanja Matsuri” by Sydney Ly

Tokyo, Japan
Japan Tokyo Studio Architecture
Summer 2023

The Sanja Matsuri is a lively and colorful Shinto festival held annually in Tokyo’s Asakusa district, celebrating the spirits of the three founders of Sensoji Temple with energetic processions, traditional music, and vibrant floats. It is one of Japan’s most wildest and largest festival ever.

2nd Place: “Farmer Patrick and Merlin” by Alyssa Smart

County Clare, Ireland
Ireland: Creative Pilgrimage in Ireland
Summer 2023

Here I had the privilege to photograph local farmer Patrick McCormack and his sheep dog Merlin.

3rd Place: “Honoring Them” by Will Meyers

Normandy, France
Security and Intelligence Studies in Western Europe
Summer 2023

A group of foreign military veterans walk up the hill at Omaha Beach to the final resting place of 9,387 Americans at the Normandy American Cemetery, their pride in America and its role in the liberation of Europe during WWII is like none other I have witnessed.

Honorable Mention: “The Sculptor” by Michael Brooks

Carrara, Italy
School of Architecture Istanbul Program
Spring 2023

As a part of the Rome program, we took a field trip to the town of Carrara, which is known for its marble quarries. While there, we visited a studio where sculptors worked with the locally-sourced marble. The photo depicts one of the sculptors working on a piece.

Honorable Mention: “An Old Couple at Nagoya Castle” by Von Alberto

Nagoya Castle, Japan
UNC Charlotte: Nagoya University of Foreign Studies
Fall 2022 – Spring 2023

An elderly couple bathed in warm sunlight sit on a bench at Nagoya Castle, their passing conversation a testament to enduring love. The castle stands as a silent witness to countless love stories, while the photo whispers a narrative of intimacy and quiet joy. It’s a reminder that the most beautiful stories are often written in the shared moments, not in words.

1st Place: “Impromptu Tuesday Day Trip” by Sylvia Sriniwass

Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park, Italy
Affiliate: USAC
Spring 2023

This image depicts the beauty and serene landscape of Lago di Braies, a natural landmark in northern Italy, near the Austrian border. The juxtaposition of the mountains that jutted out of the ground, looming above us, and the glassy surface of the lake created a feeling of balance and peace. This trip is particularly special to me because it was the product of a spontaneous decision made on a day when classes were canceled, allowing me to witness such natural beauty.

2nd Place:  “Crimson Red” by Sydney Ly

Yokohama, Japan
Japan Tokyo Studio Architecture
Summer 2023

In Yokohama’s vibrant Chinatown, the rich crimson hues define the energetic district, where wandering through the narrow alley offers an immersive experience filled with diverse culinary delights and bustling shops.

3rd Place: “A Glimpse” by Abby Drabik

Granada, Spain
AIFS Semester abroad in Madrid
Fall 2023

This photo was taken in Granada, Spain and it shows a slight glimpse of the famous palace and fortress, The Alhambra. As I was walking through the town, I caught a sneak peak through the buildings of this wonderful sight.

Honorable Mention: “Alpine Serenity: Ibex Grazing on the Hardergrat Trail” by Soen Mccormick

Interlaken, Switzerland
UNC Charlotte Exchange: University of Mannheim, Finance in Germany Fall Semester
Fall 2023

This photo is one of my favorites that I took abroad. I desperately wanted to see Ibex before I left and was fortunate enough for the Ibex to show themselves to me.

In Interlaken, Switzerland (and indeed in much of the country), the ibex holds a special cultural and symbolic significance. The Ibex is seen as a majestic and resilient creature, perfectly adapted to the rugged mountain landscapes that characterize Switzerland. It embodies qualities such as strength, agility, and independence, which are admired by the Swiss people.

Historically, the ibex was on the brink of extinction in Switzerland due to hunting and habitat loss. However, through conservation efforts and strict protection measures, the Ibex have rebounded, making the Ibex a symbol of successful wildlife conservation in the country.

Today, encountering an ibex while hiking in the Swiss Alps is considered a special and memorable experience. It’s not uncommon for locals and visitors alike to feel a sense of awe and reverence when in the presence of these magnificent animals. As such, they are often celebrated in Swiss culture through art, literature, and even tourism, with wildlife enthusiasts flocking to the Alps in hopes of catching a glimpse of these elusive creatures.

Honorable Mention: “Cliffhanger” by Will Myers

Dolgellau, Wales
Security and Intelligence Studies in Western Europe
Summer 2023

An RAF T-2 trainer aircraft fly’s low through the mach loop in Wales as it’s pilots pose for the array of cameras on the hilltops to either side of it. This was just outside of our study abroad location yet it is a sight that you cannot get anywhere else in the world and thus I felt that the excursion was a necessary one.

“On Top Of Mt. Fuji” by Von Alberto

Mt. Fuji, Japan
UNC Charlotte: Nagoya University of Foreign Studies
Fall 2022 – Spring 2023

“Last Supper” by Destiny Needam

Dubrovnik, Croatia
Faculty Led: France and Croatia: Global Marketing Practicum
Spring Break 2023

As our trip came to an end, we took our final group dinner in Dubrovnik.

“Split Sights” by Allie Schultz

Split, Croatia
Faculty Led: Zagreb & Split: City as Text
Spring Break 2023

After a long hike up the local Croatian mountain, we enjoyed the incredible view of the Split coastline!

“Wellington, New Zealand” by Kaitlyn Gosline

Wellington, New Zealand
AIFS Abroad in Wellington: Semester
Spring 2023

Photo Contest categories

The winning photos from each category can be accessed through the links below. Landscape, Portrait, Defining Moment, and Self-Portrait are all judged categories, while Traveling 49ers is a special non-competing category. To view the photos in each collection, click on the name of the category you would like to see. Bon Voyage!

Landscape

Portrait

Defining Moment

Self-Portrait

Traveling 49ers

Opening Remarks

The Offices of International Programs and Education Abroad are proud to present the 12th Annual Study Abroad Photo Exhibit.

The pandemic changed the world for a brief period of time, pausing travel as we stayed home and viewed the world through media. But as time continued, we began to adapt, to learn, and to understand, and finally we were slowly able to restart life, but with a new normal. Students were able to return to travel with limitations in Fall of 2021 and by the Fall of 2022, most restrictions had been lifted and the world resumed travel and exchange. UNC Charlotte students were finally able to explore the world again through a variety of study abroad programs in nearly all continents. With traveling resuming, students were ready to share their experiences with the UNC Charlotte community. Through this collection, we are happy to say the world is still as beautiful and complex as ever. We are thrilled to bring back this year’s exhibit after a 3 year hiatus. More UNC Charlotte students study abroad each year since study abroad and international travel has resumed on campus and the interest of students still remained strong, which is displayed in this year’s exhibit. We are grateful to showcase our students and show the world again through the lens of our students.

about the exhibit

The process for this exhibit began in January when Education Abroad invited students who participated on study abroad programs during the 2022 calendar year to submit photos to our annual Study Abroad Photo Contest. Students were eligible to submit to 4 categories. Students were also encouraged to submit photos to a special non-competing category displaying Niner Pride around the world. Education Abroad received nearly 100 photographs from 30 students. Photo were judged anonymously by a panel of judges from UNC Charlotte. The judges submit scores to EA and students with the highest scores are displayed each year.

This year’s photos did not disappoint. We received some truly remarkable photos from all around the world on nearly every continent. We are so thankful to all the photos that our students submitted to us whether they were chosen or not. It is truly special to get to see even a small glimpse of a student’s study abroad experience.

We are grateful to all the people involved that made this exhibit happen. We want to give special thanks to the following people:

Joël Gallegos, Associate Provost for International Programs, Office of International Programs
Brad Sekulich, Director, Office of Education Abroad

We would also like to send a very special thank you to this year’s Photo Contest judges:

Daphne-Lorraine Chinfloo, UNC Charlotte Student
Joanne Michaud, Office of Global Education And Engagement
Joseph Dippong, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Sociology

Finally, we would like to acknowledge our Exhibit Coordinators:

Beth Lorenz, Assistant Director, Office of Education Abroad
Nyia Darden, Education Abroad Intern, Office of Education Abroad

Education Abroad would like to send a special Thank You to Nyia, whose hard work and dedication to this massive project is sincerely appreciated by Education Abroad. We wondered if students would still want to participate and her work brought back to life an exhibit that had not run in 3 years. EA cannot thank her enough to her work on this project.