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.

UC Davis Global Learning Photo Contest

UC Davis Global Learning Photo Contest – 2025

The annual UC Davis Global Learning Photo Contest (formally called the 'UC Davis Study Abroad Photo Contest') aims to recognize and celebrate student photography taking place on the many global learning programs offered throughout the year at UC Davis.

Global Learning program examples include, but are not limited to: UC Davis Study Abroad, Widening Circles, Global Impact Fellows, Global Ambassador Mentorship Program, and Global Grad Grant Recipients.

Detailed instructions and guidelines regarding our photo contest are below, but the gist: (1) Submit up to five photos in the categories of People and Places taken during your recent global learning program, (2) vote for your favorites, (3) win prizes, and (4) have your pictures featured on Instagram and around campus!

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS!

Who May Enter

Anyone who has, or will, participate in a 2024-25 global learning program. Global Learning programs can take place virtually, on-campus, in the U.S. or abroad. 

What to Enter

A man stands in calm water, reflecting the serene surroundings and the clear sky above.

You may submit up to five photos that showcase your global learning experiences on campus and/or around the world.

Categories and Themes

The photos you submit for the contest should capture and represent the ideals of global learning. Photos will be evaluated in two categories: People and Places. Here are a few themes we are looking for:

  • People and Culture
  • Academic Learning
  • Natural and Urban Landscapes
  • Students Having Fun!
  • Portraits of Students with Creative Use of Natural & Urban Landscapes

Guidelines and Instructions

  1. Submit your photos
  2. Photos submitted for the contest must be taken participating in a global learning program. Note: Photos can be from the host country or another location visited during the program. 
  3. All photos will need a title, location, and a short caption/description. The photo on the right provides an example of what we are looking for. Please provide this information along with your photos within the submission form!
  4. Please submit high resolution JPEG (.jpgs) files (typically 2MB—2048x1536 pixels)
  5. Please ensure all individuals captured in a photo have agreed to have their photo taken and shared.

Ethical Photography

As social media and photo sharing are prevalent, it is important to recognize the power photos can have. Inform yourself about the ethics of travel photography, taking into consideration how your host community will feel about your portrayal of their culture and sacred sites. Ask for permission before taking a photo and be mindful of the power dynamics at play when capturing someone's image.

Photo Submission Deadline

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.

Deadline: Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Picking A Winner

Once all photos are submitted, the top submissions will be announced by the UC Davis Global Learning Hub Selection Committee. Voting will be open to the public and the photos with the most votes win.

Prizes

  • Top Prizes (for all winners and finalists): gift cards ranging from $25-$200!

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS!

Questions

Please email globallearning@ucdavis.edu with any questions.