Study Abroad Storytelling Contest
The Center for Global Programs and Services hosts its annual Study Abroad Storytelling Contest every spring.
The 2026 contest is now closed and will no longer be accepting submissions.
All current UD undergraduate students who participated in a UD Study Abroad program this academic year are invited to apply by submitting photos and/or personal stories that illustrate the power and significance of global study experiences. Participants are invited to enter one or both contest categories. Photos will be judged in separate rounds by independent panels of CGPS representatives and campus partners, and by the UD community via Instagram voting during the last week of April, resulting in three winners per category.
Essay submissions will be judged by an independent panel.
All winners will be announced in mid May. Prizes will be awarded at the CGPS Global Festival on May 15, 2026.
Living
CGPS Directors Award
Rachel Herway
Tea Gardens
India ENGL, Winter 2026
“I snapped a picture of my friend having a blissful moment amongst tea bushes in a beautiful part of rural Assam. Tea is a huge part of the culture of India, no matter what region you find yourself in. Every morning, afternoon, and evening we would be served a cup of tea. Masala chai, black ginger tea, white tea, blue tea. We visited so many tea gardens throughout our time in the mountain regions, and it never got old, just like I never got tired of the endless tea that came our way.
I learned so much about tea, about “first flush” and “second flush”: how the blooming of tea leaves in different seasons has a stronger or lighter taste. I learned that honey goes in green tea and sugar in black tea. I learned how to steep tea in the form of loose leaves. I learned about Silver needle white tea, which is made from the freshest, smallest leaves of the bush. It was one of my favorite parts of the visit, and I loved taking in the culture one sip at a time.”
Faculty Directors & Campus Partners Award
Madison Shutkufski
Trastevere in 35mm
World Scholars- Rome, Italy, 2025 Fall Session
“There was no better way to capture the essence of Italian Culture than using the renowned medium of film; an entity that no digital camera could acquire. This particular shot was along the route of my everyday walk to class in Trastevere. A town within Rome with a deep-rooted history that still holds the timeless, golden feel with every step you take. Using film photography to obtain a picture forces you to slow down and see the world in front of you, as the pictures aren’t developed until weeks later. Shooting this film frame within this neighborhood felt like a tribute to the culture within it. "La Dolce far Niente" – a classic cultural phrase that translates to the sweetness of doing nothing, a practice that’s mandatory within Italian life. Something as simple as people strolling, admiring the eternal architecture, all the way to folks sipping espressos at local cafes, is what made this walk so special. This film shot isn’t just a photo of a street, it’s a remembrance of the daily routine for me and the Italian locals, and how it felt to be there, keeping the golden, cinematic feel Rome never failed to provide."
Blue Hen Community Award
Florencia Araya Gomez
A Day in Dyrehaven
DIS Copenhagen, Fall 2025
“This was taken in Dyrehaven, which is a famous park in Copenhagen that is known for the number of deer families that live in the park. I loved going biking here to read and picnic. The deer are used to people and will curiously explore what you are doing.”
Learning
CGPS Directors Award
Abigail Underwood
Stone Faces of Florence
Florence, Italy, Spring 2026
“The Academy Museum in Florence holds much more than the iconic David. While I deeply appreciated seeing Michelangelo’s masterpiece in person, the room that stood out to me most was the gallery of casts. These casts, once used to commemorate and mark graves, are now carefully preserved by the museum, offering a quiet but powerful glimpse into the lives of individuals from the ancient city. I found myself spending a long time observing the details of each face, noticing expressions that seemed to carry stories of identity, status, and emotion. This experience felt far more personal than viewing grand sculptures, as it created a sense of intimacy with people who once lived centuries ago. By studying these faces, I was able to connect with Florence on a deeper level, moving beyond its surface as a tourist destination and engaging with its human history. It reminded me that the city is not only defined by its famous art and architecture, but also by the countless individuals who shaped its culture and society over time.”
Faculty Directors & Campus Partners Award
Arianna Torres
Lioness Stalks Her Prey
Tanzania ENWC, Winter 2026
“A young lioness sits on the side of a road, patiently stalking her chosen prey: a common waterbuck. This was the first lion spotted on the 2026 ENWC Tanzania trip. She and her sisters, who were hiding in the bushes nearby, did not disappoint and initiated a thrilling chase following this photo's capture. This was one of the many opportunities for the UD students to learn about big cat behavior up close and personal. Students exercised extreme caution around these massive predators, staying quiet and still while they hunted mere yards away.”
Blue Hen Community Award
Amy Rodak
Where the Mountain Breaks
New Zealand KAAP, Winter 2026
“One of our major learning experiences was our two-day biking trip through Dunedin and Wedderburn. Prior to departure, we learned about cycling biomechanics, specifically seat height and how it can affect force production at different joint angles. This photo was taken on the first day of our trip, when we departed Dunedin and arrived in Wedderburn. We biked a total of 22 miles on a rail bed trail through tunnels and between mountains, taking in the breathtaking views as the wind blew through our hair. What made this experience memorable wasn't just the distance or the scenery, but the rhythm we found along the way. Settling into the ride, adjusting to the terrain, and learning to move efficiently as a group. The long stretches of trail gave us time to think, talk, and simply enjoy being present in the landscape. It was a balance of effort and ease, where the concepts we learned came to life with every mile, and the journey itself became just as meaningful as the destination.”
Loving the Location
CGPS Directors Award
Jack Phillips
Ascending
World Scholars- Rome, Italy, Fall 2025
Taken in Oeschinensee - Kandersteg, Switzerland
“An amazing trip over the Swiss Alps began as a four hour morning stroll through the mountains from our hostel to the town of Kandersteg. After lunch under the mountains, we started a six hour hike around Oeschinensee lake, surrounded by glacial water and mountain walls that almost towered over the sun. It was a perfect day out, clear skies with warm weather. I took this photo right around the time we completed the main part of the hike. Walking hours had never felt so rewarding. The day felt over by the time we went back down the trails to Kandersteg for dinner, but it wasn't. We had only the stars and the sounds of cows sleeping in the fields to find our way home. A thrilling journey consisting of climbing through mountains and crossing bridges above waterfalls. In a place like this, getting lost was something enjoyable. How often were we going to be in a place so far from home? Every turn we made led to another incredible sight. The trip was more than just a hike in that quiet, far away town from everything familiar. The trip was more than an endurance test, hiking over 90,000 steps in that isolated, quiet town. It was a once in a lifetime adventure that encapsulated living in the moment, unplugging from our regular lives, and gaining perspective in a beautiful, middle of nowhere. Without the chance to study abroad, it would not have been possible to have this incredible experience.”
Faculty Directors & Campus Partners Award
Curtis Zhuo
Coastal Colors of Manarola
Siena, Italy ELEG, Winter 2026
Taken in Manarola, Italy
“This photo was taken in Manarola, one of the most unforgettable places I visited during my time abroad. Seeing the colorful homes stacked along the cliffs felt almost surreal, like something out of a painting rather than a real village. The way the buildings blended with the natural landscape made the entire scene feel both lively and calm at the same time. Below, the clear blue water gently met the rocky shore, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. What stood out most was how effortlessly everything seemed to fit together, the architecture, the sea, and the surrounding cliffs. Hiking through the Cinque Terre villages felt slow and relaxed, with every turn offering another incredible view. Moments like this became some of the most memorable parts of studying abroad. It was a reminder of how much beauty there is in simply experiencing new places. Manarola wasn’t just visually stunning, it was a place that left a lasting impression.”
Blue Hen Community Award
Lillian O'Phelan
Verona Through the Trees
Florence Honors HOSP, Winter 2026
Taken in Verona, Italy
“From the top of the hill, the city of Verona stretches along the river in a misty, picturesque landscape. Taken through the cypress trees lining the pathway to the overlook, this photo frames the iconic horseshoe bend in the Adige River and the beautiful stone bridges that cross it.”
1st Place
Josh Turek
Off the Beaten Path
Italy FINC/ENGL, Winter 2026
“Hearing an outside perspective made me realize that my voice, my vote, and my decisions carry more weight than I thought. Regardless of nationality, people are people. A kind gesture crosses any language barrier.”
2nd Place
Ashley Cooke
I Am Because We Are: How Ubuntu Has Forever Changed Me
South Africa HBNS, Winter 2026
“Ubuntu is a Zulu word meaning "I am because we are" and refers to our shared humanity, emphasizing the importance of community and collective wellbeing. I was captivated by this idea because I was raised in American society where it is very individualistic and competitive, emphasizing the importance of personal gain. These people care deeply for those around them, sharing what little they have, regardless of how big or small.”
3rd Place
Miran Andriyevsky
Locus Grecia
World Scholars- Athens Greece, Fall 2025
“Then she talked, and I talked, and we shared our most frustrating moments. I really did get it, despite our lives apart. Despite different cultures, environments, even a language barrier that forced us to overexplain and repeat ourselves. I felt connected to her and every other Greek kid with the same struggles and shame and bitten down fingernails.”
Photo Contest
The photo contest themes are Living, Learning & Loving the Location.
Read about the required categories below, but we encourage you to make them your own. We have provided examples of the kinds of photos that could fit into each category - and those that have won in the past - but we are excited to see how you define them for yourself!
We can't wait to see your photos!
Living
1st Place
Oviyanna Umoh
Coming of Age Day
Kyoto, Japan PSYC micro, Winter 2025
“On the second Monday of January, Japanese youth celebrate Coming of Age Day, commemorating their transition into adulthood. This national holiday is enriched with cultural history, traditional clothing, and gratitude. It was an honor to partake in this holiday as I embraced my own journey into adulthood.”
2nd Place
Caroline Stone
Iconic Nyhavn
DIS Copenhagen, Demark, Fall 2024
“I took this photograph after I quite literally stumbled upon the Nyhavn Canal. Perhaps the most iconic landmark in Copenhagen, I was shocked to be looking at the very image I'd seen online with my own eyes, without even looking for it. It made me realize just how much I was becoming a part of the city."
3rd Place
Carys Hulse
Bondi Icebergs
Australia ENTR Micro, Winter 2025
“The Bondi Icebergs pool was filled with people every day enjoying Australian summer.”
Learning
1st Place
Grace Ferry
The Bridge to Bird Paradise
ENWC Costa Rica, Winter 2025
“This photo was taken on the first day we arrived at La Selva Biological Station, which is home to many different bird species. During our stay there we saw Great Green Macaws, Golden Tanagers, Rufous Mot Mots, and more. In this picture my classmates are trying to ID a Keel-billed Toucan.”
2nd Place
Alexa Nolin
Scuola Grande di San Rocco
Athens, Greece, Spring 2025
“On a trip to Venice, Italy we stumbled upon this incredible museum, and spent hours staring at the ceiling and reading about the art's history.”
3rd Place
Sarah Nerhood
Bike Ride with Dr. Royer
New Zealand KAAP, Winter 2025
“Biking along side Dr. Royer on the Otago Central Rail Trail near Wedderburn Railway Station after learning about the biomechanics of riding a bike.”
Loving the Location
1st Place
Natalie Heindel
Views of Queenstown from the Clouds
New Zealand KAAP, Winter 2025
“Taking it all in at the summit of Ben Lomond—an unforgettable moment after an intense climb. Most students don’t reach the top, but nearly all 29 of us did… and I was part of the fast group!”
2nd Place
Lilly Smull
Wandering Along the Amsterdam Canal
Netherlands ENGL micro, Winter 2025
“We found ourselves returning to Amsterdam every weekend, a city that has a way of captivating anyone who visits. This photo captures one of the many picturesque canals that define the city's unique charm. Amsterdam, built on a landscape below sea level, faces constant challenges from shifting waters, yet it retains its historic allure and cozy atmosphere. The subtle tilt of its iconic buildings, shaped by centuries of weathering, only adds to the city's timeless character.”
3rd Place
Meghan Rydell
First View of Granada
Granada, Spain SPAN - Intermediate, Summer 2024
“View of the Alhambra Palace, built in the 13th and 14 Centuries, on a midday in June from the highest viewpoint in Granada, Spain.”
2024 Winning Photos
Living
1st Place
Julia Komorowski
Camels under the Moon
Dubai CIEG, Winter 2024
“This photo was taken on the beach in Dubai just after sunset when two camel owners walked by.”
2nd Place
Ricky Kiamilev
Walking into the Winter Sunset
Latvia LLCU micro, Winter 2024
“Visiting the Riga Academy of Sciences, known for its’ classical Stalinist architecture, and walking into the sunset with chills up to -20 Fahrenheit.”
3rd Place
Eleanor Helm
View from the Terrace
Granada, Spain, Fall 2023
“I would spend warm evenings on the terrace of my host family’s house, looking out over the city and the Alhambra on the hill.”
Learning
1st Place
Grace Ferry
Learning to use our Binoculars
Tanzania ENWC, Winter 2024
“Here you can see some members of our group looking over the Randilen Wildlife Management Area. With our binoculars we could see Elephants, Giraffe, and Gazelle.”
2nd Place
Brooke Latone
Gnocchi Making
Italy FINC/ENGL, Winter 2024
“Learned how to make gnocchi at Ristorante Montegrappa in Castelcucco, Italy.”
3rd Place
Sean O'Malley
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre
DIS Dubai, UAE, Winter 2024
“Student excursion to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre.”
Loving the Location
1st Place
Owen Bubczyk
Wedderburn Rainbow
New Zealand KAAP, Winter 2024
“Taken in the remote area of Wedderburn on the South Island of New Zealand, this photo shows a double rainbow sprawling from the mountains.”
2nd Place
Paige Leishman
Flamingos of Necker
British Virgin Islands NURS, Winter 2024
“The flamingos on Necker Island.”
3rd Place
Stephanie Sullivan
South Crater
New Zealand KAAP, Winter 2024
“The South Crater is hiked through during the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It is a large expanse, seemingly reminiscent of a Lunar crater.”
PREVIOUS Winning Photos
Living
Student Winner
Sally Bornhorst
Sheep Stares
Alumni Winner
Kevin Johnson
Laundry Day
Alumni Judge's Choice
Savannah Wallett
Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle
Student Judge's Choice
Hanna Parikh
Via Vespa
Learning
Student Winner
Isabel LeCompte
Student Draws Fontana dei Quattro
Alumni Winner
Kevin Johnson
View from an Open Casket
Alumni Judge's Choice
Kevin Johnson
Not a Bad Window in Rome
Student Judge's Choice
Hanna Parikh
Museo dell'Opera
Loving the Location
Student Winner
Ruby Zegowitz
Oranges in Morocco
Alumni Winner
Kevin Johnson
Ortho-ducks
Alumni Judge's Choice
Lucy Davies
Mountainside Salt
Student Judge's Choice
Yasmine Awayes
Foggy Morning in Caceres
There are three photo categories, described in detail below:
- Living
- Learning
- Loving the Location
Contest entries should consider: Does the photo clearly relate to the theme of the category? Is it engaging and appealing? Is the photo's quality and color excellent? Most importantly, does the photo illustrate the study abroad experience? Does it "tell a story?"
Participation is open to current students only.
Eligible students must have participated in a University of Delaware study abroad or domestic travel study program in the 2025-2026 academic year. This includes Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026, and Spring 2026 programs.
You must follow the submission rules described below. You may only submit your original material. You are responsible for ensuring consent of anyone featured in your photographs. By submitting photos to the contest, you agree that the University of Delaware has the right to use and publish the photos.
Media may be edited in any manner the photographer sees fit. All work will be judged based on photographic quality, subject material and number of Instagram votes.
CGPS reserves the right to disqualify any student who submits media including the use of alcohol, tobacco or any other inappropriate material. In addition, CGPS will not consider photos of students taking part in activities with more than minimal risk (i.e., skydiving or any similar activity).
1.
Living
Share a portrait or artistic representation of the people, creatures, and places that became part of your life while you were abroad. These could include your favorite garden to study in, the stray cat you fed on the way to class every morning, the locals you hung out with in the cafe on the corner, or anything else that gives insight into your personal experience while abroad.
2.
Learning
Show us the academic side of your study abroad program: your outdoor classroom, community service project, faculty-led excursion, or anything else that gives us a sense of the experiential learning that those of us back in Delaware might not be able to imagine.
3.
Loving the Location
Capture the essence and energy of the geographic settings(s) in which you studied and explored. Show us the beautiful views you enjoyed, whether urban, rural, or something in between. These landscape photos may include people or creatures, but the location should be the focal point.
We require all photos be high resolution (2MB per image minimum, 10MB maximum) and saved as .jpg files.
Students are invited to submit up to two photos in each photo category and may submit the same photo for multiple categories. The maximum number of submissions is six photos.
Submissions for the 2026 contest are now closed.
The UD Study Abroad Storytelling Photo Contest is now closed and no longer accepting submissions.
Gift cards to the UD Bookstore in the following amounts will be awarded for each of the three categories (Living, Learning, and Loving the Location). Your winning photograph - with credit - will be printed on canvas and displayed in Perkins Student Center for the next year, and then in the Study Abroad House after that.
1st place: $100
2nd place: $50
3rd place: $25
Essay Contest
In honor of the 100th Anniversary of Study Abroad, CGPS launched a new tradition at UD: the collection of narratives that help tell the story of the impact of study abroad on the student experience while promoting intercultural learning and engagement.
The essay prompts encourage students to tell their study abroad story to a broad audience in the form of a personal narrative. The study abroad essay contest mirrors the popular annual International Students Essay Contest from which winning essays were published in a book commemorating the stories and experiences of international students over the past decade.
Participants in the Study Abroad Essay Contest may be selected for inclusion in a publication by Open Journals in Education (OJED).
3rd Place
Rylee Morrison
A Greek Awakening: Don't Try This at Home
Athens Greece LLCU micro, Winter 2025
2024 Winning Essays
Participation is limited to current students only.
Any current UD student who participated in a UD study abroad or domestic travel study program during their time as a student, including during the 2025-2026 academic year.
Participants must follow the submission rules described below. You may only submit your original material. You are responsible for ensuring consent of anyone expressly identified in your essay. By submitting an essay to the contest, you agree that the University of Delaware has the right to use and publish it.
Entries will be judged on content as well as literary style. Please make every attempt to submit an entry free from spelling and grammatical errors, and rich in experiential content.
CGPS reserves the right to disqualify any student who submits essays including the use of alcohol, tobacco or any other inappropriate material. In addition, CGPS will not consider essays that feature students taking part in activities with more than minimal risk (ie. skydiving or any similar activity).
Please read below for essay ideas depending on your relationship to study abroad at UD. We have provided some prompts, but you are welcome to explore any topic that you would like to share from your experience with UD study abroad, recently or from the past.
Studying abroad can be a challenging yet rewarding academic and cultural experience. Please share your experiences about the impact of study abroad on your personal and academic development with a broad audience. Not sure what to write about? Here are a few ideas:
- What was it like to live and learn outside of your comfort zone?
- How did you manage expectations and surprises?
- In what ways did the experience change your perspectives?
- In what ways did study abroad impact your path towards a major or minor? Did you discover a new passion for a field of study? What did you learn about your major or minor that you don’t think would have been the same back home?
- Tell us about the day you will most remember from your time abroad.
- Introduce us to people you met while studying abroad (your host family, language partners, fellow travelers, etc.).
- Describe the sights, sounds, smells and emotions of a place you visited while studying abroad.
- What is something you learned about yourself or others through your study abroad experience?
We require a maximum of 1000 words that must be typed in 12-pt size Times Roman font. Essays must be double spaced with 1-inch margins on all sides. You must include page numbers.
Authors should follow APA 7 guidelines in the selection of quotation content in length in qualitative research articles. Footnotes, endnotes, and appendices are not allowed.
All essays should be saved as pdf files and not exceed 10MB.
Submissions for the 2026 contest are now closed.
The UD Study Abroad Storytelling Essay Contest is now closed and no longer accepting submissions.
Gift cards to the UD Bookstore in the following amounts will be awarded. Participants in the Study Abroad Essay Contest may be selected for inclusion in a publication by Open Journals in Education (OJED).
1st place: $150
2nd place: $75
3rd place: $25
Social Media:
All members of the UD community are invited to contribute to the story of study abroad by including #UDAbroad in your posts. In addition, like and mention @UDGlobal on Instagram and LinkedIn to appear on official University social media.
Remember to use good judgment when creating posts as content can go anywhere on the Internet, and represent the University, as well as yourself.
