A collage of global learning scenes, including ornate architecture, colorful temples, cityscapes, mountains, coastlines, nature close-ups, and people exploring various destinations. There are ten photos in all.

Global Learning Photo Contest – 2025 Finalists

The annual UC Davis Global Learning Photo Contest aims to recognize and celebrate student photography taking place on the many global learning programs offered throughout the year at UC Davis. Thank you to all students who contributed over 500 photos! Below are the 2025 finalists, broken up into two categories: People and Places.

Thank you to all students who submitted photos to the 2025 Global Learning Photo Contest!

Congratulations to our 2025 contest winners: Teo Richard ’27, Economics and Statistics major (‘Views of Home,’ in the PEOPLE category) and Taylor Wong, '27, Psychology and Chinese majors (‘Traveling Back in Time,' in the PLACES category). 

2025 Finalists – PEOPLE

Views of Home ***WINNER***

A mountaineer stands on a snow-covered mountain peak, taking a photo of a vast landscape of snowy mountains, clouds, and a lake below under a clear blue sky.
"Mountaineer Herman Gorbatovskii surveys the mountains surrounding his home. This steep 10 mile trail is nothing but a quick training hike for him. Despite completing it regularly, he remains awestruck by the views and captures new photos each time." Photo credit: Teo Richard.

A Friend's Portrait

A person smiles while standing in the middle of a colorful cobblestone street lined with vibrant buildings in Mexico, with bright papel picado banners hanging overhead.
Designated class photographer, Andrea Solis, gets her portrait taken by one of her peers, Carlos Aguilar, during a class fieldtrip to Tequila, Mexico.

Eyjafjörður From the Moss

Two people lie on a grassy hillside overlooking a calm bay with snow-capped mountains in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
"Thermodynamics students Hannah and Tyler take a break from their walk around the island of Hrísey to lie on the moss and soak in the view." Photo credit: Marin Cantrell.

Snapshots of Hong Kong: City View

Three people stand on large rocks overlooking a brightly lit city skyline at night, with skyscrapers, water, and clouds glowing in the distance.
"A glimpse of Hong Kong’s vibrant spirit, where history, culture, and everyday life come together in colorful harmony." Photo credit: Omar Alhuniti.

Steps Into the World of Theater

People walk up and down the grand marble staircase inside an ornate historic building with tall columns, arches, chandeliers, and detailed carvings.
"A jaw-dropping capture of the inside of the Palais Garnier’s elegant staircase to its multiple flashy and decorative floors while taking part in a tour." Photo credit: Miguel Chaparro Garcia.

2025 Finalists – PLACES

Door of No Return

Silhouettes of two people stand inside a dark stone room, facing a small barred doorway where light shines through and reflects on the wet floor.
"Standing before the Door of No Return at Elmina Castle in Cape Coast, Ghana, I felt the weight of history and resilience echo through the walls. This moment served as a reminder of the strength, suffering, and enduring spirit that lives on through memory and legacy." Photo credit: J’adore Bailey.

Traveling Back in Time ***WINNER***

A colorful, ornate pagoda-style building framed by pine branches and bright pink flowers at the Summer Palace in Beijing.
"Surrounded by mountains, rivers, greenery, and traditional architecture filled with history, I felt as though I had been transported to another era. Nothing could compare to the radiant beauty of the Summer Palace." Photo credit: Taylor Wong.

Spiral in Knowledge

  • Student: Nga Pham ’28
  • Major: Economics
  • Program: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Playshop for Language and Cultural Exchange
  • Location: Shenzhen City, Zhongshuge Bookstore Spirals
People walk through a bookstore with large circular, tunnel-like shelves that create a spiraling visual effect filled with books.
"The city of Shenzhen is located next to Guangzhou and is easily accessible for a one-day trip, allowing me to explore the city with my friends in the program. We visited this famous spiral bookstore, and it is truly mesmerizing with an insanely beautiful spiral structure. It is so crowded, filled with Chinese novels, crafts, stationery, and even some sofas to sit and read." Photo credit: Nga Pham.

Statue of Koumokuten

A large wooden statue of Koumokuten, an armored guardian deity, stands inside a historic temple surrounded by wooden beams and soft natural light.
"A great statue of Koumokuten, a Buddhist guardian, keeping watch inside Todaiji Temple." Photo credit: Joanne Tai.

Reflections of Me

A delicate spiderweb covered in dewdrops, with each droplet reflecting light and clinging to the fine strands, set against moss and small plants.
"Nestled into a dimple in the mountainside, this little spiderweb displays both intricacy and simplicity. I am reflected in each droplet—not only is an arachnid's trap captured, but also my search for beauty during a hike in rain and mud." Photo credit: Richard Teo.