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.

UC Davis Global Learning Photo Contest

Thank you to all students who submitted photos to the 2025 Global Learning Photo Contest and to all those who voted this year. Voting is now closed. Contest winners are announced on the 2025 contest page.

UC Davis Global Learning Photo Contest – 2026

The annual UC Davis Global Learning Photo Contest (formerly called the 'UC Davis Study Abroad Photo Contest') recognizes and celebrates 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 in summary: (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 participates in a 2025-26 global learning program. Global Learning programs can take place virtually, on campus, in the U.S. or abroad. 

What to Enter

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.

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 are 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 while 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 photos on the right shows 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.
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.

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

  • Deadline: Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Picking A Winner

Once all photos are submitted, the UC Davis Global Learning Hub Selection Committee will announce the top submissions. 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 [email protected] with any questions.