Global Eyes Photography
The Global Eyes Study Abroad Photography Competition is an opportunity for study abroad returnees to share their international experiences and insights with the greater campus community.
Photo submissions are entered into one of the following categories:
- City Life
- Culture Most Distinct from SMC
- Landscape
- Nature
- People and the Human Spirit
- The Essence of Study Abroad
- Best Written Caption
The photographs are chosen for their technical quality as well as the accompanying student written narratives. Category winners, Best Written Caption, and the Best of Show Award are announced at an awards ceremony in April, and the exhibit remains on display in the Durick library throughout the year.
24th Annual Photography Competition
CATEGORY AWARDS
(1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place, and honorable mention (HM) awards)
People and the Human Spirit
1. Alexander Preis – Mourning
2. Margaret Wilk – Julia obok tramwaju (Julia next to the tram)
3. Sophie Burt – Paris Painter Painting Paris
HM. Alexander Weiss – Beast
Landscape
1. Casey Arsenault – Southern Hemisphere
2. Paisleigh Atwood – Time Stands Still
3. Maeve Callahan – Monk’s Refuge
HM. Alexander Preis – A Gift from the Alps
Nature
1. Alexander Weiss – Determination
2. Cassie Wardwell – A Hummingbird in the Rain
3. Margaret Wilk –Malta’s Golden Hour: A Prickly Pear Paradise
City Life
1. Alexander Preis – Framework of the Future
2. Christina Cummings – Finding Peace in Solitude
3. Kaylan Conliffe – Hidden Zodiac
Culture Most Distinct from SMC
1. Ava Lavigne – A Summer’s Night on the Côte d’Azur
2. Kaylan Conliffe – Enveloped by Seoul
3. Christina Cummings – Shachihoko
The Essence of Study Abroad
1. Margaret Wilk – Sunset Lessons in Crete
2. Kate Henry – Linh Phước Pagoda
3. Hannah Bennett – Overlooked Grandeur
Judges’ Artistic Appreciation Award
Erin Boyd – Look Up!
Best Written Caption
Paisleigh Atwood – Echoes of Dharma
Maeve Callahan – Fionn’s Inspiration
Ava Lavigne – Eighty Years and Two Days After Liberation
Victoria Reed – Doorway in Stratford-Upon-Avon
Margaret Wilk – Malta’s Golden Hour: A Prickly Pear Paradise
The People’s Choice Award
Sophie Burt – Paris Painter Painting Paris
The Kroger – Krikstone Best of Show Award
Casey Arsenault – Southern Hemisphere
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☆ Category Winner ☆ Mourners in Amsterdam paid tribute to Alexei Navalny by laying flowers and candles at memorials in Dam Square. Navalny, who was a key opposition figure against Vladimir Putin, was reported dead on Feb. 16, 2024, under controversial circumstances. Tens of thousands of people have signed a petition to rename the street of the Russian Embassy in his honor. From my understanding, many more memorials were held, even in bad weather or despite concerns of retaliation. |  |
"Julia obok tramwaju (Julia next to the tram)" In the heart of Kraków’s Old Town, Julia stands beside a speeding tram, caught between motion and stillness. The glow of streetlights reflects off the historic cobblestone path, blending past and present in a fleeting urban moment. Her smile suggests warmth amid the cool night air, a quiet connection to the rhythm of the city. The blurred tram windows reveal glimpses of passengers, each carrying their own untold stories. This photograph captures the essence of travel, not just through space, but through time, memory, and the ever-moving pulse of Kraków at night. |  |
☆ The People's Choice Award ☆ In the heart of Montmartre, a street painter captures the essence of Paris through vibrant portraits of people at famous landmarks while he himself is at one of those iconic locations. As he paints the Eiffel Tower and L'Arc de Triomphe, he becomes a part of the living artwork of Paris, embodying the creative energy that defines the city. He is both creating and living within the art, reflecting the human spirits that connect us all. The people he paints, as well as myself and himself, reflect the shared experience of being part of something greater - a city, a culture, a moment in time. Through art and experience, we are all participants in the human experience. |  |
"Beast" by Alexander Weiss “Always pursue thought” - Hue Jackman Our professor embodies this quote. Throughout the entire trip, he would consistently slow the group down to share his interests with the group. Over the course of this experience, his curiosity would slow us down in pace, but grow our minds with information and understanding. He participated in just about every hike, and was given a nickname from our group and dubbed as “Beast.” |  |
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☆ Category Winner ☆ Fly fishing in the pristine rivers of Arthur’s Pass is an unforgettable experience, but the real magic begins when the sun sets. As the snags sizzle on the fire, the sky transforms into a canvas of stars, with the Milky Way stretching in a luminous arc above the rugged peaks. Surrounded by nature’s silence, beneath the Southern cross, a special moment in New Zealand’s wilderness. |  |
"Time Stands Still" by Paisleigh Atwood As the sun rose in the distance, the fog began to lift, revealing layers of blue and orange stretching across the sky. There’s something about witnessing a sunrise in a place like Mount Bromo that makes it feel like the first sunrise ever, like it’s a sight meant only for those of us standing there in that moment. The experience served as a reminder of how little we actually need in moments of wonder. Time stood still as the veil of darkness was slowly pulled back to reveal Bromo and all her glory. |  |
"Monk's Refuge" by Maeve Callahan As the thrashing waters washed around the tiny boat we clung to, the island rose above us like a beast from its slumber... I had never felt so small. Skellig Michael, named as the Splinter of Archangel Michael, was the chosen home of ancient Gaelic monks whose stone huts were still precariously nested on the cliffs above. The fact that these people found refuge and prayer on this jagged edge of life itself, nearly a millennia ago, crashed over my mind like the waves upon the rock. The cathedral-like formation is a perfect place to demonstrate just how far the human spirit will go to achieve solitude, enlightenment, and freedom. |  |
"A Gift from the Alps" by Alexander Preis Rising sharply to 14,692 feet against the sky, the Matterhorn stands as one of the most iconic peaks in the Alps due to its nearly symmetrical, pyramid-shaped summit. For five days, four of my friends and I skied at Zermatt in historically bad weather, with gale-force winds and extreme snowfall causing high avalanche danger; we never once got a full view of the Matterhorn. Then, on the morning we were set to leave, the sky finally cleared. Bathed in sunlight, the full Matterhorn emerged in all its glory, a truly breathtaking sight that was almost emotional after days of waiting. It was a reminder that some landscapes aren’t just seen, but felt. It was like a final gift from the Alps before our departure. |  |
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☆ Category Winner ☆ I have never seen such determination and focus from an animal not in danger. Of course, the hunt for food is tricky and not always straightforward. But for this white-faced capuchin, it is quite the contrary. Searching for fruit along the jungle without much of a predator, this monkey has a determined look, searching for his next meal. |  |
"A Hummingbird in the Rain" by Cassie Wardwell Oh, to be a bird in the rain, gazing out, perched upon a branch, waiting for a break in the shower. |  |
"Malta's Golden hour: A Prickly Pear Paradise" by Margaret Wilk Drive into Malta at 6 pm, where Għargħur rests on a hilltop between two valleys. This isn't just a photo; it's a whisper of a community living by the sun's rhythm. Imagine sun-baked stone and wild thyme as you stand among prickly pear cacti, their vibrant green pads contrasting with the honeyed sunset. The village is home to 2,768, and glows with warm evening lights. Ancient stone walls speak of generations past. Feel the quiet energy where nature meets daily life, a testament to the Maltese spirit. This golden hour invites you to breathe in Malta's magic. Experience the serenity, the timeless charm of a village tucked away in the Northern Region, where every stone has a story and every sunset is a masterpiece. Let the echoes of village life transport you to this tranquil hilltop. This is Malta, unfiltered and unforgettable. |  |
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☆ Category Winner ☆ Stockholm’s skyline is evolving as the Slussen redevelopment project transforms one of the city’s most vital hubs. Once a historic water gateway, this site is now a sprawling construction zone; in fact, it is the largest construction site in all of Sweden. The project, designed to modernize infrastructure while preserving Slussen’s cultural significance, will redefine how the city connects land and water. As concrete and steel rise against the backdrop of the Old Town (Gamla Stan), Slussen stands as a testament to Stockholm’s balance between history and progress. |  |
"Finding Peace in Solitude" by Christina Cummngs Never in my life have I been a runner. It has always been a waste of time for me. In my time abroad, I found peace in loneliness and solitude while running. Twice a week at 3:00 AM I would depart my apartment with camera gear in tow running to a new temple or shrine. Kyoto was filled to the brim with history, beautiful architecture, and absolutely silent and empty streets throughout the night. I was filled with ambition and excitement and with every new three-foot wide alley, a local yet deeply historical shrine, and a clef-eared cat I passed on my runs. Nothing will compare to the first time I saw Hokanji Temple in the distance. A sense of comfort and peace settled to my core as I ran up the steep staircases and winding narrow streets of the Gion District. The first time I witnessed a Hokanji Temple sunrise I remained atop its hills from 4:00 AM until 9:00 AM. I have simply never been so awe-struck than watching the streets from being fully my own in the lamp-lit weekly in the Gion District of Kyoto from that night on, never taking a second for granted. I have never known peace like I have at Hokanji Temple even as I am bent over in sweat and exhaustion. I would do anything to feel the way I did when I took this photo. |  |
"Hidden Zodiac" by Kaylan Conliffe Hidden behind an unassuming and abandoned looking storefront lies the Ju Sindang. The speakeasy-esque bar contains a wealth of culture and decoration. On the walls are sculptures and paintings of the twelve zodiac signs. Koi fish and greenery decorate the walls and ceiling, giving the feeling that you’ve been transported to another, more mystical world. |  |
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☆ Category Winner ☆ Outside of the hustle and bustle of France’s second-largest city, my friend and I spent our final weekend celebrating the completion of our summer internships. After arriving in Marseille, we awkwardly scurried down narrow alleyways, suitcases in tow. Several times we realized we were lost in the winding layout of the cove as Google Maps seemingly refused to chart the area. In the fishing village we called home for two short nights, cats lived their lives among desert plants. The air was heavy and the night seemed alive, even at such a late hour. Multigenerational families cheered for the Euro Cup, their joy pouring through open windows of houses built into the same rocky ledges their ancestors had called home for millennia. Despite being disoriented in a strange place, I couldn’t help but be grateful for the chance to yet again experience something so different from what I’d accepted for two decades as the “way to live a life.” |  |
"Enveloped by Seoul" by Kaylan Conliffe After ascending 123 stories into the air, I had never felt further away from Vermont. At that moment, I tried to think back to the last time I had been in a skyscraper, or if I had even been in one before. The massive shadow of the building stretched out over Seoul, extending miles out. Eventually, the Lotte Tower became part of my everyday routine, as if I had become part of the city, also consumed by its silhouette. |  |
"Shachihoko" by Christina Cummings As I explore Himeji castle reading only the signs translated to English, I am approached by a man in his 70s with the words, “You seem curious.” Haruto, a thirty-year employee of Kirin Beer, tells me he has frequented these same halls for the past decade since his retirement seeking to educate people on the destination. As he looks over my shoulder as I snap this photo, he tells me of the legend of Shachihoko. With the head of a dragon and the body of a carp, the Shachihoko is a Japanese legend that has stood guard as protector spirits of Himeji Castle and many other structures across Japan for centuries. Thus, Himeji Castle was never attacked. It witnessed close calls throughout WWII. Enemy nations found the castle grounds too beautiful and historical to bomb or invade, and the Shachihoko served its role over centuries. |  |
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☆ Category Winner ☆ The sun dipped below the horizon in Crete, painting the sky in deep oranges and blues as my roommate and I wandered along the waterfront, soaking in the moment. Studying abroad has taught me that some of the best experiences aren’t planned. They happen in the quiet in-between moments, like this one, where we simply exist in a beautiful place, surrounded by people from all over the world. Locals and travelers gathered along the stone wall, some capturing the view on their phones, others just sitting and taking it all in, reminding me that sometimes the best way to appreciate a place is to pause and be present. As we walked, we laughed about the little mishaps and unexpected adventures of our trip, realizing that the lessons we learned weren’t just about new cultures but also about ourselves. At that moment, I understood that studying abroad isn’t just about seeing the world. It’s about learning how to embrace it. |  |
"Linh Phước Pagoda" by Kate Henry After riding through muddy winding roads on my supervisor Tony’s motorbike, we arrived at one of the most famous pagodas in Đà Lạt. The temple is decorated with many thousands of pieces of broken bottles and porcelain pottery, creating intricate mosaics on nearly every surface. Tony eagerly explained the pagoda’s history with pride and childlike amazement. Walking past enormous statues, wax figures of monks, and underground tunnels, my mind was spinning, trying to fathom how it was all built. The creativity and craft of this site still leave me in awe. |  |
"Overlooked Grandeur" by Hannah Bennett In a hallway filled with the dazzling jewels of past monarchs, I noticed something just as striking, how many people walked through without looking up. Studying abroad taught me to pay attention to the details and to appreciate the history above and around me, not just what's directly in front of me. |  |
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"Echoes of Dharma" by Paisleigh Atwood From the top of Borobudur, the world feels timeless. The distant mountains rise like ancient guardians, their silhouettes softened by the morning mist. Beside me, a serene Buddha gazes outward, embodying a stillness that contrasts the endless scene of the mountain view beyond. Standing here, I felt the weight of history and the lightness of the present, as if the stones beneath me and the view before me whispered the same truth: peace is found not in reaching, but in being. |  |
"Fionn's Inspiration" by Maeve Callahan Standing in awe at the edge of the world, a solitary figure perched on the peak of the pillars gazes out over the surreal beauty of the Giant's Causeway. The dark basalt columns stretch into the horizon, where the rippling sea meets a calm sky, creating a moment of quiet reflection amidst nature's raw power. Some might call it a masterpiece of nature, but the ancient Irish believed it to be the handiwork of Fionn MacCool, a mythical warrior who is said to have created a bridge of these pillars stretching across the sea from Ireland to Scotland where a similar formation can be found on the other side. While the rest of the causeway was supposedly destroyed in a supernatural battle, Fionn’s inspiring precipice remains behind. These rare rock formations have been captivating and inspiring humans for as long as they have existed. In the modern era, an estimated one million people from across the globe make a pilgrimage to witness one of the most fascinating natural features in the world, a true testament to the human spirit’s undying inspiration of nature. |  |
"Eighty Years and Two Days After Liberation" by Ava Lavigne Amidst the proud hum of victory that hung in the air over coastal Normandy during the eightieth-anniversary celebrations for D-Day, there was an indescribable edge of discomfort in the air that none of us could shake. Here we were, enjoying a picture-perfect seaside town, lamenting over minor sunburns and the struggle to call an Uber in rural Normandy. Only decades earlier kids our age and younger were living their most horrifying day; the minuscule remnants of shrapnel from debarquement were still beneath the soles of our shoes. We stood there as three young Americans, united a sea away from home, wondering aloud how eerie it must have been to stand in this quaint little town two days after the invasion, instead of eighty years and two days. Like many small towns, Courseulles-sur-Mer seemed stuck in time, reminding all that even if we only remembered the victory over evil, it would hold vigil for the aftermath: rusty red beaches, scattered inhabitants, and the structural destruction of war. The mass number of visitors were loud and triumphant, but the tiny town stood firm in reminding us of what was. |  |
"Doorway in Stratford-Upon-Avon" by Victoria Reed In the place of the Bard’s birth (and death), I came across an overgrown walkway leading to a mysterious door. A burst of color in the overcast, drizzly England sky: I paused to admire the lush vegetation and bright blue paint, fading from who knows how many years of age. I may not have discovered what lies behind, but as Hamlet remarks, “There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,/ Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” - William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 5, Lines 166-167 |  |
"Malta's Golden Hour: A Prickly Pear Paradise" by Margaret Wilk Drive into Malta at 6 pm, where Għargħur rests on a hilltop between two valleys. This isn't just a photo; it's a whisper of a community living by the sun's rhythm. Imagine sun-baked stone and wild thyme as you stand among prickly pear cacti, their vibrant green pads contrasting with the honeyed sunset. The village is home to 2,768, and glows with warm evening lights. Ancient stone walls speak of generations past. Feel the quiet energy where nature meets daily life, a testament to the Maltese spirit. This golden hour invites you to breathe in Malta's magic. Experience the serenity, the timeless charm of a village tucked away in the Northern Region, where every stone has a story and every sunset is a masterpiece. Let the echoes of village life transport you to this tranquil hilltop. This is Malta, unfiltered and unforgettable. | |
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"Look Up!" by Erin Boyd This photo is of the ceiling of Salisbury Cathedral. It is famous for having the tallest church spire in the UK and being home to one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta. The architectural details of the building were some of the most intricate and beautiful I have ever seen; this photo captures just a fraction of that beauty. |  |
| Photographer | Study Abroad Destination | Photo Entry |
| Casey Arsenault | New Zealand | Dinner and a View |
| Casey Arsenault | New Zealand | Hawdon River at Dusk |
| Casey Arsenault | New Zealand | Southern Hemisphere |
| Casey Arsenault | New Zealand | Wellington Phoenix A-League Semi-Final Heartbreak |
| Paisleigh Atwood | Indonesia | Beneath the Sky, Above the Falls |
| Paisleigh Atwood | Indonesia | Echoes of Dharma |
| Paisleigh Atwood | Indonesia | God’s Canvas |
| Paisleigh Atwood | Indonesia | Time Stands Still |
| Hannah Bennett | France | Overlooked Grandeur |
| Hannah Bennett | France | Rowing in Versailles |
| Hannah Bennett | France | Tea in Paris |
| Hannah Bennett | France | Through the Crowd |
| Christianna Bostley | South Africa | A Sweet Sweet Welcome |
| Christianna Bostley | South Africa | Greatest Defender |
| Christianna Bostley | South Africa | One is the Loneliest Number |
| Christianna Bostley | South Africa | Small Town Charm |
| Erin Boyd | England | Get your Ducks in a Row |
| Erin Boyd | England | Look Up! |
| Sophie Burt | France | 22:00 |
| Sophie Burt | France | One City, Many Nations |
| Sophie Burt | France | Paris Painter Painting Paris |
| Maeve Callahan | Ireland | Fionn’s Inspiration |
| Maeve Callahan | Ireland | Fungie’s Friends |
| Maeve Callahan | Ireland | Monk’s Refuge |
| Morgan Cathcart | Vietnam | Rapunzel’s Dream |
| Keira Comtois | England | Blenheim Palace |
| Keira Comtois | England | Family Photo |
| Keira Comtois | England | Master of the House |
| Keira Comtois | England | Stonehenge |
| Kaylan Conliffe | South Korea | Enveloped by Seoul |
| Kaylan Conliffe | South Korea | Hidden Zodiac |
| Kaylan Conliffe | South Korea | History on the Walls |
| Kaylan Conliffe | South Korea | Years Old Downpour |
| Christina Cummings | Japan | Ancient Residents of Modern Kyoto |
| Christina Cummings | Japan | Camaraderie |
| Christina Cummings | Japan | Finding Peace in Solitude |
| Christina Cummings | Japan | Shachihoko |
| Kathryn Dzambo | Vietnam | After the Rainfall |
| Kathryn Dzambo | Vietnam | Daily Commute |
| Kathryn Dzambo | Vietnam | Family of Four |
| Kathryn Dzambo | Vietnam | The Sleeping Buddha |
| Scott Gausland Jr | Denmark | Amsterdam Canals |
| Scott Gausland Jr | Denmark | Oslo Fjord |
| Scott Gausland Jr | Denmark | Rainbow Room |
| Scott Gausland Jr | Denmark | The Little Mermaid |
| Kate Henry | Vietnam | A Coastline Full of Life |
| Kate Henry | Vietnam | City of Lanterns |
| Kate Henry | Vietnam | Linh Phước Pagoda |
| Isabelle Kolb | Germany | Kuh! |
| Isabelle Kolb | Germany | Lone Crow |
| Isabelle Kolb | Germany | Poet |
| Isabelle Kolb | Germany | Stroopwafel |
| Cassie Lathrope | Vietnam | Drifting into Tranquility |
| Cassie Lathrope | Vietnam | Hiding Among the Greenery |
| Cassie Lathrope | Vietnam | Midday Melodies |
| Cassie Lathrope | Vietnam | Tradition Meets Modernity |
| Ava Lavigne | France | A Summer’s Night on the Côte d’Azur |
| Ava Lavigne | France | Eighty Years and Two Days After Liberation |
| Ava Lavigne | France | Sacre Coeur on Film |
| Ava Lavigne | France | What the Seine Sees |
| Emma O’Donnell | Spain | Blue Skies at the Alcazar |
| Emma O’Donnell | Spain | Familiar but Better |
| Emma O’Donnell | Spain | Feria |
| Emma O’Donnell | Spain | La Plaza de España |
| Sawyer Pierpont | Ireland | Kestrel Cove |
| Sawyer Pierpont | Ireland | Loch Dúthaigh |
| Tulasha Pradhan | South Korea | Gamcheon Culture Village |
| Alexander Preis | Sweden | A Gift from the Alps |
| Alexander Preis | Sweden | Framework of the Future |
| Alexander Preis | Sweden | Mourning |
| Alexander Preis | Sweden | The Thermal Experience |
| Delaney Progen | South Korea | Division of War |
| Victoria Reed | England | Doorway in Stratford-Upon-Avon |
| Aya Rhouat | Spain | A Pleasant Companionship |
| Aya Rhouat | Spain | Spring Beyond the Horizon |
| Aya Rhouat | Spain | The Spirit of Seville |
| Aya Rhouat | Spain | Vibrant Copenhagen |
| Hanae Rhouat | Spain | Expressive Hands |
| Hanae Rhouat | Spain | La Tour Eiffel |
| Hanae Rhouat | Spain | Lugano in Bloom |
| Hanae Rhouat | Spain | The Heart of Seville |
| Nattilie Sanso | France | Fosse des Faux Ramparts |
| Nattilie Sanso | France | Le Début |
| Nattilie Sanso | France | Neighborhood |
| Nattilie Sanso | France | Sitting on a Hill Outside the City |
| Chloe Sapienza | South Korea | Night Life |
| Chloe Sapienza | South Korea | Temple Guardian |
| Yamuna Turco | Vietnam | A Whisper in the Monstera |
| Yamuna Turco | Vietnam | Coffee, Palm Leaves, and the Morning Sun |
| Yamuna Turco | Vietnam | The Nature of an Urban Environment |
| Cassie Wardwell | Costa Rica | A Hummingbird in the Rain |
| Cassie Wardwell | Costa Rica | Capuchin Monkeys Grooming Each Other |
| Cassie Wardwell | Costa Rica | Even Females Can Shine |
| Cassie Wardwell | Costa Rica | The Tails Upon the Fern |
| Alexander Weiss | Costa Rica | Beast |
| Alexander Weiss | Costa Rica | Determination |
| Alexander Weiss | Costa Rica | Morning Stroll |
| Alexander Weiss | Costa Rica | Skywalker |
| Margaret Wilk | Poland | A Different Kind of Escape: Zakrzówek vs. SMC |
| Margaret Wilk | Poland | Julia obok tramwaju (Julia next to the tram) |
| Margaret Wilk | Poland | Malta’s Golden Hour: A Prickly Pear Paradise |
| Margaret Wilk | Poland | Sunset Lessons in Crete |
A number of dedicated individuals contribute in many ways to the overall success of the Global Eyes Photography Contest. In particular, we would like to extend our gratitude to the following Global Eyes supporters:
Judges of the 24th Annual Global Eyes Contest
Allison Cleary, Department of Digital Media and Communications
Jordan Douglas, Department of Arts and Design
Sebastiaan Gorissen, Department of Digital Media and Communications
Jon Hyde, Department of Digital Media and Communications
Candas Pinar, Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Kimberly Sultze, Department of Digital Media and Communications
Creative and Technical Support
Claire Concio, Office of Study Abroad
Antonia (Toni) Messuri, Office of Accessibility Services (retired)
Jane Viens, Office of Undergraduate Education
Rosemary Yargici, Office of International Students and Scholar Services
Durick Library Support Staff
With special appreciation to the Durick Library for allowing Global Eyes photographs to be displayed in the beautiful Dailey Room throughout the year.
Sponsored by
The Office of Study Abroad
The Department of Digital Media and Communications
The Institute for Global Engagement
