2026 International Photo & Video Contest Details
Sponsored by the Learning Abroad Center
Submit your best photos and videos to the 2026 Learning Abroad Center International Photo & Video Contest between October 19 and November 8.
A committee will review all entries and select photos and videos that best exemplify each category.
Vote online for your favorite photos and videos November 16–22; winners will be announced November 23.
Contest Prizes
| Winning Placement | List of Prizes |
|---|---|
| 1st Place Prize |
|
| 2nd Place Prize |
|
| 3rd Place Prize |
|
Photo Submission Categories
Gopher Pride
Submit a photo showcasing UofM students together abroad.
- Students in maroon and gold apparel
- Student group photos
- Gophers exploring
Perfect Postcard
Share an image that best exemplifies the beauty of the place where you traveled.
- A breathtaking vista (landscape or cityscape)
- A scene from street life
- A spot you’ll never forget
Delicious Food
Upload a photo that features some delicious international cuisine.
- A memorable meal with a host family
- A unique local snack
- Your favorite item from a restaurant
Video Submission Category
Day in the Life
Submit a short video showing us what studying abroad is really like.
- Where you live, study, and shop
- Your favorite places to hang out
- Who you spend time with
Who Can Enter?
- UMTC undergraduate students, currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program, who studied abroad.
Contest Guidelines
Submitted photos and videos must be:
- Taken outside of the US on a study abroad program
- Taken by you or of you (the person submitting the photo)
- Not digitally altered beyond basic color correction
- In color (no black and white or sepia)
- Your original work—no AI-generated images, videography, or filters
Photos must be:
- The original digital file (e.g., no Instagram photos)
- Submitted as .jpeg or .png file types and at least 3000px by 2000px
Videos must be:
- Uploaded to YouTube
- 30 seconds to 3 minutes in length
Rules
- 1 photo and 1 video per person per category (maximum of 3 photos and 1 video)
- Each photo and video must be entered into one of the specified categories
- All entries must:
- Be submitted online
- Include a brief paragraph (30–70 words) describing the photo/video
- Refrain from inappropriate behavior, disrespect toward local cultures, and violations of the UofM Student Conduct Code
- Refrain from dangerous activities (e.g., riding motorbikes, skydiving) and excessive displays of drinking alcohol
- Not be generated or altered by AI in any way
From the pool of submissions, we will select finalists for online voting that takes place November 16–22.
Winners will be announced November 23.
Dates & Deadlines
| Photo Contest Period | Open Date | Close Date |
|---|---|---|
| Submission Period | October 19 | November 8 |
| Voting Period | November 16 | November 22 |
For contest questions or submission support, contact Claire Volna at [email protected].