Learning Abroad Center

Learning Abroad Center International Photo & Video Contest

2025 International Photo & Video Contest Details

Sponsored by the Learning Abroad Center and Village Travel.

Congratulations to the 2025 Finalists of our International Photo & Video Contest! Voting is now open through November 23 at 11:59 p.m. Winners will be announced on November 25.

Vote for your Favorite Submissions

Contest Prizes

Winning PlacementList of Prizes
1st Place Prize
  • Burgundy Journal with Gold Imprint
  • UofM Edgewood Backpack
  • Minnesota M Metallic Sunglasses
  • 16 Piece Travel Set for Toiletries
  • M Packing Cubes
  • Village Travel Credit
2nd Place Prize
  • North Face Vault Backpack
  • 4 Piece Packing Cubes
  • 16 Piece Travel Set for Toiletries
3rd Place Prize
  • North Face Vault Backpack
  • 4 Piece Packing Cubes

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

Favorite Place

Submit a short video depicting the most memorable places/locations from your experience.

  • Memorable landmarks
  • Your favorite place in the city to hang out
  • A beautiful vista

Good Vibes

Submit a short video depicting a fun moment or interaction.

  • With your host family or cohort
  • At a local event or a festival
  • Meeting new people abroad

Who Can Enter?

  • UMTC students, currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program, who studied abroad.

Contest Guidelines

Submitted photos 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 or filters
  • The original digital file (e.g., no Instagram photos)
  • Submitted as .jpeg or .png file types and at least 2000px by 1000px

Submitted videos must be:

  • Your original work—no AI-generated videography or filters
  • uploaded to YouTube
  • 1 minute or shorter

Rules

  • 1 photo and 1 video per person per category (maximum of 3 photos and 2 videos)
  • Each photo and video must be entered into one of the specified categories
  • All entries must be submitted online
    • Each submission must include a brief paragraph (30–70 words) describing the photo
    • Submissions may not be generated or altered by AI in any way
    • Entries will be disqualified if they suggest inappropriate behavior, disrespect toward local cultures, or violate the UofM Student Conduct Code

From the pool of submissions, we will select finalists for online voting that takes place November 17–23.

Winners will be announced November 28.

Dates & Deadlines

Photo Contest PeriodOpen DateClose Date
Submission PeriodOctober 20November 9
Voting PeriodNovember 17November 23

For contest questions or submission support, contact Claire Volna at [email protected].