2023 Finalists

During All Saints Day, I decided to see more of France and spent the week in Chamonix-Mont Blanc, France. During this week I did all the hikes I could. Lac Blanc was one of the most challenging, yet rewarding hikes I’ve ever done.

This is a photo taken in Ecuador during a three hour hike at an altitude of 12,465 feet above sea level, this is most likely a first for any UofMN abroad trip. During our debrief and feedback sessions post trip, this was the top favorite experience.

My classmates and I traveled Barrio Chino, the chinatown in Buenos Aires on a day off

Me and three classmates dressed in traditional Japanese Kimonos looking out at the Sensō-ji temple.

A nature hike through the hills of Tromso, Norway to explore native and invasive plant species

The sun shines through the clouds, illuminating part of Tikal, an ancient Mayan site. Monkeys swing through the surrounding trees, completing the surreal landscape hidden away deep in the forests of Guatemala.

I took this photo at 6 in the morning after a night of eating, story telling,playing cards, singing, and finally sleeping in the Sahara desert. Getting to the camp was accessible by camel only, and my group was led by excellent guides.

This image is from Tunnel Beach in Dunedin New Zealand, I studied abroad at the University of Otago in Dunedin New Zealand during spring 2023

Locals in the Trastevere district of Rome stroll among the charming cobblestone streets. The bright colors and sun enhance the mood that is echoing throughout the city on this particular morning

The green aurora borealis dances in a sky full of stars over a snowy mountain with a lit house resting along a lake at the bottom of the mountain.

This shows the amazing variety of life in Ecuador, from the beautiful natural diversity to complex urban form. I learned so much living there, and this video represents those eye-opening experiences, full of color, surprises, and a vibrant life.

In just a single month spent abroad, you have the potential to create lifelong friendships and memories.

In late September 2023, I heard that Pope Francis would be visiting the French city of Marseille, very close to my study abroad program in Montpellier. Seeing an opportunity to potentially cross paths with him myself, I decided to follow through with this

While studying in Ecuador, some of my classmates and I spent spring break in the Galapagos! We went snorkeling and saw many animals, some of which are shown in this video.

An awesome, beautiful trip to Italy where I not only experienced such inspiring cultures, but made life long friends.