The sixth annual study abroad photo contest gave returning study abroad students the opportunity to share scenes from their rich experiences with the campus community through photography. Photos were submitted showcasing scenes from all over the world — from the salt flats of Bolivia to the changing leaves around the Medici Fountain in Paris to the indigenous colors of Costa Rica. Among the varied images, three were awarded prizes in additional to three honorable mentions.
Over the course of the year, students share their experiences with the campus community through essays, presentations delivered in classrooms or during events such as the Academic Conference, and other co-curricular activities. The photo contest, which began in 2011, is another way for students to relay their time abroad with the campus community — an experience they often refer to as life-changing.
"Education is all about transformation and studying abroad is the most transforming experience a student can have as an undergraduate," says Brittain Smith, director of study abroad. "Study Abroad gives students the opportunity to grow intellectually and personally in a way nothing else can. Students gain independence and maturity — and make themselves a more marketable job candidate in a global economy."
The study abroad program continues to grow each year, with 310 students participating during the 2016-2017 academic year, including summer 2016. Holy Cross offers 50 study abroad programs in 29 countries around the world, ranging in duration, but is particularly known for its year-long academic and cultural immersion programs. The College currently ranks number one among baccalaureate institutions in the United States for long-term study abroad programs according to the Institute for International Education.
2016 Study Abroad Photo Contest Award Winners
First Place, “Brighton Pier”
Hildie Hoeschen ’17
Area of Study: sociology major
Location: Brighton, England
Program: Mansfield College, University of Oxford in Oxford, England (2015-16 academic year)
Read more about Hildie’s study abroad experience here.
Second Place, “Uyuni”
Charles Suse ’17
Area of Study: international studies major
Location: Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Program: Pontificia Universidad De Perú in Lima, Peru (summer/fall 2015); Universidad Del Salvador in Buenos Aires, Argentina (spring 2016)
Third Place, “Lipstick Jungle”
Haylie Butler ’17
Areas of Study: biology and Spanish double major
Location: Sarapiquí, Costa Rica
Program: Universidad Del Salvador in Buenos Aires, Argentina (fall 2015); Organization for Tropical Studies: Environmental Change, and Human Health in Costa Rica (spring 2016)
Read more about Haylie’s study abroad experience here.
Honorable Mentions, “Medici Fountain”
Lauren Biolsi ’17
Area of Study: sociology major
Location: Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, France
Program: University College Cork in Cork, Ireland (2015-16 academic year)
Honorable Mentions, “Portal Tomb”
Lauren Biolsi ’17
Area of Study: sociology major
Location: Poulnabrone Portal Tomb in County Clare, Ireland
Program: University College Cork in Cork, Ireland (2015-16 academic year)
Honorable Mentions, “What is it like to live on a hill among people who aspire to move mountains?”
Emma Molloy ’17
Areas of Study: psychology major and American Sign Language/Deaf Studies minor
Location: Montserrat Monastery in Barcelona, Spain
Program: National University of Ireland in Galway, Ireland (2015-16 academic year)
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