Imagining the World
Our annual international photo competition celebrates the global experiences of education abroad students, international students, and our faculty and staff.
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What is Imagining the World?
Imagining the World encourages students, faculty, and staff to capture more than a moment in their experience but rather to share a very personal window into the world they explore while working or studying abroad.
Submitted photos will address the theme: “Imagining the World” and should go beyond the “postcard” and express the entrant’s vision and understanding of life in the host country. We welcome all eligible individuals, regardless of their level of photography expertise.
A panel of professional photographers judge the photos on their technical merit and how well they address the contest theme. The chosen images are celebrated with an awards ceremony when the exhibit opens. Winners and honorable mentions are also recognized at the Annual Awards Ceremony and Artists Reception.
Interested in next year's competition? Sign up for our mailing list for updates and additional information about the competition.
Scroll down to see the winners from the 13th Edition of Imagining the World.
We expect photographers to ensure that the human rights and dignity of persons whose photos they take, with special care when working with children. This includes asking permission and considering any potential harm that could occur. We have gathered some resources to help guide you.
Ohio University Center for Campus and Community Engagement: Guidelines for Ethical Photography
Photographers Without Borders: Code of Ethics
Eligibility
Education Abroad Students
- Photos must be taken between January 2024 and December 2024 while participating in any SU Education Abroad Program*
- Must have been an SU student when picture was taken and must be an SU student to submit
International Students
- Photos must be taken between January 2024 and December 2024 while participating in any SU Education Abroad Program*
- Must have been an SU student when picture was taken and must be an SU student to submit
Faculty and Staff
- Photos must be taken between January 2024 and December 2024 while leading or participating in any SU Education Abroad Program* or while conducting research or other Seattle University work abroad
- Must have been an SU faculty or staff member when picture was taken and must be an SU faculty or staff member to submit
*Includes all SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, Faculty-Led, Non-SU, and Non-Credit Immersion Programs
Ready to submit your photos?
Submissions are open! Current Seattle University students, faculty and staff are eligible to enter photos taken during 2024. Submit your entry now.
Award Prizes
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Education Abroad Students:
First Prize: $500
Second Prize: $300
Third Prize: $200
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International Students:
First Prize: $500
Second Prize: $300
Third Prize: $200
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Faculty and Staff:
First Prize: $500
Second Prize: $300
Third Prize: $200
Meet Our 13th Edition Award Winners
This exhibition features a collection of 23 images made up of eight winners and 15 honorable mentions, which were selected out of a total of 145 photos submitted.
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First Place Study Abroad Student
Boys of Dakar
Taken in Senegal, by Hannah Sutherland, BFA Photography with Minor in French, Class of 2024
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International Student First Place Winner
The World From Above
Taken in Utah, by Shreshtha Alok. Public Administration, Class of 2024
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Faculty and Staff First Place Winner
Si Hubo Genocidio (yes, there was a genocide)
Taken in Guatemala, by Serena Cosgrove, PhD, Associate Professor, International Studies and Director, Latin American and Latinx Studies.
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Study Abroad Second Place Winner
Royal Highland Festival
Taken in Bhutan, by Sahil Bathija. Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science with Minors in Philosophy and English and a Specialization in Legal Studies, Class of 2023
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International Student Second Place Winner
Where Do I Want To Go?
Taken in New York, by Rinko Tsuchiya. English and a Minor in Theatre, Class of 2025
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Faculty and Staff Second Place Winner
Rooftops of Seville
Taken in Spain, by Marc Cohen, PhD, Professor, Dept. Of Management and Dept. Of Philosophy.
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Study Abroad Third Place Winner
June at Work
Taken in Samoa, by Katlyn Wong. B.A., Environmental Studies with a Specialization in Politics, Policy, and Justice. Class of 2024
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International Student Third Place Winner
Relationship
Taken in Washinton, by Kana Komoto. Political Science and a Minor in Asian Studies, Class of 2025
View and Purchase Past Exhibition Books
With the program in hiatus between 2020 and 2021, we created a special edition of past photos.
(Image links to the preview and purchase site for each book.)
