In the College of Arts and Sciences, our passion for understanding the global community influences all we do. We encourage our students, faculty, and staff to engage actively with diverse cultures around the world through faculty-led programs abroad, language studies, partnerships around the globe, service learning, International Studies, student and faculty exchanges, internships, and Xavier Global House. Arts and Sciences is a leader in the university's efforts to develop an international focus.
Paused for three years due to the pandemic, Imagining the World returns. The awards ceremony will be held in Spring 2024.
We are thrilled to open submissions for the return of Imagining the World.
If you are a recent alum who is submitting photos from your time as a student between January 2022 and now, please note that you will need to use your Seattle University email address. If you do not have your password, you will have an option to update it.
*Includes all SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, Faculty-Led, Non-SU, and non-credit immersion programs. Must be an SU student or employee when photos were taken.
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.
Ethical Photography: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Ohio University Center for Campus & Community Engagement: Guidelines for Ethical Photography
Photographers Without Borders: Code of Ethics
Education Abroad: Students
International Students
Education Abroad: Faculty and Staff
Through this contest, students, faculty, and staff capture more than a moment in their experience – they share a very personal window into the world they explore. The award recipients’ photos are included in the Imagining the World photography book and exhibit.
Submitted photos address the theme: "Imagining the World." Entries should go beyond the "postcard" and express the entrant’s vision and understanding of life in the host country.
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 mention contestants are also recognized at the Annual Awards Ceremony and Artists Reception.
Images link to exhibition photo books
Photo credits top to bottom. Banner, large image: Bowen Chen, “Milky Way, Camp Muir,” 2016, First Place, International Student; smaller images: Bowen Chan, “Lonesome Boat,” 2015, First Place, International Student; Hillary Sturgeon, “Fiesta de la Trashumancia,” 2018, First Place Study Abroad; Jake Alexander, “Kids in Er Rachidia”, 2015, First Place, Study Abroad; Amy Bryant, “A Cab Ride in Venice,” 2106, First Place, Study Abroad; Malia Nakamura, “The Heart of Frankfurt,” 2019, First Place, Study Abroad; Luka Karaula, “The Thinker,” 2014, First Place, International Student. Lower image: Malia Nakamura, “The Heart of Frankfurt,” 2019, First Place, Study Abroad