Every year, Study Abroad in conjunction with International Student & Scholar Services and International Programs celebrate International Education Week (mid-November) with a number of contests for study abroad and international students. During the fall of 2012, Study Abroad will be hosting a photo contest for study abroad and international students, and a video contest for study abroad students. Monetary prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place winners. Continue to check for more information on the 2013 iteration of this contest. 

2012 Photo Contest: Show Us the World Through Your Eyes

The photo contest is open to UI students who have studied abroad and international students at the University of Iowa. Degree-seeking international students that have studied abroad may submit to either the study abroad student category or the international student category, but not both. Applicants can submit up to two photographs. Please note that the use of copyrighted material not owned by the photographer or extensive photoshopping (e.g. combining different photographs into one composite image) will be grounds for immediate disqualification. 

Regarding the types of photos participants should submit, we want to see shots of your most memorable cultural experiences from your time abroad or here in the US. This could mean photographing a piece of your host city's local architectural flare, enjoying a traditional event, or capturing an issue important to the host society. Show us your interactions with your adopted home. 

Judging will take place during the month of October. Winners and applicants will be notified via email and a public announcement will be made. Questions about this process or the contest in general can be sent to study-abroad@uiowa.edu.

2012 Video Contest: Uncharted Territories

The video contest is open exclusively to UI students that have studied abroad. Applicants may submit a single video of no more than ninety seconds in length. Videos must be turned in to Study Abroad on a CD, DVD, or flash drive (which will be returned) and also submitted as a response to a video International Programs has posted on YouTube.

This being the first year of the video contest, Study Abroad has decided to keep the theme open. Examples of possible themes include exciting cultural events, unique culinary experiences, the beautiful blend of a host country's vibrant colors, a showcase of international diversity, the changing world, or historical and scenic wonders. We're leaving it open so you can show us your creativity. We want to see what impacted you while you were abroad.

Please note that the use of copyrighted material like photos, music, or videos that do not belong to the participant will result in an automatic disqualification from this contest. Judging will be handled by some of UI Study Abroad's program partners and international educators. Questions about this process or the contest in general can be sent to study-abroad@uiowa.edu.