International Photo Contest 2026

Our International Photo Contest is now open! Whether you’ve studied abroad, made Iowa City your new home from afar, or led students on a global learning experience, we want to see it through your lens.

Show off your Hawkeye spirit and share your unique international experiences (both on campus and abroad). We're not just looking for composition, lighting, and framing, but photos that tell a story!  

Student Photo Contest

Open to all current University of Iowa students and scholars

• International students and scholars: Show us your experience at Iowa
• Domestic students: Show us your Iowa experience abroad

Categories

• Hawkeye Pride: From flying the Hawkeye flag around the world to repping Iowa gear in unexpected places. Wherever you are in the world, show us how you carry the black and gold with you.
• Exploring Local Cultures and Traditions: The best parts of an international experience can't be planned. They happen when you say yes to something new.  A local festival or custom, sharing a meal, or simply soaking in a place that changed how you see the world. Show us the beauty in doing things differently.
• A Day in the Life: We want to see your international experience from your point of view. Maybe it's a morning walk to class, your go-to study spot, or a spectacular sunset. Give us a glimpse into what an ordinary day looks like through your extraordinary experience.

Each student may submit up to 5 photos. Winning photos will be selected for each of the above categories.

For best results, please upload the highest quality version of your photo file. Avoid screenshots or images that have already been compressed or resized.

Prizes

• Grand Prize: $500 Amazon gift card
• 1st Place in each category: $100 Amazon gift card
• People's Choice Award: $100 Amazon gift card (voted on Instagram) 
   

Winning photos will be displayed across campus and featured in an Iowa Now article. Your shot could be the image that represents international education at Iowa this year.

Need inspiration? Browse last year's gallery of submissions! 

Faculty & Staff Photo Contest

Open to all current University of Iowa faculty and staff.

Global Engagement, Faculty & Staff Perspectives
From leading students abroad to conducting international research, building a cross-cultural partnership, or teaching and collaborating with international colleagues, show us how global engagement shapes and inspires your work and life at Iowa. 

Winning photos will be featured campus-wide in an Iowa Now article and considered for a follow-up story/article. A great way to spotlight your global work!

Faculty and staff may submit up to 5 photos. Please upload the highest quality version of your photo file. Avoid screenshots or images that have already been compressed or resized.