Global Photo Contest

Do you have compelling photos or videos from your Study Abroad, Study USA, international student study, or other global experience? Ready to win a flight voucher or other prizes? Submit an entry to the Global Photo Contest!

Timeline

• Submit photos: February 28 – March 17 (midnight)
• Voting: March 25 – April 7 (on @ElonGlobal Instagram)
• Winners announced week of April 8.

Please read the official rules and submission guidelines below before submitting your entry.

Submitting a Photo

To enter, please click the title of each category and complete the linked form (below). For each submission, you’ll include: 

• Your name
• Your class year or status at Elon
• Submission location
• Program name (if applicable)
• A brief description or caption

You may submit THREE photos to EACH category for which you qualify.

Contest Categories

Elon Explorers – This category showcases at least one Elon student on their study away experience. Wearing Elon gear is not required yet encouraged!

Live Like a Local – This category sheds light on the daily life of students studying away, moving beyond what a tourist might experience. This is a chance for students to show off their home away from home, along with the culture with which they engaged. Images/videos might feature a local café, walk to class, living situation, friends/locals, and cultural traditions, among others.

Global Learning – This category showcases students’ learning while away from Elon’s campus and can feature examples such as classrooms/learning spaces, fieldwork, internships, field trips, and participation in student organizations.

Inclusive Elon – This category encourages students to capture their study away experiences with images/videos photos that disrupt stereotypes in global education – who goes abroad and where they go. Inclusion is a broad category that recognizes populations that have been historically underrepresented or minoritized in global learning including but not limited to students of color, athletes, STEM students, males, and students with disabilities, among others. It also encompasses experiences that involve the inclusion of local communities, building upon meaningful relationships.

International Community – This category allows international students at Elon to share their experiences during their time at Elon, highlighting their engagement with global communities on Elon’s campus, in the local area, or further afield.

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Eligibility

The contest will be open to all currently matriculated Elon University students, staff, and faculty who have engaged in global learning experience (e.g. study abroad, Study USA, studying at Elon as an international student) during one of the following terms: Spring 2023, Summer 2023, Fall 2023, and Winter Term 2024. Participants from both Elon-sponsored programs and non-Elon programs are welcome, as are students whose study, research, internship, or community-based learning has been approved by Elon for credit and/or funded by an Elon grant or scholarship.

Photo Submission Guidelines

1. Submissions are limited to three photos per category.
2. Videos should be no longer than 1.5 minutes/90 seconds in length.
3. Photos must be in their original digital file (no Facebook photos).
4. Entries must be submitted online using the Google Form.
5. The contest accepts submissions from all over the world — both abroad and within the United States.
6. Use good judgement when submitting photos. Successful photos will show compelling scenes, encounters with difference, and engaged learning regardless of location. It is not necessary for the photo to have been taken on an Elon-affiliated Study Abroad or Study USA experience; submissions from personal experiences abroad and in the U.S. are welcome (except for the Study USA participant category, which must be taken on a Study USA program).
7. GEC staff reserve the right to accept and reject photos as they see fit.
8. Submissions deemed inappropriate or not reflective of the Global Education Center’s values will not be allowed to enter the contest. If you have any questions about whether your photo is appropriate, please email global@elon.edu. Examples of inappropriate submissions include but are not limited to photos depicting dangerous behavior, the use of drugs, inappropriate use of alcohol, or content that is culturally disrespectful or dishonest. Keep in mind that once content is posted, it is no longer in your hands. Ensure that you are conscientious in writing your entry description and that they do not perpetuate harmful narratives (i.e. white savior complex, appropriation, etc.).
9. You must have the right to distribute and take credit for photos you submit, including permission by those photographed.
10. By submitting to the contest you agree that Elon University can use your photo or video for promotional or educational purposes, such as on brochures, in orientation handbooks, on social media, and elsewhere.
11. Contestants may encourage voting on social media within reason. Contestants that are determined to promote to the point of harassment will be removed from the contest.
12. By submitting a photo you agree to be bound to the preceding guidelines.

Voting and Prizes

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2024 Winners

Ella Zappone Elon Explorers:
Reese McNally Global Learning:
Gabriella Robertson Inclusive Elon:
Courtney Dellicker Live Like A Local: