2025 Photo Contest Winners

The winning photographs (first and second place from each category, plus Best in Show) will be on display for two months in the Ley Student Center in front of Rice Coffeehouse from March until graduation. The students who submitted these photos each receive a framed print of their photograph, with first place winners also receiving an Amazon gift card prize.

All photos must be culturally appropriate and sensitive.

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#RiceOwlsAbroad

Photos that showcase Rice Owl pride through wearing the Rice Study Abroad T-shirt, Rice logo, or other demonstrations of school spirit while abroad.

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First Place

Student name: Genesis Hahn
College: Hanszen
Expected graduation year: 2025

Study abroad program: CIEE Arts and Sciences Program in Singapore
Term abroad: Spring 2024

Description: When I had free time in Singapore, I really enjoyed renting a bike and riding around the park or by the water. It was super relaxing and allowed me to see some amazing views while listening to music or chatting with friends. It was no Beer Bike, but it was still super fun!

Second Place

Student name: Clancy Scott
College: Hanszen
Expected graduation year: 2026

Study abroad program: IES Abroad Madrid - Engineering, Math & Science
Term abroad: Fall 2024

Description: Study abroad is about making friends and meeting new people. I met Sergio Rojas through my program in Madrid and we became great friends. Lily Durant and I have been friends since freshman year at Rice. She studied in Granada, Spain and joined us on our weekend trip to Amsterdam! It was so special making memories with long time friends, like Lily, while also making memories with new friends, like Sergio. I love having new friendships that I can bring back to Rice!

Third Place

Student name: Doug Calvillo
College: Jones
Expected graduation year: 2025

Study abroad program: SIT Study Abroad Switzerland: Global Health and Development Policy
Term abroad: Spring 2024

Description: This photo tells the story of four Rice Owls, four friends, coming together in Prague during our overlapping breaks. Together, we shared everything we’ve learned from our study abroad experiences and what we’re still excited to explore, including our immersion with a new culture in Prague as a group of global citizens. It was a chance to reflect on how our independent experiences in our different host cities—Nyon, Madrid, Barcelona, and Berlin—have shaped us, while also getting a chance to support each other in the new and unfamiliar environment of Prague. We compared the food, architecture, and even the "feel," of Prague to each our own host cities, helping all of us appreciate what we were actively experience in Prague, what we miss from our host city, and what we were excited to experience in future excursion. At this point in our semester, we all gained a significant amount of independence and made new groups of lasting friends, but it was refreshing to make new memories with old friends. Ultimately this photo represents the deeper connections and shared experiences that studying abroad makes possible.

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Postcard Perfect

Photos that are postcard quality and convey the student’s unique study abroad experience. Photos might be of landmarks, landscapes, people, and/or nature.

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First Place

Student name: Maya Habraken
College: Hanszen
Expected graduation year: 2025

Study abroad program: IES Abroad Seoul Direct Enrollment - Yonsei University
Term abroad: Fall 2024

Description: This photo is taken at Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan where I went this summer with my friend Yoonseo! Yoonseo was an exchange student at Rice two years ago and we quickly became friends. While at Rice we traveled together to my hometown of Austin in addition to exploring Houston! We always talked about traveling in Korea together if I went to study abroad and this ended up coming true this past semester! My freshman year I took Gender and Society in Buddhism and ever since I have been quite interested in Korean Buddhism. As such I wanted to try to visit Korean temples during my time abroad. Yoonseo, knowing this, suggested we visit Haedong Yonggungsa and it was an absolutely lovely experience to explore this beautiful seaside temple!

Second Place

Student name: Sejal Gupta
College: Lovett
Expected graduation year: 2025

Study abroad program: IES Abroad Barcelona - Liberal Arts & Business
Term abroad: Spring 2024

Description: My first weekend in Barcelona, a couple people from class asked if I wanted to visit Montserrat, a nearby mountain town. I was struggling adjusting to my new city and was nervous at the idea of making a trip so soon, but I decided to go anyway. The only way we could go was by train, so we had to time the trip carefully to ensure we weren't stranded along the way. When we arrived, we immediately saw a cheese market with cheese made in farms on the mountain. I bought some cheese and wine and found a spot to watch the sunset with the others. Sitting there, surrounded by the amazing views and people I had barely known, I felt happy for the first time since arriving abroad. One of the people I was with ended up becoming my closest friend abroad. This view here was the same view I saw that evening.

Third Place

Student name: Allison He
College: Hanszen
Expected graduation year: 2025

Study abroad program: University College London
Term abroad: Fall 2024

Description: I took this photo on a day trip to Bath that my dorm organized -- after a quick train ride, my friends and I wandered through the streets and at the end of the day climbed up the hill to view the city from above. We laid out a picnic blanket and ate some of the sandwiches we bought from a Tesco on the climb up. While I loved the hustle and bustle of London and Bath, I really enjoyed the calm and quiet of just sitting on a hill and watching the cows graze in the glow of the sun. I realized that I appreciated England for its unique blend of loud and quiet, urban and rural. If I ever felt overwhelmed and lost in a country away from home, I could always find pockets of nature to relax in and feel at home where I was.

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Culture and Tradition

Photos should provide a sense of the local culture, people, customs, and/or traditions.

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First Place

Student name: Maddie Jeffery
College: Baker
Expected graduation year: 2026

Study abroad program: SIT Study Abroad Madagascar: Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management
Term abroad: Fall 2024

Description: This photo, taken during sunset along the RN7 as we traveled toward Tulear, beautifully captures the significance of zebu in Malagasy life. The image of a man herding a mix of goats and zebu highlights a daily ritual that ties together culture, economy, and tradition in Madagascar. Zebu, often referred to as "omby" in Malagasy, hold immense cultural value in the country. Once used for royal sacrifices, they now symbolize wealth, legacy, and community in a society where resources are often uncertain. For many Malagasy people, zebu are more than livestock—they are financial assets, a form of wealth that can be passed down or invested in. Rather than storing money in banks, people invest in zebu, which can be sold or used for trade.

The connection between zebu and Malagasy life goes beyond economics; they are integral to rituals and ceremonies. In death, zebu are sacrificed in honor of a person’s life, and their meat is shared in a communal feast, reinforcing bonds within families and communities. I was struck by how, in this moment, the man herding his zebu encapsulated not just the livelihood of the Malagasy people, but a deeper connection to their cultural identity. Traveling 25 hours down the crumbling roads to Tulear exposed us to this richness—experiencing both the stunning landscapes and the ways people live in this often-overlooked corner of the world. The zebu truly is a cornerstone of Malagasy life, a visible and powerful symbol of both the past and the future.

Second Place

Student name: Aya Nadalin
College: Baker
Expected graduation year: 2026

Study abroad program: SIT Study Abroad Indonesia: Biodiversity and Conservation in Bali and Borneo
Term abroad: Summer 2024

Description: This photo was taken as we traveled upriver to perform forest restoration work on a former illegal gold mining site on the island of Borneo. The location is so remote it can only be accessed via a multiday journey aboard a klotok, or traditional riverboat used for transportation in Indonesia. I captured this moment where several were perfectly lined up, like ducks in a row, as they awaited their passengers' return. This popular spot offered a secluded orangutan viewing platform, hence the popularity at the dock!

To me, the klotok is the epitome of Indonesian culture: an attempt to catch up to modern civilization, yet simultaneously a relic of the past. Despite having a motor engine, it cannot steer easily or turn around, relying upon our guides with wooden poles to avoid impending branches and hazardous obstacles. It is essentially a little barge. Our entire existence revolved around this boat for a few days, from the toilet that was a bucket in a closet (byotp-bring your own toilet paper), to the foam mattresses we unfurled each evening as our bed, to our dinner of water fern, fish, and rice. When it poured in the jungle, we rolled tarps over the sides to avoid getting drenched. The technology was by no means beautiful or elegant, but it was practical, reliable, and got the job done. Our guides had learned to survive by chartering and adapting these river boats for easy access in an otherwise remote area.

Third Place

Student name: Maya Habraken
College: Hanszen
Expected graduation year: 2025

Study abroad program: IES Abroad Seoul Direct Enrollment - Yonsei University
Term abroad: Fall 2024

Description: One of my favorite parts of my Yonsei experience was joining Harang! Harang was a Yonsei club for students interested in traditional Korean culture. The club consisted mainly of Korean students and so was held mainly in Korean. Given my love of Korean history and traditional Korean culture I was super excited to be a part of this club! During our club MT (Membership Training) I was able to experience both traditional and current Korean culture. For our Harang MT we went to Changdeokgung palace and wore hanbok (traditional Korean clothes). One of our club members who is a history major taught us about the history of the different palace buildings and we had lots of fun taking pictures! After the first part of our MT we went back to Sinchon where I got to experience more current Korean culture as we spent the whole night playing games and hanging out!

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The Global Campus

Photos that showcase learning and academic experiences in an international context. For example, students in the classroom, during internship or research, or during course-related excursion.

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First Place

Student name: Maddie Jeffery
College: Baker
Expected graduation year: 2026

Study abroad program: SIT Study Abroad Madagascar: Biodiversity and Natural Resource Management
Term abroad: Fall 2024

Description: This photo captures a moment that truly embodies the essence of experiential learning—me holding a lemur at the Palmarium Reserve (Ankanin’ny Nofy) in Madagascar. I’d never imagined I’d be so close to such an iconic species, but this was more than just a chance encounter. It was a profound learning experience that allowed me to connect with Madagascar's wildlife in a way that textbooks and lectures never could.

As we arrived at the Palmarium, nestled along the tranquil shores of Lake Ampitabe, we were greeted by lush, tropical landscapes and a sense of peace that only a place dedicated to conservation could offer. The reserve, home to around 10 species of lemurs, including the rare Aye-aye and the majestic Indri, is not just a sanctuary for these incredible creatures; it’s a beacon of hope for their survival in an increasingly threatened world. I wasn’t just learning about lemurs from a distance—I was interacting with them, understanding their behaviors, their needs, and their delicate place in the ecosystem.

But the real lesson came in understanding how Palmarium, through eco-tourism, is fostering conservation efforts while providing sustainable livelihoods for local communities. The reserve is only accessible by boat, which makes the journey to it feel even more special, like you’re stepping into a world apart from the usual tourist routes. The local villagers, many of whom are directly involved in the reserve’s management, benefit from the eco-tourism model, which supports reforestation, local education, and community projects. Through this, I saw firsthand how eco-tourism can be a powerful tool for conservation, not just in preserving biodiversity but also in uplifting the local economy.

Holding the lemur wasn’t just about getting a photo—it was an opportunity to understand the importance of protecting these animals, the forest they call home, and the people working to make that possible. This experience, far from just a fun excursion, became a living classroom where I learned about the interconnectedness of wildlife conservation, local communities, and the role that responsible tourism can play in preserving fragile ecosystems.

Second Place

Student name: Danika Li
College: Hanszen
Expected graduation year: 2025

Study abroad program: Chinese University of Hong Kong
Term abroad: Spring 2024

Description: This was my last day teaching English at Sacred Heart School in Cheung Chau, Hong Kong. Cheung Chau is a small island off of Hong Kong city less than 1 square mile in size. To get there, I commuted two hours each way, riding the subway to Central, and taking a ferry to the island. The life there is charming and beautiful, and the kids are lively and full of energy. I was lucky to have volunteered at the school throughout the semester, and gotten the chance to explore the hikes and beaches, and eat many of the specialties: ping an buns, mango mochis, fish balls, and frozen watermelon.

Third Place

Student name: Michael Ngo
College: Wiess
Expected graduation year: 2025

Study abroad program: SIT Study Abroad Vietnam: Culture, Social Change, and Development
Term abroad: Spring 2024

Description: Easily one of the most meaningful takeaways from my semester was getting to learn firsthand about the diverse ethnic cultures that make up Vietnam. While the Kinh people form the majority of Vietnam's population, the country is home to dozens of other ethnic groups, each with their own rich traditions and perspectives that deserve to be heard. Our program gave us opportunities to learn directly from members of various local communities. This moment was captured during our 3-day and 2-night motorbike tour through the mountains of Ha Giang at the northern tip of Việt Nam, where a student in my program and a little girl shared a brief but genuine connection, bridging any language barriers with a simple wave.

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Everyday Life

Photos that illustrate a typical day abroad. This may include daily commute, favorite study spot, local hangouts, etc. Share a “day-in-the-life” of a study abroad student.

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First Place

Student name: Aya Nadalin
College: Baker
Expected graduation year: 2026

Study abroad program: SIT Study Abroad Indonesia: Biodiversity and Conservation in Bali and Borneo
Term abroad: Summer 2024

Description: Immersed in a rural Tabanan Village in Bali, I felt a world apart from the troubles and clutter of modern civilization. I slept, ate, and conducted field research under the watchful eye of twin slumbering volcanos, giants that are remnants of an ancient past. This photo represents my daily "commute" of the route I traversed each morning to conduct research on the endemic bird species inhabiting this particular region of the temperate forest. I walked about 3 km along this road each morning, greeted by the squawks of chickens in their metal sheds or guided by Udon, the bright yellow dog staring off into the distance. The simple metal sheds interwoven into the thick jungle canopy tell a silent tale of man attempting to tame the forest that sustains him. This photo recalls in my memory, if only for a moment, the memory of crisp forest air blowing the clouds across the sky, the earthy smell of dirt mixed with chicken manure, the friendly nods and smiles as I greet fellow villagers with a "Selamat Pagi!" (Good Morning)

Second Place

Student name: Amanda Le
College: Wiess
Expected graduation year: 2025

Study abroad program: SIT Study Abroad Vietnam: Culture, Social Change, and Development
Term abroad: Spring 2024

Description: I believe lunch in Vietnam is best when eaten in establishments with plastic stools and metal tables. Almost every day, I was able to try a new spot on the street and indulge in my favorite foods such as bánh mì and bún bò huế. I relished these meal times, not only for their delicious food but for the opportunity to be a part of locals' daily lives. I watched families bike to lunch together, children play tag on the street, and businessmen laugh with co-workers on their breaks. And I was honored to see my meals made right in front of me with fresh ingredients from the nearby market, homemade sauces, and lots of love. With the help of my program's language classes, I felt confident ordering in Vietnamese and conversing with locals to learn about their favorite everyday dining spots.

Third Place

Student name: Megan McDonald
College: Sid Richardson
Expected graduation year: 2025

Study abroad program: IFSA - Trinity College Dublin
Term abroad: Fall 2024

Description: I lived in the Liberties neighborhood of Dublin while attending Trinity College Dublin. I could smell fermenting beer from the Guinness storehouse as I made my twenty-five minute walk to class every morning. I would take Thomas Street to Dublinia and veer off the main road to walk through the courtyard of Dublin Castle most days if I was not in too much of a hurry. This photo was taken on a rare clear night walking back to the Liberties from Trinity. A beautiful view in a beautiful city, inside and out.