Recognizing the increasing importance of a global perspective, Rice encourages its students to enrich their academic experience through study abroad. Every year, more and more Rice students are taking advantage of this life-changing opportunity. Studying abroad is about more than the simple academic experience. Living and learning in another culture, on its terms, broadens one's world-view and challenges one's beliefs and perceptions. However, while returning students may feel immeasurably changed, it is often difficult to share this experience with those back home.

The Study Abroad Office instituted the photo contest as a means for Rice students to share their study abroad experiences with the Rice community. With the gracious support of Council Travel, who provided matching funds, the Study Abroad Office was able to offer a $600 Council Travel Gift Certificate as First Prize for the contest. The Office was overwhelmed with nearly 200 entries this first year, all of which were commendable. Those displayed were judged to be among the best.