Rice University sends over 200 undergraduates abroad each year for study, work, volunteer and travel purposes. These students have had profound, amazing experiences that span the globe. But what these students often find as "returnees" is that it can be extremely difficult and even frustrating to try and convey the significance of their abroad experiences to those back home. Much is "lost in translation."

This photo contest is meant to provide some assistance in the translation process. The pictures themselves, as well as the stories that accompany them, speak volumes about the transformative effects of international experience.

Additionally, the contest provides returned study and work abroad students with the opportunity to contribute to the expansion of international opportunities at Rice. By allowing their photos to be reprinted and purchased through International Programs, they are generating scholarship funds for future Rice students to go abroad.

This year, in collaboration with the Office of Alumni Affairs, a new category has been added to the contest, that of Alumni Travel-Study. Each year, close to 300 Rice alumni and friends explore the world through the Rice Alumni Travel-Study Program, taking countless photos along the way. The addition of this component provides participants in these programs the opportunity to share their favorite photos with the entire Rice community--and support Rice undergraduate study and work abroad opportunities in the process. Over 300 amazing photos were submitted this year in the digital, print and alumni categories, and the judging was extremely difficult. The photographs displayed were judged to be among the best.

The contest has been generously supported by a number of sponsors, contributing services and prizes. The contest would not have been possible without the help of these wonderful sponsors, listed below.

To get started, just click on the links in the picture at the top of the page. Each page contains thumbnails of the winning pictures which can be clicked to enlarge.


Own one of these beautiful photos AND support Rice International Programs at the same time! Really love a photo you've seen here? Reprints can be ordered for most* of the photos from the 2005, as well as many others from previous years. All profits from photos purchased will be used to directly support students travel abroad for study, work, or volunteer purposes.

Prices are as follows:

8x10 :: $25

11x14 :: $50

16x20 :: $75

Include an additional $5 for shipping.

*some digital photos may not be of a high enough resolution to enlarge

Email abroad@rice.edu with the name of the photo and size you would like to order.

Gift notecards, featuring 4 different prints from previous contests, are also available for purchase.