Our Mission
Each year, Rice University sends over 200 undergraduates abroad 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.
Also 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 and the judging was extremely difficult. The photographs found within this website were judged to be among the best.