Last Updated on March 3, 2020 by AIFS Abroad
We’re always on the lookout for captivating pictures that exemplify the true meaning of a study abroad experience. Our annual Capture the Culture Photo Contest is an opportunity for AIFS students and recent alumni to submit what they think best, well, captures the culture. Candidates contribute pictures that evoke a sense of nostalgia for a particular experience, time or place that really helped define their overseas adventures.
This year we had an abundance of submissions, making it quite difficult to determine the winners. Thank you to everyone who participated!
Without further ado, here are the 2017 Capture the Culture winners:
Grand Prize
Description: Best Overall. Well-rounded, quintessential study abroad picture.
Congratulations to Delaney Row from the University of Vermont, who studied abroad with AIFS in Wellington, New Zealand in Spring 2017, on being awarded the Grand Prize for the AIFS Study Abroad Capture the Culture Photo Contest! His photograph of him and his friends on the ridge line of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing was magnificent.
Category: Squad Goals
Description: Organized group shots of you and your study abroad pals.
Congratulations to Gerard Edic from the University of Missouri – Columbia who spent his Fall 2016 semester with AIFS in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The photo he submitted of himself and his friends exploring South Africa completely epitomizes #squadgoals.
Category: City Life
Description: The hustle and bustle, popular places, urban happenings, landmarks and architecture.
Congratulations to Jonathan Nass from Towson University, who studied abroad with AIFS in Barcelona, Spain in Fall 2016! His image of the Super Moon rising over the Mediterranean Sea from Los Bunquers de Carmel in Barcelona will make your heart swell!
Category: Tradition… Tradition!
Description: Cultural events, festivals, holidays, local activities.
Congratulations to Katie Roche from Chapman University, who studied abroad with AIFS in Salamanca, Spain in Spring 2017! AIFS students got to experience a Spanish tradition in Ciudad Rodrigo: a bullfight! Katie’s image makes us feel like we were there experiencing it with her and her classmates, giving us an insider’s perspective into what it feels like to be at this long-standing historical event.
Category: The People’s Champ
Description: We post our faves on Facebook and Instagram and the most popular wins!
Congratulations to Sydney Moses from UC Berkeley, who studied abroad with AIFS in Barcelona, Spain! Out of 22 finalists for this category, Sydney’s photo was crowned winner after receiving the most engagement and positive feedback on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. Way to go, Sydney!
Category: A Day in the Life
Description: Photos of your residence, homestay, classroom, campus life.
Congratulations to Brian Hernandez of the University of Oregon, who studied abroad with AIFS in San JosĂ©, Costa Rica in Summer 2016! Ticos and ticas in Costa Rica live by the phrase “pura vida,” a daily lifestyle. Living a pure life – living a meaningful life – means soaking in your surroundings and making the most of every moment. Brian’s image of relaxing on the Costa Rican beach really showcases the laid back nature of this Central American country’s culture.
Autosave-File vom d-lab2/3 der AgfaPhoto GmbH
Category: Creativity
Description: Use your artistic expression here! Anything that might not fit into other categories.
Congratulations to Tanner Husman of Columbia College in Chicago, who studied abroad with AIFS in Salzburg, Austria in Spring 2017! Tanner creatively used his drone photography skills to capture an aerial view of a beautiful Croatian harbor. The geometry, color and unique method really caught our attention. The image speaks for itself!
Category: #WeAreAIFS
Description: Program excursions, trips, gatherings, activities, group outings, student/staff interactions.
Congratulations to Alyssa Lofaro from Siena College, who studied abroad with AIFS in Salzburg, Austria in Spring 2017! This photo is of Alyssa and three of the friends she made abroad showcasing their AIFS pride during a weekend trip to the beach. It totally captures the AIFS spirit and captures what she calls one of her “favorite moments from my semester abroad!”
