Are you a photography enthusiast?
Notre Dame Global is looking for photos that tell a story and provide a unique glimpse into the study abroad experience. This photo contest is a great opportunity to provide the Notre Dame community with a visual glimpse into your experience, so be as creative as you’d like. We want to see images from a variety of perspectives that will encourage and inspire prospective study abroad applicants to take the leap!
2025-26 Contest Guidelines
Closed for submissions
Eligibility
All Notre Dame undergraduates who participated in an NDG study abroad program during the 2025-2026 academic year (AY 2025-26, Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026) are eligible to submit photos for this contest. Photos must have been taken during your time abroad in your host country in 2025-26.
Prizes
One first-place winner and two honorable mentions will be awarded per category.
- 1st place photo: $100
- Honorable mentions: $50 each
Photo Composition Guidelines
Photos submitted should capture the heart of the study abroad experience and highlight your journey to becoming a more informed global citizen. While artistic quality and unique perspectives are important, submissions should also illustrate at least one of these three themes:
Intentionality of Study Abroad
Capture the purpose and impact of your study abroad experience through meaningful engagement with your host community, culture, academics, research, internships, or daily life. Photos in this category should reflect curiosity, connection, and a deeper understanding of the people, values, ideas, and experiences that shaped your time abroad.
Through a Local Lens
Move beyond iconic landmarks and staged travel photos to capture the authentic character of your host community. This category celebrates candid moments, hidden details, and everyday experiences that tell a deeper story about life abroad.
ND Irish Abroad
Show off your ND pride in your host country by featuring Notre Dame in some way. Whether it’s a flag or Notre Dame apparel, show us how you’re reppin' the Fighting Irish abroad.
General Guidelines for All Photos
- We encourage you to include yourself and/or others in the photos.
- Photos should tell the story of your study abroad experience and why it is unique or special.
- Submitted photos must be taken in your study abroad program host city or country
Submission Requirements
In submitting photos to the contest, you agree that the University of Notre Dame may use them for promotional and commercial purposes without further permission, conditions, or compensation.
- The content of your images must be in accordance with the University's Standards of Conduct.
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Submit ORIGINAL high-resolution photos, minimum of 1000 pixels on the longest side (check photo properties).
- PLEASE NOTE: Photos that were posted to sites such as Facebook, Instagram, etc., and then downloaded for submission, will have been automatically downsized by those sites.
- Horizontal photos in color are preferred.
- Make sure people in the photos have permitted you to take their image AND have it published on social media, in NDG print publications, and other media outlets.
Consider the Ethics of your Photography
- Is your photo respectful to the subject(s) and the host country?
- Did the people in your photo consent to be photographed, and are they aware you’re submitting it to a photo contest?
- Does your photo feature children? If so, did you receive permission from their parent or guardian to take and share the photo?
- Does your photo promote any negative stereotypes or false generalizations about the subject(s) or the host country?
Submission Instructions
- A maximum of two photos per category per student may be submitted for consideration.
Judging Criteria
Submissions will be judged by a committee composed of members of Notre Dame Global’s Study Abroad and Communications teams. Judges will be looking for photos that best fit the theme of each category, demonstrate the photographer’s creativity, and showcase overall artistic merit.
Upon award, winning photographs will be posted to the Study Abroad website and shared on social media. In the future, any photos submitted to the contest may be used in print pieces, at events, on social media, and in promotional materials.
Contact
For questions, please email studyabroad@nd.edu.
Past Photo Contest Winners |
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