2004 International Education Photo Contest Winners

Category: A Sense of Place

First Place
Kylemore

Hallie Ashenmacher
Catholic Studies in Rome
Spring 2004

While studying in Rome, some friends and I traveled to Ireland for a week. We visited Kylemore Abbey in County Galway along the way. Struck by the enchanting beauty of the place, we braved freezing-cold rain and cheap umbrellas to admire this sight.


Second Place
Cascading Tranquility

Megan Christensen
Varanasi, India - Semester at Sea
Fall 2003

A ball of fire rose in the early morning sky, radiating brilliant beams of sunlight across the Ganges River. Considered one of the holiest bodies of water in Hindu religion, women, men and children gathered on the banks to purify their souls. This photo exposes a glimpse of their dedication to religion and true life.


Third Place
Timeless Wonder

Megan Christensen
Agra, India - Semester at Sea
Fall 2003

Laced with exquisite beauty, the Taj Mahal is truly a breath-taking marvel. As the sun was setting, illuminated the while marble facade, this photo was captured -- reflecting the sheer perfection and serenity of the moment.


Category: An Intercultural Experience

First Place
Enchanting Innocence

Megan Christensen
Salvador, Brazil - Semester at Sea
Fall 2003

Youthful eyes reflect the sincerity of humanity barred from a life of potential and opportunity. These young boys face continual struggles growing up in the Brazilian favelas. This photo embraces the sorrow of poverty masked by the eagerness, compassion and beauty of the human spirit.

Second Place
Daydreams and Incense

Erin Droege
Varansi, India - Semester at Sea
Spring 2004

This picture was taken in the holy city of Varanasi near the sacred Ganges River in India. As I walked through the narrow city streets packed with children, cows, merchants, shrines, and the ever-present smell of incense, I noticed this quiet woman attending a shrine and was taken in by her daydreaming. I often wonder what those dreams of hers looked like; maybe she was thinking about her children or what she was to have for dinner, or perhaps she was simply contemplating the gods with whom she faithfully keeps company.

Third Place
Smiling in Sinai

Jessica O'Neill
Catholic Studies in Rome
Spring 2004

An Egyptian guide carries his son on his shoulders. He and his son led us on a desert/mountain trek near the city of Dahab. It was on the Sinai Peninsula in the beginning of February. Their names were Ayman and Akman.