Global Programs | Boston University

Once again we were overwhelmed by the amazing images submitted for the Global Programs Photo Contest. We had great participation by students, alumni, faculty and staff and we received submissions from 15 colleges at the University and CELOP! It was also really interesting seeing the different interpretations of the theme Changing Perspectives. 74% of our Study Abroad locations were represented not to mention dozens of other global locations where the BU community is studying, doing research, service activities or simply visiting. 62 different countries were represented this year and a couple of the new ones are Senegal, Scotland, Pakistan, Algeria and Guam.

We whittled the hundreds of entries down to 35 semifinalists and then another round of judging brought that number down to the 12 finalists which our team of judges including, Photojournalism Professor Peter Southwick, choose the three winners you see here. Congratulations to the winners and the other nine finalists shown below in no particular order.

First Place: Eva Gallagher, CFA, Croatia (@evavgallagher)

“Though I have visited Croatia every summer of my life, only in recent years has my attention been drawn to the link between religion and the economic challenges of living there. As a result of political corruption, inadequate wages, and lack of work, many families struggle to support themselves. For those with very little, religion is one of the few sources of hope for people, offering them inspiration and guidance in times when all else fails them. This is a trend I have observed in numerous countries in Europe, however it seems to be a global phenomenon. While I am not religious myself, these two nuns descending a public stairway in an impoverished area in Zagreb caught my eye, their facial expressions a reflection of the physical disintegration beside them.”

Second Place: Heying Yu, COM, India

“First day arriving in India. It was in the midnight, my taxi driver couldn’t find where my hotel is, so he asked other taxi drivers who were touting for business by the street, trying to figure out the address of my hotel.”

Third Place: Madeline Christian, SHA, New Zealand

“Taken while kayaking in the Milford Sound where you only experience the best view from the water. This place really changed my perspective as some things are the most beautiful in the worst weather, and the Milford Sound is definitely one as this is when all the waterfalls come out. An experience, and especially a study abroad experience, is all about what you make of it, and looking at the world from a new perspective.”