International Photo Contest 2024/2025
The International Programs Office is proud to announce the winner of the ninth annual International Photo Contest at the Alberta School of Business.
GRAND PRIZE WINNER
Ninell's entry "Admiring Seoul" was chosen from among the 10 finalists by a selection panel of faculty, staff and student representatives of the School of Business and the online vote. As the grand prize winner, she will receive a $500 prize and have her photo added to the permanent display in the 4-16 conference room at the Alberta School of Business.
RUNNER UP
RUNNER UP
All the entries selected as finalists were outstanding in their own right and represented a wide variety of perspectives and experiences. Some showcased personal adventures in breathtaking settings, others depicted a sense of venturing out into the unknown, and still, others portrayed the character and culture of local people in a meaningful way. For this reason, they are all very difficult to compare to one another. All these entries were worthy in their own way and deserve recognition and appreciation.
This is the ninth year the International Programs Office has run the international photo contest, which aims to create an atmosphere of international connections at the School and promote exchanges and other program opportunities beyond the classroom. Thank you to everyone who entered, voted in and/or participated in the 2024/2025 Alberta School of Business International Photo Contest for making it a great success!
Be sure to also check out the Honorable Mention page for some of the judging panel's other favorite entries submitted in this year's contest. You might also want to explore available exchange program options through the Alberta School of Business to start planning your next adventure abroad.
If you should have any questions, comments or requests for information, please do not hesitate to contact us at business.international@ualberta.ca.
Croatian Coast
Michelle Gratton, BCom 2025
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Studying abroad has not only expanded my cultural knowledge but also made me a more well rounded individual. Living in a city where no one knows you, you don’t speak the language and you are just learning the culture is indescribable. You are stepping outside of your comfort zone everyday and as a result you are meeting new people, learning new traditions and having new experiences. Studying abroad has been the most amazing, unforgettable experience.
Simple Moments [Runner-up]
Caroline Schmit, BCom 2026
St Abbs, Scotland
Some experiences change you in ways you don’t fully grasp until you pause to reflect, and studying abroad has been exactly that. You meet people from all over the world, not through the lens of their past or their social lives back home, but as they are in that moment. These are people who, like you, chose to take a risk, embrace discomfort, and dive into the unknown—and it’s unbelievable how deeply that bonds you. To experience this in a country so stunning feels like a dream and is a gift I’ll carry with me forever.
Climbing The Towers of San Marino
Owen Pasay, BCom 2026
San Marino
Visiting the towers of San Marino was an unforgettable journey that highlighted the importance of preserving history and tradition. Walking through the stone fortresses perched atop Mount Titano, I felt a deep connection to the resilience of one of the world’s oldest independent republics. Traveling to San Marino broadened my perspective, teaching me the value of experiencing different cultures and their stories firsthand.
A Sliver of Light in the Blue City [Runner-up]
Molly Stetsko, BCom 2026
Chefchaouen, Morocco
I did a one semester exchange in Madrid, Spain and had the amazing opportunity to travel around to many other nearby countries. My exchange opened my world up to so many new cultures and experiences that have left me with a love for learning about new places. Chefchaouen, Morocco had a particular impact on me when I visited because of the city’s juxtaposition of vibrantly coloured buildings with the soft tranquility of the city’s energy and people. This photo was taken on the day that my friends and I woke up early to watch the sunrise over the city and slowly sprinkle rays of light through the beautiful blue streets.
New Friends, New Places: Reflections by the Sea
Kirsten Bradshaw, BCom 2026
North Berwick, Scotland
During a spontaneous day trip to North Berwick, my new friends and I stood by the sea, reflecting on how much we had grown in such a short time while studying and traveling abroad. The experience of being in a new environment, meeting people from all over the world, and embracing different cultures taught us lessons we never expected. It’s difficult to put into words the happiness and open-mindedness that come from international travel, but it’s a feeling I’ll carry with me forever. These moments of connection and self-discovery are something I’ll always cherish and never take for granted.
Tricycle
Qiqi Zhao, BCom 2027
Henan, China
Growing up in China, I always enjoyed stopping by the food carts outside my school after class, filling up my stomach with all kinds of snacks. Many years later, as everything in China is getting modernized, I took a trip to Luoyang, where I ran into a man selling roasted sweet potatoes on an old tricycle —just like the ones in my memories. I pressed the shutter to capture this flashback from my childhood that I remembered.
Through the Leaves of Rome
Mara Dzenick, BCom 2026
Rome, Italy
Traveling outside of Canada has offered me transformative experiences, such as visiting iconic landmarks like Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome. Seeing history come alive through architecture surrounded by natural beauty helped me appreciate the depth of human creativity and resilience. These moments taught me to embrace diverse perspectives and cultures, fueling personal growth and inspiring me to think beyond borders. Such experiences highlight the importance of stepping out of familiar surroundings to connect with the world in meaningful ways, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared history and global interconnectedness.
Happiness
Kyrene Benedicto, BCom 2025
Cambodia
In my time at Siem Reap, I got to know the locals very well as most Cambodians are gifted with storytelling. Educational support ranks poorly within the country, so most Cambodians learn how to make a living through tourism. Initially, I thought seeing Angkor Wat, one of the eight great wonders of the world, would leave a profound impact on me. That’s what everyone says. But looking back at my trip, the most memorable part of Cambodia is this snapshot of a woman, preparing meals for a hundred monks praying inside a temple.