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​Do you have a great photograph or video from a Chicago School sponsored Study Abroad or Field Experience program? If so, this is an opportunity to share your experience with our community. 

You must be an Active Chicago School student to be eligible to submit images or videos from all the travel abroad programs sponsored by The Chicago School. The image or video must be original work and you must be the one who have taken the photograph or video.

 

You may submit a maximum two submissions for consideration but only one will be entered in the contest. Submission Deadline: 

Friday, December 1, 2023

 

Prize Amount:​Will be applied towards your Student Account balance.

If you are a financial aid user, the award may require adjustment of student loans in order to accommodate the funding in the student’s cost of attendance budget. Please consult with Financial Aid or 1-800-684-2890, option 1, to determine if the scholarship will impact funding.   

 

Video: 1st prize - $500; 5 runners up prizes - $200 each (sample video)Photo: 1st prize - $200; 5 runners up prizes - $100 each

 

Committee Review Rubric:

  • Ability to capture and reflect the academic richness of experience and student participation
  • Promoting The Chicago School​
  • Uniqueness of the destination/program/culture
  • Highlights of study abroad experience​
  • Quality of image and/or video​
​

We are pleased to announce the following winners of this year's contest:​

2022 WINNERS

​FIRST PLACE PHOTOGRAPH

Photographer: Kelsey Polk | Study Abroad: Israel/PalWest (Summer 2022)

Yad Yashem Jerusalem looking up in the Hall of Names

Caption: Photo taken at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, Israel, looking up in the Hall of Names. The Hall of Names is the last exhibit before you exit the museum, and is the Jewish People's memorial to each Jew murdered in the Holocaust. The Hall of Names displays an initiative to identify each life that was taken so that they can be given their name back with a brief bio. Called the Pages of Testimony, life stories submitted by survivors, friends, acquaintances, and family members line the walls of the room.


FIRST PLACE VIDEO

Videographer: Heidi Garay | Study Abroad: Israel/PalWest (Summer 2022)


Caption: Due to content sensitivity, interviews conducted in the space were not included. However, some of the traveling my group and I did were. Sharing some of the places we visited as well as some of the activities we got to do as a group.

RUNNER UP PHOTOGRAPHS

Photographer: Cedric Streeter | Study Abroad: South Africa (Summer 2022)

Charles Hugo Primary School in South Africa
Caption: The TCSPP Study Abroad group completed an arts and crafts activity with learners from the Charles Hugo Primary School.

Photographer: Lynn Higman | Study Abroad: South Africa (Summer 2022)

Study Abroad in South Africa
Caption: The most fulfilling part of our study abroad experience to South Africa included the opportunity to truly feel the impact we were making while engaged in learning with children. This experience changed me forever, thanks to TCSPP!

2020 WINNERS

FIRST PLACE

​Photographer: Samantha Fink
Study Abroad: Bali, Indonesia (Fall 2018)

Balinese temple 
Caption: A group of TCSPP students inside of a Balinese temple learning how to make traditional music with traditional instruments over hundreds of years old.

SECOND PLACE

Photographer: Cecily Herby

Study Abroad: Bali, Indonesia (Fall 2018)

Purifying fountains of Tirta Empul temple
Caption: Pictured are the purifying fountains of Tirta Empul temple in Bali. The people in the photograph are cleansing themselves in the fountains and have left offerings on the ledge for the Gods. In Balinese culture, the fountains are believed to have healing properties for many ailments including stress, emotional disturbances, skin conditions, love, career advancement, and lifting curses. The students in my study abroad program visited the temple to learn about how the Balinese approach treatment of mental health disorders. Visiting the purifying fountains at the temple was one approach to address mental disorders.​

RUNNER UP PHOTOGRAPHS

Photographer: Tramine Miller-Harris

Study Abroad: South Africa (Spring 2019)

Lesedi Cultural Village 
Caption: This picture was taking at the Lesedi Cultural  Village. I was selected during the history lessons regarding the village to demonstrate how village Kings get married and communicate with there wives. It was a very fun experiences.

Photographer: Juliana Sanchez
Study Abroad:Peru (Summer 2019)​

Three first generation latinas posing at La Universidad De Piura

Caption: Three first generation latinas pursuing doctorate degrees in front of La Universidad de Piura in Lima, Peru after completion of academic instruction with Peruvian students.


Photographer: Udean Mars Williams

Study Abroad: Hong Kong (Fall 2018)​

Ancient statue Hong Kong

Caption: An ancient statute which is a major tourist attraction.


Photographer: Amber (Martinez) O'Neil Smith

Study Abroad: Philippines (Fall 2018)​

Quezon City, Philippines
Caption: This was the view from outside our beautiful hotel in Quezon city, Philippines

2019 WINNERS

​FIRST PLACE

Photographer: Tramaine Miller- Harris

Study Abroad: South Africa (Spring 2019)

 South Africa dance

 Caption: This photo was myself and a classmate dancing with a lady of African descent at a culture site that we visited.​

SECOND PLACE

Photographer: Amima Digane

Study Abroad: China (Summer 2016)

Great Wall of China
 Caption: A triumphant an joyous celebration of reaching one end of the Great Wall of China. Climbing countless stairs that seem to go on forever, it was quite the journey - both an individually enriching and spiritual experience, as well as a collectively meaningful and bonding experience.

RUNNER UP PHOTOGRAPHS

Photographer: Shawnell Ware

Study Abroad:  South Africa (Summer 2019)

Study Abroad Cohort Slanspruit Elementary School South Africa
Caption: SA Study Abroad Cohort SU 2019 conducted a needs assessment on thefirst day visiting Slanspruit Elementary School. Students had no toys to play with during recreation time. Students visit Game (supermarket like Walmart) and purchased a plethora of soccer balls, soccer goals, basketballs, jumpropes, and yoga mats in order for children to remain childlike and experience playtime in a constructive, meaningful way.


Photographer: Taylor Dombek

Study Abroad: South Africa (Spring 2018)

 Kakum National Park Rainforest Reverie
Caption: Kakum National Park - Rainforest Reverie: This canopy walkway provides a birds eye view of the rainforest and an opportunity to bond and develop an exhilarating trust with my cohort, overlooking expansive tree canopies and while enjoying the ambient natural melodies.


Photographer: Melinda Sosa

Study Abroad: Peru (Summer 2019)

Carabaya Street Lima Peru 
Caption: The Image includes a classmates talking to an indigenous female in her native dress and with her infant child selling edible goods out on Carabaya Street in Lima, Peru.

Photographer: Amelia Styer

Study Abroad: Switzerland (Spring 2019)

Lake Zurich Switzerland 
Caption: Taking in the view at Carl Jung's famous Bollingen Tower on Lake Zurich. The Jung family was there at the tower when we visited, and gave us special permission to look around!


Photographer: Diedra Price

Study Abroad: South Africa (Spring 2017)

 Soweto Uprising 1976 pic of Hector Pieterson being carried by another student
Caption: This photograph depicts a young student, Hector Pieterson who is being carried by another student during the Soweto uprising in 1976. Hector took part in a peaceful demonstration and was shot and killed by police officers while taking a stand against disparities and inequities in black schools in South Africa.

 

Photographer: Akshaya Parthasarathi

Study Abroad: India (Summer 2019)

 Taj Mahal India
Caption: Not a piece of architectire, as other buidings are, but the proud passion of an emperor's love in the living stones. Here is a marvel of creation - TAJ MAHAL.

 

Photographer: Rhonda Jallah

Study Abroad: India (Summer 2019)

Non profit organization in Pukar India 
Caption: This image was from when we visited Pukar, a nonprofit organization that teaches community children to do research. They translated their research findings in a picture to present. The study was about a community limited acess to the only clinic that is across the railroads. Several people giving birth before reaching the clinic because they are stuck at the railroad. Some lose their lives as well. It was impressive how these children were able to translate their findings with limited resources, and they made reccomendations to their communities leaders. This program helps these children stay out of trouble and off the street, and give them a purpose.
 

Photographer: Holly Barszcz

Study Abroad: South Africa (Spring 2019)

 Portrait of Nelson Mandela inside Mandela House
Caption: This picture is of Nelson Mandela inside of the Mandela House in Soweto, South Africa. He is a predominant figure in the South African community. This was inside his home where he resided after being released from prison in 1990.
 

Photographer: Kristin Brown

Study Abroad: Amsterdam (Summer 2019)

 Saanse Schans Amsterdam
Caption: Fellow TCSPP students took a trip to Amsterdam to the quaint town of Zaanse Schans. The air smelled like chocolate from the chocolate factories nearby, and the classic Dutch windmills were beautiful and jistorically rich.
 

Photographer: Moises Ventura

Study Abroad: Singapore/Malaysia (Summer 2019)

Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore Malaysia 
Caption: The picture depicts my travel group in front of the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel and at a hawker center, which is the traditional food court in Singapore offering a variety of local dishes.

 

Photographer: Lisa Jacovsky

Study Abroad: South Africa (Spring 2019)

 Woman feeding monkeys in Capetown South Africa
Caption: Feeding and making friends with adorable little monkeys while visiting the animal sanctuary in Capetown.
 

Photographer: Kade-Ann Henry

Study Abroad:Singapore/Malaysia (Summer 2019)

 Malaysia yoga sanctuary
Caption: Malaysia yoga sanctuary experience.
 

Photographer: Kelly King

Study Abroad: Switzerland (Spring 2019)

 Fog in Switzerland
Caption: The fog beyond.

2018 WINNERS

​FIRST PLACE

Photographer: Amanda Frankel

Study Abroad: Zambia (Fall 2017)

Children on the streets of Lusaka in Zambia
Caption: I am sitting in the streets of Lusaka with some street children listening to their stories to better understand their needs and wishes for a better life. Exactly where I am sitting is where these children sleep and live daily.


SECOND PLACE

Photographer: Lucy Turek

Study Abroad: South Africa (Fall 2016)

Childrens orphanage outside of Johannesburg South Africa 
Caption: We visited a children's orphanage center just outside Johannesburg, South Africa. This picture is from the center. We all were playing outside together after doing artwork. It was amazing! The children were full of love and energy. At one point, I was able to begin a circle and teach the children all how to do handstands. It was wonderful.

RUNNER UP PHOTOGRAPHS

Photographer: Benjamin Carter

Study Abroad: Germany (Summer 2018)

Rocks of remembrance for a mass grave in Germany
 
Caption: Rocks of remembrance for a mass grave – Shortly before the liberation of Sachsenhausen Concentration camp at the end of WWII, the Nazis murdered approximately 300 of the inmates. When the camp was opened to the public, the facilities placed these benches on the exact site of the mass murder. Relatives and friends of the victims place small stones on the benches to commemorate their loved ones, a Jewish tradition. In this photo, the outline of the bench creates a partial arrow pointing in the direction of the rest of the graves and a Nasi guard tower. This representing that it is only through remembrance can we move forward and past our collective traumas.

 

Photographer: Julia Borges

Study Abroad: Peru (Summer 2017)

Four students in front of pyramids of Lima
Caption: Visiting the pyramids of Lima with our class.


Photographer: Kimia Anderson

Study Abroad: Switzerland (Spring 2018)

Two students in front of Jung Institute in Zurich
Caption: This picture shows Morgan Freeman and me excited and ready for a lecture outside of the Jung Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. We are wearing our TCSPP shirts. You  can see our classmates in the background as well.  


Photographer: Michael Feinstein

Study Abroad: Germany (Summer 2018)

Entrance gate to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp near Berlin
Caption: This picture was taken at the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp near Berlin. This is the entrance gate and it says in German "work sets you free." Visiting this concentration camp was very powerful both personally and academically.


Photographer: Caitlin Tromiczak

Study Abroad: The Philippines (Fall 2017)

Bronzed footsteps of Dr. Jose Rizal
Caption: These are the bronzed footsteps of Philippine national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, at Fort Santiago historical site in Manila. An activist for peaceful reform, he was also a journalist, poet, doctor, and leader for Filipino freedom under Spanish rule. In the late 1800's, Rizal was sentenced to death by firing squad. These footprints memorialize his final walk to his execution. The flower symbolizes the inspiration he continues to represent for many Filipinos today working for freedom and speaking out against oppression.

 

Photographer: Leslie Chaplin

Study Abroad: Zambia (Fall 2017)

Fruit stand outside of Victoria Falls Zambia 
Caption: Driving through Zambia on our way to Victoira Falls, a delicious fruit stand with beautiful Zambian people.

 

Photographer: Yayra Tsikudo

Study Abroad: Peru (Summer 2018)

Peruvian mother and child 
Caption: The image was taken in Cusco, Peru.  The image shows a Peruvian mother and her child dressed in traditional Peruvian clothing.  Also, the mother is in the process of making Peruvian clothing.
 

Photographer: Trilce Delgado

Study Abroad: Germany (Summer 2017)

 Sikh street artist
Caption: While in Germany to work with refugees observed a Sikh street artist who works in chalk and his design on the sidewalk.

 

Photographer: Lexy Coleman

Study Abroad: South Africa (Spring 2018)

Eukhopholeni Menthal Health Centre in South Africa 
Caption: This photo is the Eukhopholeni Mental Health Centre where we volunteered for a week.

 

Photographer: Melanie Ludvigsen

Study Abroad: Germany (Summer 2018)

 Sticker messages on buildings in Berlin
Caption: People in Germany have a history of using graffiti and street art as tools of protest.  When free speech was prohibited, first by the Nazi party, and then again by the government of the GDR, Germany citizens turned to more anonymous forms of protest in hopes of protecting themselves and family members.  Today, murals, graffitied messages, and stickers are prevalent on the streets of Berlin.


Photographer: Matt Schneider

Study Abroad: Germany (Summer 2018)

 Holocaust memorial in Berlin
Caption: This image is from the Holocaust memorial in Berlin. It is built on the site of the former administrative offices of the Nazi party, where the Holocaust was planned and implemented.

 

Photographer: Jodie Shrode

Study Abroad: Switzerland (Summer 2018)

 View from top of Mt. Rigi
Caption: Finding peace and serenity on top of Mt. Rigi.

 

Photographer: Udean Elizabeth Mars Williams

Study Abroad: Country name not provided (Fall 2017)

Study Abroad photo of a female in traditional clothing - location not listed 
 Caption: This is a female in traditional clothing sitting in front of a traditional housing.

 

Photographer: Sindile Dlamini

Study Abroad: The Philippines (Fall 2017)

 Photo from The Phillipines
Caption: This photo demonstrates the importance of agriculture in the Philippines, and a reminder to live off the earth as a lifestyle, and a reminder that the earth, animals, and men can be one and live in harmony to yield a better harvest and health for humanity.

 

Photographer: Kelly Rauch

Study Abroad: Peru (Summer 2018)

 Cusco, Peru
Caption: Cusco, Peru, morning beauty (no filters).

 

Photographer: Saba Mahmood

Study Abroad: South Africa (Spring 2018)

Mountain top view from Johannesburg South Africa
Caption: The picture was taken on the top of a mountain that I hiked while in Johannesburg, South Africa. The picture represents the unique lifestyle and neighborhood layout of the country, with homes and buildings intertwined wiht nature. The crease between the two mountains, to me, is a metaphore of the culture divide that has been prevalent in South Africa since the beginning of times. Overall, the picture captures a bittersweet scene of the breathtakingly amazing country of South Africa.

 

Photographer: Anastasia Przybyla

Study Abroad: Switzerland (Spring 2018)

 Woman painting picture on sidewalk in Zurich
Caption: A woman painting on the sidewalk of the ever so busy Zurich. I received permission from the woman to take her photo, and I think that this picture just embodies everything Zurich believes in. To relax and see what is in front of you.