Connecting Michigan to the World

Open to all University of Michigan students affiliated with the II and/or its centers and programs, either through funding or study. Submissions may include photos and short videos (approx. 20 seconds).

All submissions must be created in conjunction with research, study, or an internship abroad related to or funded by the II and/or its centers and programs, and must have been completed between January 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026. 

A select panel of U-M staff and faculty members will judge the photos on subject matter, composition, technical quality, creativity, and originality.

Online entry form opens in July.

Deadline for submission:  November 13, 2026 (12 AM EST)

Once you submit your online form, you will NOT be able to submit another entry
or make further submissions.

Three winners will be selected from each category:
First Place - $500 | Second Place - $200 | Third Place - $100

One winner from the short video category will receive $300.

In addition, selected photos may also be featured in the Global Photo Showcase organized by the Global Engagement Team in the Office of the Provost, giving your work a chance to be shared with a broader audience.

Open to all U-M students affiliated with the II and/or its centers and programs, either through funding or study.

• Submissions must be created in conjunction with research, study, or an internship abroad related to or funded/administered by the II and/or its centers and programs and completed between January 1, 2025 and September 30, 2026. If you have any questions, please email iimichigan@umich.edu.

• You may submit up to three photos: one photo per category, and one student clip (up to ~20 seconds).

• All submissions must be your original work, taken or created during your qualifying research, internship, or study abroad

• AI-generated or digitally manipulated (“photoshopped”) images are not accepted. Black-and-white photos are eligible.

• Submit your photo(s) using the online entry form. Upload entry as a separate file.

• Each photo must include a location, date, title, and a brief description (maximum 160 words) explaining how it relates to the category theme and your research, internship, or study abroad experience.

Entries must be submitted by November 13, 2026. For questions, contact iimichigan@umich.edu.

Please note: When submitting your entry, you will be asked to include your II or center affiliation, any funding received, your degree program and expected graduation year, the location and date the photo or video was taken, and a brief description of your submission.

Tip: Add context to your photo or video. A clear, thoughtful description helps bring your story to life.

Photos

• Photos must be your own work
• File format: JPEG/JPG or PNG
• Size/cropping: Images should be 8x10 inches (portrait or landscape). Submitted photos may be resized or cropped to fit these dimensions, which could result in slight detail loss.
• Minimum resolution: 1000 px
• Color: Color and black-and-white photos are accepted
• File naming: Please name your files using the following format: LSA_II_[category]-[last-name]; Ex: LSA_II_TWYC-Smith
  Category Codes: MW (Michigan Wolverine); TWYC (The World Is Your Classroom); MFOR (M is for…) 

Short Video

• File naming: LSA_II_[category]-[last-name]; ex: LSA_II_ShortVideo-Smith
• Length: Up to 20 seconds
• File format: MP4 (preferred) or MOV
• Orientation: Vertical or horizontal accepted
• Audio & accessibility: Audio is encouraged; captions are recommended when possible
• Privacy/site rules: Record only where filming is permitted; avoid recording identifiable individuals without consent

By submitting your entry (photos or video clips) to the 2026 II Student Photo + Short Video Contest, you agree to the following:

• You grant the University of Michigan and the International Institute a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use your submitted materials (photos, video clips, and descriptions) for educational, academic, research, and promotional purposes, in any medium, in perpetuity.
• Your name and any captions or descriptions you provide may be used alongside your submissions.
• You will not receive payment or compensation for your submissions unless you are selected as a contest winner.
• You release the University of Michigan and the International Institute from any liability that may arise from the use of your submissions.
• The International Institute will make every effort to credit you when your work is used, including when shared with campus partners. If you have specific credit preferences, please contact ii-communicators@umich.edu.

Questions? Email ii-communicators@umich.edu.

We ask students to consider the ethical aspects of capturing images and videos of people and places. Please be aware that not everyone wishes to be photographed, and not all locations can–or should–be documented.

Here are questions you can ask yourself as you think through the range of situations you’ll encounter:

• Could there be tension between my intent in capturing this photo/clip and how others will perceive the materials, by audiences in the United States and the host country?
• Is it appropriate to ask the person’s/people’s permission in this context?
• Could this content put someone (and yourself) at risk, expose sensitive information, or misrepresent the community or situation?

Content Restrictions

Submissions that include any of the following will not be used:

• Minors (children)
• Life-threatening behavior or dangerous behavior
• Illegal activity
• Alcohol consumption
• Nudity
• Locations where photography/filming is prohibited
• Customs or activities that may be perceived as animal cruelty