The International Institute (II) Photo Contest is open to all students affiliated with the II and/or its centers and programs, either through funding or study.
Photos must be taken 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 August 2024 and August 2025. A select panel of U-M staff and faculty members will judge the photos on subject matter, composition, technical quality, creativity, and originality.
Deadline for submission: OCTOBER 31, 2025 (12 AM EST)
Categories/Themes
Go Blue!
(Show U-M pride abroad)
While our Michigan pride runs deep at home, it resonates just as profoundly across borders. Share snapshots of your “Go Blue!” experiences from all around the world. We would love to see how our spirit travels with you, whether you are conducting research in remote locations, interning at ancient sites, or studying in busy international cities.
2013 Winning Photo:
Go Blue Wherever You Are! (Marrakech, Morocco)
by Christine Brash (BA 2014) / Affiliation: International Institute funding recipient
The World Is Your Classroom
(Show a facet of the student’s research, work, or study abroad)
We celebrate the idea that education extends far beyond the four walls of a classroom. Submit your best photos that capture the essence of learning from the different parts of the world—we want to see how you interpret the theme through your unique perspective. Examples may be a snapshot of your fieldwork at an archeological dig, nature that teaches us about the environment, a cultural heritage that gives you a new understanding and perspectives of the traditions, a picture of an adult picking up a new skill, or a breathtaking sight that teaches us about the world.
2018 Winning Photo:
Another Day in the Office (Ethiopia)
by Patricia DeLacey (PhD Biological Psychology '23); Affiliation: African Studies Center Research or Internship Support recipient
You are welcome to submit photos for all three categories, but please ensure you upload all images simultaneously.
Once you submit your online form, you will NOT be able to submit another entry
or make further submissions.
Deadline for submission: OCTOBER 21, 2024 (12 AM EST)
Awards
Three winners will be selected from each category:
First Place - $500 | Second Place - $200 | Third Place - $100
Rules of Entry and Guidelines
Open to all U-M students affiliated with the II and/or its centers and programs, either through funding or study.
Photos must be taken in conjunction with research, study, or an internship abroad related to or funded by the II and/or its centers and programs and completed between August 2024 and August 2025. If you have any questions, please email iimichigan@umich.edu.
Rules of Entry
- You must have participated in research, an internship, or study abroad related to or funded by the International Institute and/or one or more of its centers or programs between August 2024 and August 2025.
- You may submit one photo per category.
- All photos must be your original work, taken during your qualifying research, internship, or study abroad between August 2024 and August 2025.
- 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.
- Each photo must include a title and a brief description (maximum 50 words) explaining how it relates to the category theme and your research, internship, or study abroad experience.
- Entries must be submitted by October 31, 2025.
Photo Submission Guidelines:
- Original work: All photos must be your own work.
- Size: Images must be 8x10 inches (portrait or landscape). Submitted photos will be resized or cropped to 8x10, which may result in some detail loss.
- Format: JPEG/JPG or PNG; must be a minimum of 1000px
- Color: Both color and black-and-white photos are eligible.
- Submission: Each entry must be uploaded as a separate file via the online submission form.
- Acknowledgment: By entering the II Photo Contest, the student acknowledges the Photo Contest Use Notice
Ethics
We ask students to consider the ethical aspects of capturing images of people and places. Please be aware that not everyone wishes to be photographed, and not all places can or should be captured.
Here are questions you can ask yourself as you think through the range of situations you’ll encounter:
- Could there be tension between my intentions in taking this photo and how others will perceive the image, especially those in the United States?
- Is it appropriate to ask the person’s/people’s permission in this context?
Content Restrictions
Photos that include any of the following will not be used:
- Minors (children)
- Life-threatening behavior
- Illegal activity
- Alcohol consumption
- Nudity
- Locations where photography is prohibited
- Customs or activities that may be perceived as animal cruelty
