PHOTO CONTEST

You may submit a photo for one or all of the following four categories, up to 1 photo per category. Each photo submitted must include location and a short description (less than 100 words). Students studying abroad will receive an email from our office with more information near the start of their term abroad.

(1)   Trojan Abroad
Submit your best selfie that shows an aspect of your host country while representing USC. Strike a “Fight On!” pose, wear USC apparel, or get creative depicting Trojan pride.

(2)  Hidden Gems
Submit a photo of yourself and/or others such as locals participating in local daily life in your host city (e.g., your neighborhood, your school or commute there, local cafes, markets, etc.)

(3)   Cultural Engagement
Submit a photo of yourself and/or others such as locals engaging and learning abroad with clear references unique to the location. Think cultural events or activities, regional traditions and new cultural perspectives.

(4)   People’s Choice
The winner will be determined by popular vote! Focus on submitting high quality pics that could be featured in a travel magazine, blog or cover photo. Think Natural Geographic, nature scenes, cityscapes, etc.

WRITING CONTEST

Any submission with a focus on the written word is welcome. The best submissions are those that go beyond a day-to-day account and are reflective, amusing and/or reminiscent of the spirit of a place. Possibilities include non-fictional or fictional prose, poetry, and blogs. Entries can include photos and illustrations. Submissions should be 3 pages max. (not including photos or illustrations) and submitted as Word documents or a link to a blog.

FILM CLIP CONTEST

Film clips should reflect the kind of cultural immersion and observations that can be experienced through engaging with the culture of your host country rather than a touristic approach.  Films (5 min max) can be submitted via email providing the URL to your film.

Contest Winners

Writing Contest Winners

Film Clip Contest Winners

Photo Contest Winners

CONTEST RULES:

  • You are welcome to submit 1 entry for each category listed below.
  • Entries may not depict alcohol or other drugs, illegal or other inappropriate behavior, or risky activities such as bungee jumping. Entries that contain inappropriate material will be disqualified.

PHOTO CONTEST: (one prize per category)

  1. Trojan Abroad
    Submit your best selfie that shows an aspect of your host country while representing USC. Strike a “Fight On!” pose, wear USC apparel, or get creative depicting Trojan pride.
  2. Hidden Gems
    Submit a photo of yourself and/or others such as locals participating in local daily life in your host city (e.g., your neighborhood, your school or commute there, local cafes, markets, etc.)
  3. Cultural Engagement
    Submit a photo of yourself and/or others such as locals engaging and learning abroad with clear references unique to the location. Think cultural events or activities, regional traditions and new cultural perspectives.
  4. People”s Choice
    The winner will be determined by popular vote! Focus on submitting high quality pics that could be featured in a travel magazine, blog or cover photo. Think Natural Geographic, nature scenes, cityscapes, etc.
  • The photo should be in jpeg, jpg or png format only with a maximum file size of 10 MB.
  • Photos must be your original work; no professional photos are allowed. They should not be digitally adjusted beyond minimal enhancements.
    • Disqualified enhancements include but are not limited to: adding/removing elements, significant manipulation such as altering the scene beyond recognition, use of heavy filters that drastically change the texture or look of the photo, and using AI to create, add or alter components of the photo.
  • Please ensure that your photos are culturally appropriate and sensitive.
  • Please ensure that if your photos contain non-USC people, they are taken in way that makes the people unidentifiable.

WRITING CONTEST: (one prize total for this category)

Any submission with a focus on the written word is welcome. The best submissions are those that go beyond a day-to-day account and are reflective, amusing and/or reminiscent of the spirit of a place. Possibilities include non-fictional or fictional prose, poetry, and blogs. Entries can include photos and illustrations.

  • Submissions should be 3 pages max. (not including photos or illustrations) and submitted as a PDF or link to a blog.

FILM CLIP CONTEST: (one prize total for this category)

Film clips should reflect the kind of cultural immersion and observations that can be experienced through engaging with the culture of your host country rather than a tourist approach.  The video should be shot in your host country.  If there is a music track, please be sure to use royalty-free tracks.

  • Film clips should be (5 mins. max)

GENERAL, NON-CONTEST SUBMISSION: (no prize)

As mentioned earlier, these photos may used in our promotional materials (e.g. Overseas Studies website and social media) to help inspire other students to study abroad.

  • The photo should be in jpeg, jpg or png format only with a maximum file size of 10 MB.