International Studies Photo Contest Winners
“Don’t Rush” by Christopher Mitchell
2025 1st Place Winner
An elderly woman tends her restaurant while smoking. This photo was taken deep within Doi Inthanon National Park in Northern Thailand. As this remote mountain hideaway was pounded by rain, I remained dry with the proprietor while she smoked and tended her stand. The structure served traditional Northern Thai cuisine, but the greater part of their business came from the men of the town stopping in for some mountain moonshine (pictured).
“Hearts and Hanbocks” by Kari Hjelmeset
2024 1st Place Winner
During my exchange semester at Korea University my friend and I visited Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul. We rented hanbok to get free admission into the palace and took the opportunity to take nice photos like this one! This is a fond memory I have from exchange, and I miss it dearly.
“Canyoneering in Costa Rica” by Claudia Schwiesow
2024 1st Place Winner
This day was magical. Our wakeup call was a ripe 4:00AM, and we met at Máximo Nivel, our school, with yawns, puffy eyes, and hugs. The UW–Madison crew alongside 3 non-UW students rallied to get out of our comfort zones and into the deep Costa Rican jungle facing fears of heights and the unknown. We climbed down three 25-foot waterfalls, waded through pristine marine-blue waters (no filter on the photo, I swear!), and belly-laughed together as we glided down the natural waterslides. It was one of those days that stopped us in our tracks; reminding us of the luck we had to be in a remote, picturesque jungle, forging life-long connections. The guides’ knowledge, charisma, and Pura Vida attitudes were the foundation for this completely novel experience. On the drive back to San José, we each expressed sentiments of gratitude and held a 2 hour-long makeshift dance party. Our driver enthusiastically participated in both. 18 hours after the roosters’ first calls, we returned to our host families, content and proud to be a Badger.
International Studies Photo Submissions
The ISM office wants to highlight the work of our students around Madison and the world.
