The ISM office wants to highlight the work of our students around Madison and the world.
December 2024
1st Place: “Hearts and Hanboks” by Kari Hjelmeset
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.
1st Place: “Canyoneering in Costa Rica” by Claudia Schwiesow
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.
2nd Place: “Truck in Quito” by Claudia Schwiesow
Behind the contemporary mode of transportation stands a relic; the Basílica Del Voto Nacional. This photo is full of juxtaposing images: sharp lines near arched ones, vivid paint colors amidst a grey sky, and young, non-religious people in front of a bold Roman Catholic church. It is also interesting to notice the woman to the right is wearing a mask which points to the fact this photo was taken in June of 2022, and the world was still getting used to international travel.
Runner Up: Muhamad Rafiq
My summer view while lying on the beach at the Praia Da Batata, Lagos, Portugal. I spent a good 2 hours lying and do nothing to enjoy the breeze during the sunset.
December 2019
Innsbruck, Austria. Feb. 2019
“I’m standing on the top of a mountain overlooking the city of Innsbruck, Austria during a weekend off during my year abroad in Italy.”
Laura Kelley, senior, Culture in the Age of Globalization
November 2019
Assling, Austria. Feb. 2019
“Taking in the fresh mountain air while visiting family friends in the Austrian Tyrol”
Larissa Stenglein, senior, Politics and Policy in the Global Economy
October 2019
Calanques National Park, Bouches-de-Rhône, France. Oct. 2019
“The famous view of the Calanques in Marseille, France”
Ariana King, senior, Global Security
September 2019
Zhangjiajie, China
“I was visiting the National Park in China where the movie Avatar was filmed during my internship abroad!”
Brenna Farrell, post graduate, Politics and Policy in the Global Economy
August 2019
Perrito Moreno glacier, Patagonia, Argentina. May 2019
“One of the few glaciers in the world that is not “currently receding” according to my tour guide. Earlier as a part of the trek, I got to hike on the glacier. This is the view in all its glory”
Bremen Keasey, Senior, Culture in the Age of Globalization