Submissions now open for 2024-2025
Are you currently on an Education Abroad program? Or did you participate in an Education Abroad program earlier this academic year? Or are you a current full-time, degree-seeking international student? We want you to share your experience by submitting entries in the Aggies Abroad Photo Contest. It’s easy to do and could score you some great prizes!
Contest Rules
All photo and video submissions must:
- Be your own original images or footage taken using a camera or phone. Image screenshots or copies will not be accepted.
- Be taken while on an Education Abroad program during the current or previous academic year, unless you are submitting to the International Aggie category.
- International Aggie category submissions are reserved only for international students attending Texas A&M and may include images taken in the state of Texas and the Bryan/College Station area. This category is intended to help capture the international student experience here at Texas A&M.
- Photos: Be high-quality resolution. File size should NOT be smaller than 2 MB.
- Videos: Be between 30 seconds and 3:00 minutes max and files should be in 1080p and .mp4 format
- Photos: NOT be altered, adjusted, or transformed using a photo editing software, filter, or AI. Cropping or basic color correction IS acceptable.
- Videos: NOT be created by AI
- NOT contain or insinuate inappropriate content including but not limited to alcohol, drugs or related paraphernalia, sexual content, or illegal activity.
Photo Categories
Aggie Pride
Photos in this category capture the Aggie Spirit while abroad. Successful entries will feature “Gig ‘Em,” the Aggie Ring, Yell/War Hymn poses, Texas A&M flags or clothing, and other TAMU traditions at an international site or landmark.
Aggies in Action
Photos in this category capture the essential educational component of being abroad through formal learning, cultural immersion, or service to others. Successful entries will feature Aggies learning, researching, volunteering, exploring, eating, or participating in unique cultural events.
Iconic Sites
Photos in this category capture the vast beauty and history associated with being abroad. Successful entries will evoke a sense of wanderlust for the viewer and feature Aggies at landmarks, famous attractions, historical sites and buildings, or in front of famous city skylines.
Panoramic
Photos in this category capture sweeping views of natural beauty. Successful entries will provide wide, birds-eye perspectives and unobstructed views of the world’s most beautiful destinations.
International Aggies
Photos in this category capture the Texas A&M experience for full-time, degree seeking international students. Successful entries will showcase international students immersed in Aggie culture and traditions.
Rainforest Views
Photos in this category capture the unique and biodiverse surroundings found at the Texas A&M University Soltis Center for Research and Education and the surrounding rainforest in Costa Rica. Successful entries will highlight what it’s like to learn, research, or serve amid this Central American gem.
Video Categories
Creative Video
This category allows students to share an important story related to their experiences abroad. Successful entries will edit together a video that has a compelling and creative story or message and uses only original content shot or created by the student.
Guidelines
Photo Submission Guidelines
Submissions should have excellent composition, visual appeal, and should capture the impact of your international experience. Preference will be given to photos that meet the criteria of the category descriptions above and that:
- Provide scenes that are undoubtedly abroad;
- Feature candid moments and action shots;
- Show a diverse representation of students and identities.
Video Submission Guidelines
Successful entries will:
- Tell a compelling story that resonates with viewers and conveys a clear message.
- Showcase unique perspectives and experiences that highlight the diversity and richness of global cultures.
- Demonstrate technical proficiency in video production, including quality visuals, sound, and editing.
- Exhibit creativity and originality in concept, execution, and presentation.
- Engage and inspire the audience, leaving a lasting impression.
- Video length should be between 30 seconds and 3:00 minutes.
- Submission files hould be in 1080p in a .mp4 format.
Submission Process and Deadlines
Submissions are accepted year-round; however, contest cycles will end at midnight on September 1. Photos and videos submitted after that date will be considered for the following year’s contest. Winners will be announced during International Education Week. Photo entries must be submitted through the online Aggies Abroad Photo Contest Submission Form. A separate form is required for each category and up to three (3) photo entries can be submitted per category and one (1) video.
Be prepared to provide the following information when submitting your photos and videos:
- Education Abroad program name and term/year abroad
- Photo/video title
- Location of the photo
- Your name and the name(s) of others in the photo (if known)
- A brief description/narrative
- Video only: a brief explanation for why you chose the creative direction
Submit your photo(s) or video
Selection and Voting
Education Abroad staff and a panel of judges will review all submissions and select a maximum of 5 photos from each category and 5 videos from the video category to move on to the voting round. Selections will be based on the criteria listed above. Finalist will be notified no later than Sept. 15.
University-wide online voting will begin during the week of Education Abroad’s annual World Fair. A winner for each category will be determined based on number of votes. The photo that receives the highest number of votes across all categories will be deemed the photo contest’s Grand Prize Winner and the video that receives the highest number of votes will be given a separate, grand prize for video category.
Acknowledgement
By submitting photos and videos to Education Abroad, participants agree to grant Texas A&M University license for use of the photographs and videos in displays related to the contest and in printed and electronic publications. Photos may be modified, retouched, and used for promotional purposes on the Texas A&M and/or Education Abroad website, social media accounts, and in brochures, flyers, or posters. By agreeing to these terms, entrants are releasing all submitted photos and videos from any liability that may arise from the use of the images.
Prizes
Seven prizes will be awarded. The winner of each category and the Grand Prize winner will receive a prize. All winners will also receive a certificate and a Global Engagement swag bag.
Winners will be recognized during International Education Week and will be featured on Education Abroad social media accounts. The winning video will be housed on the Global Engagement YouTube channel and will be shared on our social media channels. Winning photos will also be framed and displayed in the Pavilion. A select number of entries will also be displayed at the Aggie Frame of Mind display in the MSC.