A growing number of Queen’s students participate in global learning opportunities through Queen’s exchanges. At the same time, the number of students coming to Queen’s from around the world is increasing every year. 

Through the Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC) Photo Contest this diverse group of students has the opportunity to share some of their amazing experiences. Now in its 10th year the annual contest continues to draw images from around the world, across Canada, as well as here on campus. Each year, close to 150 students submit their photos to the contest.

This year’s winning photo, as selected by a panel of judges, was submitted by Ana Sofijanic, an international graduate student from South Africa (Master’s in Civil Engineering), taken during a trip to Iran. The image captures an Abyanaki woman as she escapes the midday sun, sitting in the shade of the old red clay houses that make up the village of Abyaneh.

“I thoroughly enjoy photography because it requires me to be aware of my environment and have an eye for subtle details and beauties that I would usually overlook. I think QUIC has provided a really cool platform for students to share their talents and get a glimpse into each other’s worlds through photography,” Ms. Sofijanic says. “I’m overjoyed that the judges saw something special in my photo and chose me as the overall winner, especially considering the beautiful photographs that were submitted by other students. I would like to thank the QUIC team for this award, because it has given me confidence and enthusiasm to keep taking photos, and most importantly, share them with others.”

The contest features four categories – People and Culture; Landscape and Nature; Home Away From Home; Critical Global Issues.

This year’s category winners are:

• People and Culture – Julien Roger – Exchange from ESSEC Business School – People conditioned by their device vs. genuine people
• Landscape and Nature – Emilia Ciobanu – ConEd’18, was on exchange in Grenoble, France – Beetle’s Juice
• Home Away From Home – Shirley Wong – Artsci’18, international student – Under the same sky as home
• Critical Global Issues – Sifeng Lu – Exchange from Shanghai University of Finance and Economics – Coca-Cola

“It is a delight to review the amazing student stories and photographs each year,” says Hanna Stanbury, Programs Coordinator, QUIC. “Our students have such an incredible international experience and knowledge. QUIC is proud to provide this opportunity for students to share with our community to remind us of the diversity at Queen’s.”

A special display of the photos is being hosted at the QUIC in the John Deutsch University Centre, starting Wednesday, March 7 at 4:30 pm. 

See more submissions online.