2023 Photo & Video Contest
Winners and Honorable Mentions
Photo Category: Bruins Abroad/Away
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Winner
“FALLing for UCLA”
Repping the Bruins in the middle of the Iguazú waterfalls!!
Haven Hunt, UCLA Global Internship Program, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Honorable Mentions
“Dancing House”
This photo was taken in front of the “Dancing House,” a hotel constructed in the deconstructivist architectural style. Its unusual shape resembles a pair of famous dancers, Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. Situated right across from the Charles River, it serves as a symbol of the Czech Republic’s transition from communism to democracy.
Kenny Chow, UCLA Global Internship Program, Prague, Czech Republic
“Two Bruins in the Czech Republic”
On our visit to Český Krumlov, Czechia we walked to the top of the Castle Bell Tower!
Annalise Lay, UCLA Global Internship Program, Prague, Czech Republic
“Hike in el Valle de la Luna”
My friend and I took a photo in el Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), a labyrinth full of sandstone and clay spires that were formed due to years of erosion. Just a couple of miles from the center of La Paz, Bolivia, the Valle de la Luna offers a moon-like escape from the usual cityscape. It contains two hiking trails, one that takes 15 minutes and the other 45 minutes to hike. The one we hiked was the longer trail, which included paths such as the Madre Luna (Mother Moon), La Ventana del Sur (Window of the South), Cráter de la Luna (Crater from the Moon), and Cañon del Silencio (Canyon of Silence).
Sugey Garcia Galvan, UCLA Global Internship Program, La Paz, Bolivia
Photo Category: Local Customs & Traditions
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Winner
“Mercado de las Brujas”
El Mercado de las Brujas (Witches’ Market) is a place in La Paz, Bolivia where Aymara vendors sell a variety of items, such as clothes, fabric, tourist items, food, musical instruments, etc. Its name was given mostly because a lot of vendors also sold folklore items, such as charms, potions, herbs, llama fetuses, and oblations. These items tie into their Aymaran folklore traditions and beliefs in deities, such as Pachamama and Ekeku, which gave a lot of people the impression that these vendors were like witches. Business aside, walking through these streets reveals much information about not only La Paz but other areas such as the Altiplano and Tiwanaku. Each street is decorated with different adornments hung up above the street.
Sugey Garcia Galvan, UCLA Global Internship Program, La Paz, Bolivia
Honorable Mentions
“Chuseok Celebration at Gyeongbokgung Palace”
To celebrate the Korean holiday Chuseok, some friends and I rented Hanbok (traditional Korean dress) and walked around Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, immersing ourselves in the local culture and customs of the holiday.
Cameron Jackson, UCEAP, Yonsei, South Korea
“What Ails You ”
This photo was taken at an Ecolodge about an hour south of Puerto Plata. The people who run El Gallo Ecolodge take so much pride in conservation and cultivate everything with sentiments of love and an emphasis on connection with nature. This bountiful table includes some of the plants and herbs they grow on the land, all with specific uses related to medicine, mindfulness, and nourishment. I had the best tea of my life here made from naranja agria and walked for hours mesmerized by the beauty of their gardens.
Ruby Richter, UCEAP, Santiago de Los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
“Mini Guelagetza”
My peers and I were asked to participate at an elementary school’s Guelaguetza for their end of year celebration. The Guelagetza is a cultural dance representing various regions of the Mexican state, Oaxaca. I was asked to dance “La Danza de la Pluma”, which translates to The Feather’s Dance.
Angel Gutierrez-Ramos, UCEAP, Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Photo Category: Architecture and Landscapes
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Winner
“Temple by the Sea”
This is an image of Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Busan, South Korea. Some friends and I took a weekend trip from Seoul to Busan and got a late start to the temple. But it worked out perfectly as we made it for sunset and got to see the stunning architecture in the evening glow!
Cameron Jackson, UCEAP, Yonsei, South Korea
Honorable Mentions
“Sunrise at the Summit of Mt. Fuji”
Seeing the sunrise at the tallest peak in Japan was an unreal experience. After a long 8 hour ascent, we were able to take in the sun shining on the rolling fields of greenery below the clouds. Although the hike was both physically and mentally challenging, the kindness and relationships made with other hikers made climbing Mt. Fuji an experience I will never forget.
Emily Nham, UCLA Global Internship Program, Osaka, Japan
“Sundown in Old Town”
This photo captures Old Town Prague at dusk. The focus of the photo is the famous Astronomical Clock, but you can see the Old Town Square as well. Old Town was my favorite place to wander around after work to grab food, shop, or spend time with friends. This photo encapsulates the beauty and magic of Prague.
Makayla Chassion, UCLA Global Internship Program, Prague, Czech Republic
“Museum San”
During my study abroad experience in Seoul, my friends and I decided to take a trip to a museum called, Museum San. The trip was over 2 hours away, but it was definitely worth it just for this picture! The museum’s name “San,” translates to “Mountain” in Korean, because the museum is known for its beautiful sculptures that are outside in the mountains. My friend and I decided to do a photoshoot while we were there, and we ended up with this photo. Here, I am laying on a concrete wall with the sculpture peaking out over my body. I was extremely happy with how this turned out considering it was on film and am so stoked to share!
Ian Lee, UCEAP, Seoul, South Korea
Video Category: A Day in the Life
Winner
“UCLA in Paris”
Video montage of mundane things we did in Paris as a class. It’s a reflection of my personal experience in the program.
Dafne Arellano, UCLA Travel Study, Paris, France
Honorable Mention
“Day in the Life at ICU”
Welcome to a day in my life in Tokyo, Japan!
Kara Chu, UCEAP, Tokyo, Japan
Honorable Mention
“Snippets of Summer”
A love letter to Prague and a glance into what a day in the life looks like!
Makayla Chassion, UCLA Global Internship Program,Prague, Czech Republic