2025 Photo & Video Contest
Winners and Honorable Mentions
Photo Category: Bruins Abroad/Away
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Winner
“Bruin Spotted at Korean Market”
Halmeoni’s and Halabeoji’s (grandma’s and grandpa’s) stumble upon a wild Bruin scavenging for fresh produce and traditional Korean snacks at a local Korean Street Market.
Claire Yoon, UCEAP, Seoul, South Korea
Honorable Mentions
“Sienna takes La Yucatán”
There’s no better place to walk and appreciate the architectural skill of the Mayans then Chichén Itza!
Sienna Claiborne, UCLA Travel Study, Mérida, Mexico
“Sunset Picnic on the Champ de Mars”
Friends having a sunset picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower on the Champ de Mars.
Elizabeth Atwater, UCLA Travel Study, Paris, France
“Mayan Pyramid at Uxmal”
Image taken on our first excursion of the program at Uxmal, a site with many Mayan ruins.
Angelina Silva, UCLA Travel Study, Mérida, Mexico
Photo Category: Local Customs & Traditions
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Winner
“The Monkey King Street Performance”
Performers in Chaoshan, Guangdong Province, dance in a street celebration to recognize the tale of The Monkey King, a legendary figure from the Chinese folklore “Journey to the West.” This cultural tradition recognizes the unique folk heritage of China, where traditions are used to unify people and demonstrate the vibrancy of local communities. Through UCEAP, I was able to learn about my ancestral heritage by taking a short flight from Shanghai to Chaoshan.
Tiffani Pe, UCEAP, Shanghai, China
Honorable Mentions
“The Heart of Marrakech”
Exploring the souks of Marrakech was an immersive cultural experience, from learning about the uses of local spices to speaking with artisans about their handmade crafts. This photo captures the vibrant heart of Moroccan tradition I was lucky to engage with firsthand.
Hope Crossley, UCEAP, Cork, Ireland
“A Buddhist Monk’s Mantra ”
A Buddhist monk chants a religious mantra inside Singapore’s sacred Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
Maxim Surov, UCLA Travel Study, Singapore, Singapore
“Purifying Spirits in Holy Spring Water”
Before arriving in Bali, Indonesia, Pura Tirta Empul (Holy Spring Temple) was a place I researched and planned to visit. Its water is known to have the ability to purify spirits and heal the body and souls. After changing into a green sarong and a red scarf (sash), we proceed to pray and give offerings. We are escorted to a holy spring water pool and slowly enter the water one by one. I was surprised to find a lot of large fish swimming in the pool. To go through the purification at the Holy Water Spring, I went through a series of pouring fountains except the 12th one. I was told that the 12th spout is reserved for funeral rites. The water was cold and I felt freezing after going through all the fountains although it was a very hot day. It was a great spiritual experience.
Mayu Sasame, UCLA Global Internship, Bali, Indonesia
Photo Category: Architecture and Landscapes
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Winner
“Fort Canning Morning Light”
This photo was taken in the early morning at the Tree Tunnel in Fort Canning Park, Singapore. The iconic staircase spirals up from the constructed tunnel into the lush greenery above, with sunlight streaming through beautifully as I gaze up at the opening.
Maxim Surov, UCLA Travel Study, Singapore, Singapore
Honorable Mentions
“Reflections at Kinkaku-ji”
Kinkaku-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan
Madeleine Curran, UCLA Global Internship Program, Osaka, Japan
“Light Streaming through a Stone Forest”
Light streams through the vibrant stained glass windows of Barcelona’s Sagrada Família, bathing the interior in a dazzling array of colors. This Catholic church was the lifework of architect Antoni Gaudí, who envisioned it as a “Stone Forest” in the heart of Barcelona. This photo captures tree-like columns rising up like California sequoia trees toward intricate ceilings, mimicking a forest canopy. Deeply inspired by nature, Gaudí designed the stained glass to complement the sun’s path throughout the day and shift with the changing seasons.
Lauren Tran, UCLA Travel Study, Granada, Spain
“Moments Before Flight”
Captured just before takeoff in Interlaken, Switzerland, this photo frames the thrill of anticipation against the breathtaking backdrop of the snow-capped Alps. Surrounded by vibrant scenery and crisp mountain air, it was the perfect launch point for a once-in-a-lifetime view of Switzerland’s iconic landscape.
Hope Crossley, UCEAP, Cork, Ireland
Video Category: The World is My Classroom
Winner
“Moments Abroad: Spain & More”
This video captures some of the most beautiful moments from my time abroad with UCLA Travel Study’s Granada program. Within the program, we explored so much of Spain—Barcelona, Toledo, Madrid, Zaragoza, Córdoba, and Sevilla. I also had the chance to travel on my own, visiting Tangier, Morocco, and Nice, France with friends. In just five to six weeks, I made memories and friendships that will last far beyond what could ever be captured on video. Much of this trip was about slowing down—allowing myself to truly relax, connect with others, and learn together. Each of these clips was filmed during moments of gratitude, peace, or simply when I noticed beauty around me.
Ava Bozic, UCLA Travel Study, Granada, Spain
Honorable Mention
“My Top 10 Takeaways”
Travel footage captured on the digital camera I took everywhere, alongside my top 10 reflections from my study abroad experience in Barcelona, Spain.
Gabrielle Vogel, UCEAP, Barcelona, Spain
Video Category: Global Bruins: Study Abroad/Away Snapshots
Winner
“Un Verano en Nueva York!”
An array of activities that me and my UCLA travel study group got to experience. From Brooklyn to Queens!
Brooklyn Villavicencio, UCLA Travel Study, New York City, United States
Honorable Mention
“In a Nutshell”
Small moments and clips from Barcelona, Spain and weekend trips to Ibiza, Madrid, Paris, and Morocco.
Gabrielle Vogel, UCEAP, Barcelona, Spain
Honorable Mention
“All of London in 1 Day”
Study abroad sisters Brianna (UCLA) & Rachel Holmes (UC Berkeley) take on their host city in true tourist fashion on a big red bus tour of London!
Brianna Holmes, UCEAP, London, England