2022 Winners | International Education Week Contest

Photography

First Place: I-piróí

Anastasia Dorenbusch

The son of the chief of the Maasai village taught us how the men start fires to protect the village and livestock come nightfall. They use the l-pirói, two types of acacia woods rubbed together until they form small embers which then are brushed into a handful of grass and nurtured until it is strong enough to be transferred to the wood. This method of fire starting is as practical as it is sacred, with the flame being the element connecting to the color of warriors and the blood on which the tribe relies. (Rhotia, Tanzania, Summer 2022. School For Field Studies: Tanzania)

Second Place: Flamenco en la plaza

Kasey Hunt

This photo was taken during a flamenco street performance in La Plaza de España in Sevilla, Spain. Flamenco is the national dance of Spain and it was such and honor to experience it. (Sevilla, Spain, Spring 2022, AIFS)

Third Place: Arabian Nights

Megan Foster

There are many stigmas, negative connotations, and beliefs held about the Middle Eastern region. However, I experienced nothing other than joy, kindness, and a beautiful country filled with beautiful souls. I truly found my peace in the Middle East, and I cannot wait to return. (Wahiba Sands, Oman, Winter 2021-22. Miami University in Oman and the UAE.)

Third Place: The Incredible Echidna

Evelyn Holman

While learning about native Australian animals, I had the opportunity to interact with the incredible echidna. I learned about this egg-laying mammal that only exists in Australia. Environmental conservation is extremely important to Australians. The echidna is essential for the environment, providing critical soil turnover through their digging habits, aiding in plant and soil diversity. This is why so many Australians work to protect the echidna and many other vulnerable and endangered animals. (Calga, Australia, Summer 2022. Loop Abroad Australia.)

Third Place: Happy Cows

Marina Nesbitt

In Switzerland, we had lots of time to explore the town and immerse ourselves in the culture. During a chocolate making class we learned that Swiss chocolate is the best because the milk comes from Switzerland’s “happy cows”. They’re called this because of their stress-free lifestyle in the Swiss alps. The cows and the ringing of their bells are definitely a core memory of my time abroad and a symbol of the day-to-day, slow living lifestyle we experienced in Lauterbrunnen. (Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland, Summer 2022. Comparing U.S. and European Education Systems.)

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