A selection of the photo contest entries will be displayed at The Oak House and Moseley Center.
The Isabella Cannon Global Education Center (GEC) recognized the winners of the 2026 Elon Global Photo Contest, highlighting student experiences in study away and international programs through images that captured cultural immersion, daily life and personal connection.
The three category winners were been publicly announced on Instagram, and one of those winners is set to be named the Grand Prize winner at International Coffee Hour on Thursday, April 2, 9:30 am, in the GEC. The Grand Prize includes a $350 travel voucher.
Category: Elon Inclusive
Hazel Silverstein
Saradwadi Village, Jamkhed, Maharashtra, India
WT 26 India Public Health Studies Practicum
Silverstein’s photo captured a quiet but meaningful moment in rural India. Taken in Saradwadi village, the image showed a local goat herder guiding her herd through the fields while balancing a basket on her head. The scene offered a glimpse into daily life in the village and reflected the connections formed between students and community members during the practicum.
Category: Elon Global Explorers
Erin Howard
Seville, Spain
Spring 2025 CIEE Seville Liberal Arts
Howard’s photograph captured Semana Santa, one of Seville’s most powerful traditions, as brotherhoods carried elaborate floats through the streets in solemn processions. Howard stood in the crowd with her host mother while her younger host sister took part in the procession, making the experience especially personal. The image reflected the atmosphere of a city gathered at sunset to witness a tradition that has shaped Seville for centuries.
Category: Live Like a Local
Hannah Nicholls
Diamond Head, O’ahu, Hawaii
WT 26 Hawaii – Nation or State
Nicholls’ image captured a sunrise scene at Diamond Head, where surfers were already out on the water as the day began. She observed that surfing culture was deeply rooted in Hawaii and remained central to life on the islands. In her photo, a surfer headed toward the ocean as light reflected off the wet sand, creating a striking image of a local rhythm of life.
Ashley Bobotas, a supply chain management major and student worker in the GEC, reflected on her time helping to organize the contest: “Having studied abroad myself and seen the impact of these opportunities firsthand, it was especially meaningful to highlight how Elon’s Global Education Center provides programs that truly shape students’ perspectives and experiences.”
“Each of these photographs told a story about the way Elon students engaged with place, people, and culture in meaningful ways,” said Nick Gozik, dean of global education. “The contest showcased not only beautiful images, but also the depth of learning and connection that came through these experiences.”