"Where in the World?!" co-op photo contest 2025 | Co-operative Education

Students on international work terms in fall 2024, winter 2025 and spring 2025 shared their photos and stories of their international experiences.

Award recipients of the 2025 "Where in the World?!" co-op photo contest

1st place: Cyrus Hatami - Tromsø, Norway

Green northern lights spread across a dark sky with a mountain range and the lights of town reflecting on black water.

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Spending time in Norway taught me to embrace uncertainty. Whether it was navigating the new country during chilly nights or debugging AI models in a new language, I learnt to adapt. I realized that I could find clarity when I couldn’t see ahead, and some of my best insights came in those unplanned moments. Through my co-op term, I shared fresh perspectives in AI research and built connections within Norwegian innovation communities. This photo fully captures my winter co-op experience: human warmth below, beautiful nature above, all reflected together in calm Arctic waters.

2nd place: Lokesh Patel - Kawaguchiko, Japan

Empty small-town street in Japan stretching to a large snowy mountain in the distance.

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Facing a language barrier in Japan, I learnt that communication goes far beyond words. My experience taught me to find connection in gestures, patience and humanity. I came to understand that it’s okay to not know my ikigai – my reason for being. Japan opened my mind to understand that seeking your reason to live is a lifelong journey, and the search itself gives meaning. In my work, I helped bridge the gap between academia and industry, creating research opportunities for those who may not have access to funding. This image captures how even overwhelming beauty becomes part of ordinary life. Just 10 km from Mount Fuji’s 3700 m height, the small town bustles on—a cyclist, open shops and everyday routine.