Vote for the winner of the Where in the World?! photo contest

Voting begins on Wednesday, November 4 at 9 a.m. (ET) and ends on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. (ET).

Step 1: View the photo finalists

Please view all 10 photos before voting for your favourite. Each photo has a caption describing the photo and how it showcases the student's international impact and experience.

Quick links:


1 - California, United States

Learning to slow down and notice the small details has been one of the most valuable takeaways from this experience, both in engineering and in photography. It also reminded me that happiness often comes from creating something meaningful rather than focusing solely on the result.

Beyond my work, I tried to make a positive impact by being present for the people around me and speaking up against injustice and for those who don't have a voice.

The peaceful light filtering through the trees is what drew me to this scene and makes the photo so special to me. 


2 - Trondheim, Norway

Working in an intercultural environment challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace new experiences.

During my work term, I collaborated with marine biologists on a machine learning project that classified underwater acoustic signals, an opportunity that broadened both my technical and professional skills.

One thing I discovered about myself is how much I enjoy adapting to unfamiliar situations and learning from people with different backgrounds.

Capturing the northern lights above Trondheim's Old Town Bridge felt magical, especially knowing this area was once travelled by Vikings. 


3 - Shanghai, China

This experience taught me that resilience isn't about having all the answers, it's about continuing forward even when the path ahead is unclear. By listening across cultures and embracing unfamiliar perspectives, I learned how growth often comes from uncertainty.

In the workplace, I contributed by bringing an international perspective to discussions and helping connect ideas across cultures.

Looking at the Great Wall winding through the mountains, I'm reminded that adaptation can create strength, harmony and connection. 


4 - Sahara Desert, Morocco

Travelling through 16 countries while completing a full-time work term in Germany taught me a great deal about tenacity. Along the way, I discovered that I’m not as introverted as I thought and that prefer having others to share the memories with.

Professionally, I contributed to transportation solutions powered by renewable energy, helping support a more sustainable future.

What stands out most in this photo is the immense vastness and quietness of the Sahara Desert, a striking contrast to the busyness and distractions we often find ourselves in. 


5 - Port Jackson, New Zealand

Nothing built my confidence more than moving to new places, meeting new people and finding community wherever I went.

Through this experience, I realized how much I love exploring different cultures, learning new languages and discovering beauty in unexpected places. I also enjoyed documenting those experiences through photos and videos so friends could take a piece of our shared adventures home with them.

This image captures one of my favourite memories in New Zealand: sitting around a fire beneath a sky full of stars with some incredible friends. 


6 - Hawaii, United States

Living somewhere completely new taught me to trust myself, especially when I didn't have all the answers. The challenges and uncertainty that came with the experience ultimately became opportunities for growth and helped me realize I'm capable of more than I had imagined.

At work, I contributed to meaningful projects while bringing my own perspective and learning from the people around me.

Standing on this road surrounded by mountains, I felt both small in the vastness of the world and grateful for the chance to experience something so new.


7 - Tatras National Park, Poland

Sometimes the biggest lesson is simply learning to take the first step. This experience showed me that even intimidating goals can be achieved through small, consistent efforts and gave me confidence to try things without knowing exactly how they would turn out.

Whether travelling or meeting new people, I tried to make a positive impact by being friendly and approachable.

Reaching this lookout and seeing the blue lakes surrounded by layers of green mountains made every challenging step of the hike worthwhile. 


8 - Bogor Regency, Indonesia

Seeing the world through the eyes of people whose lives and experiences differed greatly from my own gave me a broader perspective on life. It was also my first time travelling alone, which taught me just how independent and capable I can be.

During my work term, I worked alongside local communities on peatland and mangrove restoration projects that support carbon storage and climate change mitigation.

The rice terraces in this photo reflect generations of hardworking people shaping the landscape into something remarkable. 


9 - Cologne, Germany

When I arrived in Germany, unfamiliar surroundings and language barriers pushed me to become more adaptable.

In the process, I learned how much I value experiencing different cultures and ways of life. I found that approaching others with kindness and curiosity often led to meaningful connections, no matter where they were from.

Taken near the end of my work term, this photo reminds me of how much I've grown and all the possibilities that still lie ahead. 


10 - Arizona, United States

Photography taught me patience. Some of my favourite images weren't carefully planned, they were moments I simply took the time to notice.

Through this experience, I was reminded that the best views are often the ones shared with friends. I also enjoy making my work accessible by sharing photos for anyone to use and enjoy.

This image captures a feeling of possibility and adventure, reminding me how much of the world there is still left to explore. 


Step 2: Vote!

Use the form to select the winner of this year's "Where in the world?!" co-op photo contest.

  • You may only select one winner and you can only vote once. If you make a mistake or would like to change your vote you can edit your vote after submitting it.
  • Voting begins on Wednesday, November 4 at 9 a.m. (ET) and ends on Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (ET).
Vote for your favourite photo: