Study Abroad Photo Contest

The Global Learning and Intercultural Support Office presents the 11th Annual Study Abroad Photo Contest.

All entries are collected from former and current participants in all forms of international learning activities, and a selection of fourteen photos will be featured in our 2018 Study Abroad Photo Calendar.

We hope you will enjoy seeing all the places Saint Mary’s students have travelled around the world.

A Shannon Sunset

Allison Hearns

Location: Limerick, Ireland

Program: University of Limerick Summer School in Irish Studies 2017 

The River Shannon flows directly through UL's campus, which also happens to be home to multiple castle ruins. Luckily, some of them are still intact enough to be able to climb. It was the day before our formal assessments were taking place, and many of us were feeling a bit homesick. A friend of mine decided we would take a walk to the castle and venture to the top; we were not disappointed with the view that was waiting for us.

Blarney Castle

Allison Hearns

Location: Cork, Ireland

Program: University of Limerick Summer School in Irish Studies 2017

Blarney Castle is known for two things: the beautiful gardens that span the parameter, and the Blarney Stone. On this day, I was able to see both! Legend has it that those who kiss the Blarney Stone will forever be blessed with the gift of eloquence.

Ha'penny Bridge

Allison Hearns

Location: Dublin, Ireland

Program: University of Limerick Summer School in Irish Studies 2017

This day was the most magical for me. Connecting two sides of the city, Ha'penny Bridge is located in the heart of Dublin, Ireland's capital. Dublin was also home to my Grandmother, who passed away just a year before I was able to make it to her home country. To walk the streets that she once did when she was my age filled me with a sense of pride that I can't describe, and the beautiful day that I was accompanied by only made it better.

The Cliffs of Moher

Allison Hearns

Location: Co. Clare, Ireland

Program: University of Limerick Summer School in Irish Studies 2017

Known for rainy days, this adventure was no exception. The Cliffs are a hallmark of the Irish coast; their breathtaking nature beaming through the fog. The Cliffs of Moher are also home to dozens of cows and O'Brien's Castle. 

A Break in the Clouds

Cameron Darrow

Location: Ben Lomond, Scotland 

Group: Ramblers: Glasgow Young Walkers 

After the initial beauty we had seen at the beginning of this hike, we were reminded of what country we were in by a downpour of rain and hail. There was debate amongst the group about turning back as there would be nothing to see once we got to the top. However this was an important lesson to push forward, and as we reached the summit of Ben Lomond the rain subsided and we were left with this stunning view.

Castle Pyke

Ceilidh McCoombs 

Location: Somewhere in Northern Ireland (on the side of the road while driving)

Program: Semester Abroad, Cork, Ireland 2017

Such a beautiful site during a road trip, and an awesome view for Game of Thrones fans!

A Climb in the Snow

Cameron Darrow

Location: An Caisteal, Crianlarich, Scotland 

Group: GCU Mountaineering Club 

This was the first hike of the year for the University Mountaineering club, and though the group started later in the year that usual, we able to start with a brilliant climb. The top An Caisteal was cold and windy but the views were spectacular, as the surrounding mountain tops were covered in snow. We were able to warm up afterwards in a local pub where I made some great friends to enjoy more mountaineering adventures with in the future.

Dingle Hike

Ceilidh McCoombs 

Location: Dingle Peninsula, Ireland

Program: Semester Abroad, Cork, Ireland 2017

Of all the hikes I ventured on during my trip, this was my favourite. This photo has been the wallpaper on my desktop for a while.

Beauty of Scotland

Cameron Darrow

Location: Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond, Scotland 

Group: Ramblers: Glasgow Young Walkers 

This was the first hike that I had taken part in when I was in Scotland, and though it was an easy trail it was one of the most memorable. I will never forget this moment when we had gotten out of the trees and were greeted with this stunning view of Loch Lomond.

Through the Gates of UCC

Ceilidh McCoombs 

Location: University College Cork, Cork, Ireland

Program: Semester Abroad, Cork, Ireland 2017

The campus was amazing, and so green! This is a bridge over a river that I crossed almost every day.

Waves of the Giant's Causeway

Ceilidh McCoombs 

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