Honorable Mention
With so many great entries submitted to the 2022/2023 Alberta School of Business International Photo Contest, we want to showcase some of the judging panel's other favourites. We feel these photos really captured the spirit of the contest and it would be a shame not to share these with the rest of the world. Congratulations to all those chosen for Honorable Mention and thank you for contributing to the international atmosphere at the Alberta School of Business.
Korean Drums
Alexander Kachin, MBA 2023
Lotte World, Seoul, South Korea
Korean drums are an important part of Korean culture and history and Lotte World, the largest indoor theme park in the world, includes traditional dancing and music in their daily program for visitors of all ages from around the world. The professional performing crew of Lotte World includes artists from around the globe united by their passion for bringing joy and fun into the world and creating one of a kind visiting experience.
Life in Tuscany
Caitlin Gee, BCom 2023
Cortona, Tuscany
I had the opportunity to study abroad in Cortona, Tuscany, a hilltop town in Italy. I was instantly immersed in Italian culture and way of life. On a morning walk exploring the town, I came across this path just off the main piazza. I found myself drawn to the vivid flowers and bright red bicycle, reminding me of the simplicity of life. Absorbed in the town's rich Etruscan history, I had forgotten the beauty of modern life too. The opportunity to live and study in Tuscany was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget.
Monkey Family Reunion
Haotian Ni, BCom 2022
Khao Yai National Park, Thailand
The COVID Pandemic has created barriers for family unions, especially for international students. I went to Thailand this summer to visit my parents, and that was our first family reunion since the pandemic started. This tender scene of the monkey family reunion reminds me to grasp any chance to stay with your family.
Xanadu
Haotian Ni, BCom 2022
Southern Gansu Province, China
Urbanization has dramatically improved humans’ living environment, but it also shrinks the size of the natural world at the same time. Zhagana is one of the few existing natural places in the world, and it will be a nice place for you to try different lifestyles and return back to nature.
Observing the Streets of Bangkok
Alex Webb, BCom 2023
Bangkok, Thailand
In my experience, the most beautiful aspect of travel is the ability to immerse yourself in perspectives foreign to your own. When I had the opportunity to visit Thailand for a case competition, I was given the chance to experience the world through a different lens. I walked the streets for hours simply observing people, hoping to somehow see life through their eyes. In doing so I was given meaningful insight into the beautiful culture and kindhearted people that make Thailand such an amazing country.
Edge of the Earth
Jackson Cadger, BCom 2023
Playa Las Minas de la Reserva Nacional de Paracas, Peru
When my plane touched down in Lima I was filled with excitement, elation, and apprehension. As I stepped into the South American city I was wholly unaware of my experiences to come. My first time leaving Canada was much more foreign than I possibly imagined and significantly more welcoming than foretold. I met many people with whom my friends and I assumed we wouldn't have much in common. Despite the language barriers, this trip showed us the beauty of people and cultures half a world away and allowed us to learn from and relate to our unexpected new friends.
Samosir Island Light & Dark
Kevin Wilianto, BCom 2023
Samosir Island, Lake Toba, Sumatra, Indonesia
Indonesia consists of more than 17,000 islands, and as a result, there are so many cultural differences between the islands. This was my first time coming to Sumatra, and we visited Samosir Island, which is located in the middle of Lake Toba. On this island, I was able to learn cultures and norms that were so different from what I have in my home city; they had different beauty standards, beliefs, house structures, and many more. In this picture, I luckily was able to take a picture of the intersection between light and dark when the sun was setting. And, I think this photo portrays how different it is between cultures, however, it is beautiful to observe.
The Monastery
Marlow Pfeifer, BCom 2024
Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, in Toledo, Spain
Being alone across the world is like living life at the speed of light. You make new friends, discover new locales, forge new relationships, and experience new cultures. Then after a few days in a location, you move on, and all you have left are memories. The depth of the connection you develop to these experiences is more than it ever could be at home because the intensity of travel amplifies your senses and makes you more receptive to information. Sometimes a break from the whirlwind is necessary, and I seek out a quiet monastery to attune my mind.
Eruptions of Joy
Christiana Reitsma, MBA/MScOT 2023
Indian Nose, near San Pedro, Guatemala
Immersion into the Latino culture, Spanish language classes, and new adventures led to palpable excitement. Awoken at 3:30 am by my hiking guide, we summited Indian Nose. My limited Spanish vocabulary constituted a minimal exchange of conversation. But no words were needed for beholding the beauty of Volcan de Fuego (Volcano of Fire) erupting in the distance. While looking over Lake Atitlan as the sun brightened the sky, I recognized the new perspectives I was gaining on different ways of life. Thank you, Guatemala for teaching me more about your culture as it offered me many eruptions of joy!
Beneath My Feet
Neha Haider, BCom 2023
Lahore, Pakistan
The first time my feet touched the floor of the Badshahi masjid, it was with the help of my mother, holding my fingers in her hands as I learned how to walk. In 2019, I returned - my feet now carrying the weight of the 19 years of life that I’d lived so far. This trip to my home country reminded me of where my little toddler feet used to walk and play. It reminded me where I came from and the culture that existed within me. Amongst the hustle of business, corporate internships, and career goals, this recharge was important.
Bridge A New Path
Stefanie Fischer, MBA 2023
Venice, Italy
In all life’s endeavors, we plan for a specified outcome. What I have learned from traveling abroad is that our plans are made to be broken. These broken plans lead to new beautiful paths that we could have never expected but are incredibly grateful for. This photo resembles the bridges that we cross as we push past the obstacles that beautifully deconstruct our planned paths.