Members of Durham University may vote via the following online form: https://forms.office.com/e/bn5b7BEQ1n. Only one voting submission is allowed. So that entrants don't just only vote for their own photo, voters will be required to vote for three photos in each category, ranking them from one to three. Therefore, please take a note of the ID of the photos that you wish to vote for. The deadline for votes is 12:00 (noon) 28th February.
The photos on this page are for the category Global Durham (Abroad), please also visit the following page for entries in the category International in the UK. The creative brief encouraged students to think about - and capture in a photo – the Global Week theme of ‘inclusivity’ with an international angle. What does this mean to them? It could mean feeling included in a new place, helping others through an international transition or it may be becoming a global citizen and feeling included through a celebration of our own diversity. Students were, therefore, encouraged to interpret ‘inclusivity’ widely. Whether it was a feeling, person, or place, we wanted students to try to capture that essence in a photograph.
1. A game of mahjong
This picture of a group of elderly people playing mahjong was taken in Guilin, China. Throughout my travels around China, I have been especially captivated by the sight of people gathering to play mahjong in public spaces. Mahjong is an emblem of inclusivity, forging cultural linkages between generations and communities. The idea of finding community beyond the traditional family unit is of growing importance in China, because China is currently facing a nationwide demographic crisis, with its population dwindling, and people becoming increasingly lonely. Thus, it is vital that people are able to establish inclusive, secure support networks.
2. A home away from home
The photo represents my love for the place I am on exchange at - Vancouver, British Columbia. The photo was taken after a thirteen-hour hike to Panorama Ridge in Garibaldi National Park with four other friends I have made on my exchange journey. It was a gruelling hike that was extremely hard that I couldn't complete without the people I had around me, which is why it is so special to me as it represents the love for both the people and the country I have had the privilege go on exchange to.
3. Beyond Victory and Loss
Amidst the pouring rain in Berlin, the Israeli women's soccer team faced a defeat. Through the fence, the coach and the captain shared a profound embrace, their gaze interlocking, conveying boundless understanding and support without the need for words. This moment transcends the loss in sport, revealing the deepest empathy and warmth of humanity. Despite Israel's complex political situation marked by controversy and conflict, here, we witness only pure human emotion and mutual understanding. This photo stands as a testament to the enduring light of humanity that shines through, beyond the divisions and confrontations of race and borders.
4. Castle
Against the serene backdrop of a snowy landscape, a husband and wife, bundled in warm coats, leisurely walk their dog through the glistening white path. The distant silhouette of a majestic castle becomes more defined as they approach, its towers standing tall amidst the winter wonderland.
5. Charlie
6. Chit-Chat
7. Everyone's Elvet
This Elvet road is mostly taken by Durham students when they have classes. I took this on an autumn afternoon last year with a film camera. Everything is perfect, the weather, the sun, and the lawn. Different students from various countries and degrees walk on the same street, we enjoy the same warm sunlight and autumn vibe in Durham. At this moment, we are no different.
8. Guiding Lights
9. Harmony in the Music
Captured in this photo is a moment of shared joy, a snapshot where the music transcended individual differences. Amidst the rhythm and lights, we were strangers in proximity, yet companions in music. Our social roles, beliefs, and nationalities—diverse as they may be—faded into the background. In their place arose a communal language, a universal symphony understood by all. Here, we were not disparate voices; we become one. In the world's mosaic of tongues, the most unifying—one might say the most human—language was spoken: the language of music.
10. Heaven's gaze through oculus wide
From my early years, Buddhism has been my guiding belief, but a chance trip took me to the historic Pantheon in Rome. As I stood there, the midday sun streamed through the enormous dome, illuminating the revered Catholic statue with a solemn and serene light. This moment transcends my cultural roots and evokes a reverence for God. At that moment, I realized that true faith is tolerance and respect, not boundaries and separation.
11. Hues of History Frame People of the Present
Virtually any trip to South Korea will undoubtedly include a trip to Gyeongbokgung, the primary royal palace of the Joseon dynasty in central Seoul. Indeed, I visited the palace on my very first day, only to then revisit a couple of weeks later when I took this photo. Compared to my first visit where I was nervous, unsure about my place in Korea, by my return I was much more confident; not just thanks to the Korean Hanbok I was wearing, but also because of an amazingly welcoming and inclusive set of flatmates and friends made at SNU (closest row).
12. Illuminating Inclusivity
This striking photograph features the Canton Tower in Guangzhou, China, spectacularly illuminated against the night sky. The vibrant, rainbow-colored lights of the tower reflect a powerful message of inclusivity, symbolizing a beacon of hope and unity in diversity. The tower stands tall and proud, akin to the concept of inclusivity itself—reaching out to the heavens, embracing all the colors, all the differences. In the foreground, the traditional-style bridge, bathed in a warm, golden glow, represents a connection between cultures, traditions, and people. It serves as a metaphor for the bridges we build in our communities to overcome divides and welcome individuals from all walks of life. This image captures the essence of becoming a global citizen, where every colour and light contributes to a more inclusive and diverse whole, celebrating our collective journey towards inclusivity in an ever-connected world.
13. Inclusion in the Pfalz
This dictionary of English, German, and Pfälzisch (the regional dialect of the German state I live in) was a birthday gift from colleagues. Having just spent Christmas with family at home, I felt homesick, isolated and pessimistic in my small, icy town. I was dreading my birthday, expecting to just make small talk with colleagues who barely knew me. However, two colleagues surprised me with snacks and gifts at lunch, including this dictionary. I spoke to many people I hadn’t met before and went home happy with the feeling that I was finally integrating into the workplace.
14. Journey into the Unknown: Embracing Growth Beyond Comfort
September marked a pivotal moment in my life when I mustered the courage to leave the nest and venture into the unknown. As I said my goodbyes and walked through airport security, a rush of emotions engulfed me. Excitement, nervousness, and a profound sense of homesickness took turns tugging at my heartstrings. But amidst the whirlwind of emotions, one thing became abundantly clear: growth and self-discovery lie just beyond our comfort zones.
15. Man with Ham
16. Monkeying around
When I was visiting the hot spring Town of Beppu, I decided to go to the local monkey park, where you can walk around with monkeys as they roam the local shrine. Having never seen a monkey before in my life, I was struck by just how human like they appeared to act. This one is a particular favourite of mine, as the monkey looked directly into my camera!
17. My first step to Durham
I'm not a professional photographer, and this is my first time taking photos in a foreign country - the UK, to be precise. I captured this photo in Durham using a second-hand camera. Also, this is my first time studying in Durham, and being an international student is tough for me. However, life is too short, so I decided to take the chance. Just like taking photos, the conditions will definitely become better with practice. If I hadn't given it a try, I wouldn't have been able to experience the stunning views of Durham or enjoy photography here.
18. On the horizon - Panorama Ridge
The photo chosen is special to me as it represents my friendships during my study abroad placement while embracing British Columbia's nature. The outdoors has brought us all closer together, especially with the other two girls from Durham also on exchange in Vancouver. This photo represents the end point of our thirteen-hour hike to one of the highest points in the province, hiking through snow, ice, rain and rocky terrain - but one we did together and could not have achieved without the support, encouragement and uplifting atmosphere of those I have met along my journey at the Univeristy of British Columbia.
19. Rainforest, River, Reef
Peering through the density of the Rainforest the Daintree River meanders out towards Cape Tribulation and the Great Barrier Reef beyond. This photo encapsulates the only place in the world where two UNESCO world heritage sites lay adjacent to one another. The Rainforest and the Reef.
20. Saturday Market
This is taken by a film camera (35mm) on a random Saturday local Durham Market during the Christmas season. The owners introduced their crystals to me and I showed my crystals from China as well. We found that crystals share the same meanings and functions globally. After the purchase, I took this photo for them.
21. Sea you soon
A photo of two of my closest friends and I. I met them on the first day of exchange in Melbourne last year, and we've been bonded ever since. This candid moment was captured by our friend (and photographer) Will, somewhere along the Bondi-Coogee Walk. It reminds me of our first trip together. Of the steamy hostel room without windows. Of the occasional tensions and delirious laughter. It’s special to me because it’s a reminder that the people make the place. That people outlive the places we live, to become pieces that we carry with us from place to place.
22. Sharing Seoul’s Pungmul Pulse
The dynamism and energy of the student Pungmul scene (a colourful form of traditional Korean folk music) in Seoul is infectious and, naturally, nowhere is it on display more prominently than in their performances. They include a powerful rhythmic heartbeat as well as vibrant, all-singing, all-dancing, all-leaping Sangmonori displays. This photo was my first taste of what a full routine would look like before I was especially honoured to be able to be part of this vibrant tradition myself a month later, playing the Sogo (photo foreground). And I owe the opportunity all to Durham’s very own Pungmul club…
23. Stained Glass Reflections in la Catedral de la Almudena
24. Sunset Toori
This a beach only 10 minutes away from my campus, here on the beautiful island of Kyushu, Japan. This beach is famous for the two rocks on the right, which represent the Union of being with one's partner in a couple. For me, this is a special photo because everything happened at just the right moment. It was a busy day, people kept queuing to take photos at the gate and I was trying to get a photo before the sun went down past the mountain in the background. All of a sudden the wave came in, the sun was just about to go in and there was a free moment where nobody was queueing by the gate. Everything came together. Therefore it's special to me.
25. Symphony of Cultural Threads
Adorned in local attire, my friend embodies cultural exchange. Her dance, a soulful dialogue, reaches out to embrace this land with reverence and curiosity. She reflects a spirit of adventure and offers a glimpse into humanity's rich tapestry. Each movement composes inclusivity's symphony, celebrating the world's diverse pulse, and reminds us that global citizenship is to revel in the kaleidoscope of cultures, with every narrative step forging unity in our splendid diversity.
26. The Beauty Shared Though Miles Apart
27. THE DEAD SEA
A woman descending into the Dead Sea, the shadows behind her a yellow brick road, I, the photographer, also descending into the Dead Sea, see my sweat hit the ground of the ancestral land, and the woman, I know, will float in the salty waters of Jewish tears collected every year.
28. Timmy the Spider
In Japan there are many jumping spiders in people's rooms which are often killed simply for being there. The fact that they can jump creeps many people out, but this photo shows how cute they can be, and the fact that they only jump to run away from us makes them far more human in our eyes. I now try and save every one I find and my friends also do the same. This one is called Timmy #savetimmy
29. Tunnel Beaching
Tunnel Beach is one of my favourite spots in Dunedin, and for good reason. The arcing sandstone cliffs are artwork. The tunnel that pierces through the heart of the orangey sandstone was built by a local farmer allowing access to a safe beach for his daughter to play at. The back story, and the beauty, it is hard not to romanticise about Tunnel Beach.
30. Unity under Madagascar's Sun
Beneath Madagascar's nurturing sun, our volunteers from around the world intertwined with the smiling faces of local children. For a fortnight, we merged into the rhythm of life with the fisherman's offspring – their play our play, their catch our feast, their untamed wilderness our exploration. When the hour came to part ways, our collective embrace was a cocoon of pure joy. Language and skin tone, mere threads in the larger human tapestry, fell away as the children's grins and our heartfelt hugs spoke of global citizenship's core – a world where the spirit of kinship and unity is the universal language.
31. Warm Welcome
Amidst the dark and cold Norwegian winter, this neon sign on a cafe rooftop near the campus of my host university in Bergen proclaims 'I'M SO HAPPY THAT YOU ARE HERE :)'. My first encounter with this sign was during Freshers Week, surrounded by a diverse mix of new friends - both Norwegian students and fellow exchange students from all over the world. Each time I come across it, the sign's radiant message of warmth and inclusion has been an enduring source of comfort, reminding me that even in unfamiliar surroundings, I am welcome and valued.
32. We are the world
Taken on the Daintree River, on a trip I took during study abroad. An experience that deepened my idea of inclusivity. Coming to Australia I was ignorant of how Aboriginal Australians are simultaneously included and excluded from their lands and this nation. Learning about their histories and everyday struggles led me to question what ‘inclusivity’ really means, looks like and feels like day to day. Aboriginal knowledge teaches us that inclusivity expands the meaning of country from ‘land to appropriate’ to ‘land to live with’. Where sky, rivers, and trees are as much a part of us as one another.
33. Winter Sunshine
Taken at Observatory Hill in Durham, this photograph captures the first heavy snowfall of 2023 and the sunlight spilling over the cathedral.
34. Worship of Equality
As dusk engulfs the Madina sky in a purple hue, a tapestry of human lives gather, draped in the 'Ehram'. Here, before the Prophet Mohammed's (PBUH) Mosque, these pilgrims, propelled by faith, hailing from the all walks of life and all reaches of the earth, gather for their evening prayer. The Ehram's unstained fabric, a garment they will one day wear in death, symbolises the profound truth of their equality before God. As the minarets reach for the heavens, crowned by twilight’s palette, the ground becomes holy, a place where shoes are shed and worldly statuses forgotten. The notion that all are equal in the eyes of the Divine and in the face of mortality is silently and most powerfully affirmed. Every soul, a singular heartbeat in the vastness of creation, stands shoulder to shoulder, their collective reverence a testament to the shared destiny of humankind under the watchful sky.
35. YAD VASHEM
Where does my mind go, in fear, when I tell someone I'm Jewish? Why does my pride feel heavy and worn? How deep is the inheritance of my ancestors' pain? There are lights and shadows cast in the museum of my identity. I am looking straight into a mirror when I see the structural bones of the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, Israel.
36. No title
In this evocative image, under the watchful eyes of verdant Bangladeshi palms, a microcosm of the nation's rich diversity is distilled in the congregation. They are the faces of Bangladesh, a mosaic of different faiths and incomes, united in the communal experience of a political event. Traditional attire mingles with casual modern clothing, signifying the varied economic tiers present. The assembly is a poignant illustration of unity in diversity, where the multiplicity of religious backgrounds converges with a common interest in the political narrative being woven before them. In this gathering, the democratic spirit transcends individual differences, embodying the collective pulse of a vibrant society.
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