Photo and video contest

"Without knowing what was to come, I accepted to accompany a friend on a day trip to the biggest ice cave in the world. The cave was really interesting, but as you can see by this picture at the entrance of the Eisriesenwelt grotto, what was most exceptional was the road to get there. A beautiful surprise."

- Katrina Gosselin

"Living in a country with such rich history can play many tedious tricks on your mind, knowing that where you walk, history was forever altered. While studying abroad, it can become easy to get caught up in the fast paced life style, but views like this can make you calm down for a moment and really appreciate the here and now. It is an exceptional experience to see how far this country has come and extraordinary to see how much it has changed me."

- Morgan Shamblaw

"Between the swans, the castles, and the mountains, Switzerland is undoubtedly a magical country. It was Chillon Castle itself that inspired the creators of the Little Mermaid. Given the cold temperature of Lake Léman, we can understand why Ariel held on to her legs so much!"

- Julia Krull

"A big part of Norwegian culture is their stories and beliefs about Trolls: giant mythological creatures made of stone. This floating ledge, 600m high, is called the troll’s tongue, “Trolltunga”, due to its resemblance of a tongue being stuck out. What better way to experience this part of Norwegian culture and the specular view of one of their many fjords, than with a wonderful group of international friends!"

- Jeremy Nehme

"Omoide yokocho" translates as "the alley of memories".There are about twenty small bar/restaurant in an alley typical of the pre-war years.  Great feeling of nostalgia attached to it. Also, it is the first outing between friends I met from my host university".

- Olivier Desbiens

"Sunshine, sea and lemons: words that sum up the seaside town of Menton on the Côte d’Azur. Swimming in the Mediterranean sea, going to the local market for the Socca, practicing my french with the charming residents and running to the border of Italy were some of my daily rituals. Learning about the Middle East in a unique and beautiful campus, dating back to the 19th century was an amazing experience. But creating long lasting memories with friends from across the globe was truly the highlight of my four months.  I am forever grateful for this euphoric experience and I left a piece of my heart in “the Pearl of France”.

- Natasha Harris-Harb

"During the few months that I spent at Aberystwyth, this charming Gallic town became my second home. With its numerous pubs and coffee shops, its radiating international culture, in addition to its absolutely wonderful location, this little town, vibrant and homey, is truly unique. The sound of the waves, the friendliness of the locals, the splendid sun sets, and the friendships that I developed will always continue to resonate within me."

- Geneviève Martin-Lafleur

"I moved to Vienna, Austria this past year without knowing a lick of German, a single person, or any idea about life in the country. A proud Canadian, I found myself talking about home frequently while abroad; my European roommates are well aware of a Tim’s “Double, Double”, “The Hill”, and our love of skating. Twelve months later, I have retuned speaking incessantly about Austrian adventures, food, landscapes and people. There were many struggles and trying times on exchange, but I have grown so much and have fallen in love with another red and white flag."

- Emma Street

"Grenoble, France - my beautiful host city - is nestled in between a cluster of mountains in the Alps region. In the center of the city, there is a small hike that takes you to the top of "La Bastille", an old fort that provides a fantastic 360 degree view of the city of Grenoble, as well as the surrounding Alps. The street to the left of the photo is Cours Jean Jaures, the straightest and longest street in all of Europe!"

- Chloe St-onge-Shank

"If you know Paris, you know grey skies are common. The parisians call it the "grisaille de Paris" That being said, beautiful sunsets like this one are not something you get to see every day. In October, I was lucky enough to have spent the most perfect afternoon picnicking at one of Paris's hidden gems, Parc André Citroën where the Ballon de Paris Generali flies only on the most beautiful of days. Following our picnic, my friends and I lined up for a ride in the hot air balloon and made it on for the second last flight of the day! We had the most breathtaking panoramic view of Paris during sunset. That day and that view will be engraved in my memory forever."

- Alicia Silvestri

"In the High Arctic, daylight is 24h a day for part of the year. In Longyearbyen Norway, I heard the last night fall was on April 19th so I decided to hike to the nearest mountain to watch the Sun go down and believe me, it was worth it."

- Alex Forest