My study abroad year in one photo

For our Study Abroad photo competition, we asked our returning students to submit the one photo that best captured their unforgettable experiences abroad.

Studying abroad is more than just attending lectures in a new location - it's an opportunity to embrace new experiences, step out of your comfort zone and develop in ways you never imagined before you left. It's a transformative experience that can't be summed up in one photo, but we asked our students to try anyway. 

From the stillness of Japan's Fukui Forest to the vast sands of Jordan's Wadi Rum desert, here are what the winners of the Study Abroad in One Photo competition captured and what it meant to them. 

Exploring the vastness of the Wadi Rum desert 

“I took this photo when I visited the Wadi Rum desert during my year abroad in Jordan. Following a morning of camel riding and eating food cooked underneath the sand, we were guided around the desert by local Bedouins. This photo encapsulates the vastness of the desert and the overwhelming feeling of gratitude that I felt when I visited it.

My year abroad was undoubtedly the best thing I have ever done. I will cherish the friendships I made and the countless times I pushed myself to experience new things and enjoy life outside of my comfort zone. Jordan will always have a special place in my heart.

My year abroad was undoubtedly the best thing I have ever done.

I cannot recommend a year abroad enough, and I hope that everyone has the opportunity to immerse themselves into a different culture and enjoy new experiences.” - Gabriella Christian Linney studied at Qasid Institute in Amman, Jordan and won 1st place in our Study Abroad in One Photo competition.

Preparing knafeh on an open fire

“This photo captures a moment from one of our many excursions with Qasid Arab Insitute in Jordan, featuring an individual preparing Palestinian Knafeh. It was taken in a small village in northern Jordan, with the breathtaking view of the occupied West Bank in the distance. 

This scene reflects the profound mix of emotions I felt during my year abroad—a deep sense of gratitude for experiencing such rich cultural immersion, paired with bittersweet reflection on the resilience of our brothers and sisters in Palestine.

My year abroad in Amman, Jordan, was truly unforgettable, made possible by the exceptional teaching and support of the Qasid Arabic Institute. Living in Jordan felt like embracing a second home as I travelled across the country, exploring its stunning landscapes and rich history. 

This once-in-a-lifetime experience not only deepened my Arabic proficiency but also taught me invaluable life lessons and self-discovery. I’m profoundly grateful for every moment, and I will forever cherish the friendships, memories, and personal growth that came from this incredible journey.” - Muna Ibrahim studied at Qasid Institute in Amman, Jordan and won 2nd place in the Study Abroad Year in One Photo competition.

Walking through Fukui Forest

“This photo was taken on a trip to Fukui, a countryside area in the north of Osaka. I was invited by one of my Japanese friends to her family's house and she showed us the area for three days.

The atmosphere of this walk seemed out of a Ghibli movie, as the trail was deserted, the light was softly shining through the trees and the temple was as quiet as ever.

During this trip, I was able to see a part of Japan I may not have experienced had I travelled on my own, like this long path leading to a temple in the middle of a forest with massive trees. 

The atmosphere of this walk seemed out of a Ghibli movie, as the trail was deserted, the light was softly shining through the trees and the temple was as quiet as ever. We even saw a few deer in the forest. Overall, I am forever grateful to have been able to experience this kind of views that are a bit less accessible as a tourist.” - Lisa Paris studied at Kansai University in Osaka, Japan and won 3rd place in our Study Abroad in One Photo competition.

Building a home away from home 

"I studied for a year at Qasid Institute in Amman, Jordan. This was my first time visiting the Middle East, and the atmosphere felt so different from the London I was used to. It’s quite beautiful in its own way.

This picture was taken at the end of my first month since arriving in Jordan. I am posing with 10-year-old Rahaf, and on the left side of the picture is her mother, Aunty Samah, who hails from Egypt. We are in their courtyard, which is part of the Zaki Abu Eid mosque complex, which is local to student residents of Qasid accommodation. 

Aunty Samah and her husband work as the mosque's caretakers, and after my first or second Jumuah, Aunty Samah looked me in the eye after seeing me sitting alone, hoping to be noticed. The picture was taken by my flatmate, who I brought along with me to the next Jumuah, a week after I met Aunty Samah and her family for the first time.

I am indebted to them. She told me that I could come over to her house whenever I wanted to and that "her house was my house." She even offered to cook my meat for me when, like my own mother, she would ask me about how I was eating.

Throughout my entire year in Jordan, I went to Aunty Samah's for a warm meal, a familial environment, and great speaking practice.

Throughout my entire year in Jordan, I went to Aunty Samah's for a warm meal, a familial environment, and great speaking practice. I did this to take a break from my intense studies and spend time with people. I will never forget her smile whenever I visited, nor her children's cheeky chuckles echoing in my ears.

She has inspired me to respond to the Quran's injunction to host and show kindness to people who travel to your country. I am inspired to invite international students from a local university to my area, just as Aunty Samah did for me." - Safiya Ali studied at Qasid Institute in Amman, Jordan, and was one of our top ten winners in the Study Abroad Year in One Photo competition.

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