Photo Competition 2025: "Without Borders - Europe and beyond"
The results are in!
In this year's competition, the International Office received over 120 photos from students at the University of Potsdam who had spent a semester or internship abroad within the last year. From these, the jury selected 20+1 winning photos, which you can find on this page. You will see that they tell a wide variety of stories from all five continents—which made the decision anything but easy and is why there is an additional finalist photo this year.
Enjoy, and don't forget to check out our Instagram account and comment on your favorite photos: @internationaloffice.up
Top 20+1 Submissions
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place
1st Place: "Distant Horizons" by Klara Rosemann
Taken: Norway, Askøy (February 2025)
The story behind the photo:
"The photo shows some friends and fellow students I met during my semester abroad in Norway on a trip to the small island of Askøy near Bergen. We rented a cabin for the weekend and spent a lot of time outdoors. We went hiking, ice swimming, cooked together on the stove, and watched the magical northern lights at night. The photo was taken during a short evening hike to watch the sunset by the sea. I took the picture with an analog camera and developed it myself in the Darkroom - a new hobby I discovered during my stay abroad."
2nd Place: "Seven Sisters Hike" by Mariia Gudkova
Taken: Seven Sisters, Sussex, United Kingdom (September 2024)
The story behind the photo:
"During the second week of my stay in Brighton, I went on a hike to the Seven Sisters with people from all over the world who later became my closest friends. It was an unforgettable experience: breathtaking views, lots of fun, and wonderful memories. I really love this photo!"
3rd Place: "Friday Morning Swim" by Finja Westerhove
Taken: Montrose Beach, Chicago, USA (August 2024)
The story behind the photo:
"Every Friday morning at 7 a.m., hundreds of Chicagoans meet at Montrose Beach to take a short dip before work. Everyone jumps in at the end of a countdown and enjoys a quick swim in front of the stunning skyline before heading to the office."
