A study abroad trip to Iceland enabled science major Linda Nguyen to apply knowledge from class to real-world environments and gave her the opportunity to immerse herself in another culture.

Now a photo of her examining specimens on Djúpalónssandur Beach, taken by classmate Sona Regonda in 2022, has won top honours in the Go Global photo contest. Previous Go Global scholarship recipients were invited to submit their best travel photos from their study or work abroad experiences and members the campus community voted for their favourite submissions. Nguyen received $500 for her winning entry, “Lava at First Sight.”

“My study abroad experience in Iceland allowed me to visit some geological wonders of the country and understand the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic forces that have altered them,” says Nguyen.

“I'm incredibly grateful to the Go Global program and professors for making this experience possible. Studying abroad pushed me out of my comfort zone, helping me become more independent and adaptable in new environments.”

Go Global co-ordinator Emily Stadder says she was pleased to see the contest drew more than 50 submissions.

“Our students have taken part in some amazing international experiences, and this was a fun opportunity to highlight their travels and what they have gained from these trips,” she says.

The UWindsor Go Global program was made possible by a $1 million grant provided by Global Skills Opportunity, funded by Employment and Social Development Canada. From 2022 to the end of the program in March 2025, more than 290 UWindsor students received scholarships to support study and work abroad opportunities in 13 countries.