MU students submitted five dozen photos to both photo contests. best of them were selected by the employees of the Centre for International Cooperation of Masaryk University (CZS MU), which organised the entire competition again after last year's success.
And while last year, in the first year of the photo competition, pictures from Romania, Italy and France won, this year the jury was most interested in photos taken during study stays in New Zealand, Slovenia and South Korea, taken by students from the faculties of arts and education. The winning photos with the motto "You won't experience this in Brno" can be found in the article below, along with students' comments on why they submitted their photos for the competition and what made their foreign placement unique.
The jury also chose from pictures taken by exchange students who studied in Brno for one or two semesters, or attended a several-week summer school. The second "Only in Brno" photo contest was won by a photo capturing the aurora borealis over the Brno Reservoir, while photos of the sunset over Petrov took second and third place.
“This year's photo competition was also a great success. I really like the winning pictures - they show the diversity of studying abroad and the extraordinary moments that students experience there. I am also very happy that this year we launched a competition for those on placements in Brno and that among the nominated pictures was the one that captures the northern lights, which is a very rare sight in the Czech Republic. However, a number of interesting photos came in, although we can't appreciate them all; but just like last year, we plan to continue using them,” explained Jakub Motyčka, head of the International Marketing Division of the CZS.
The six winners received a voucher for an outdoor getaway around Brno, a one-day Brnopas and university merch from the Centre for International Cooperation. The winning photos, together with other competition images, will also be published on the Instagram account Do světa s MUNI (Into the world with MUNI), where Masaryk University has long-term shared the experiences of students from foreign stays with the aim of motivating other students to not be afraid to go abroad.
Winning photos from around the world:
First place: Amálie Chocholová, student of the Faculty of Arts, New Zealand
Because you won't experience this in Brno! And what exactly in this photo can’t be found in Brno?
1) This is "Rob Roy's Peak" trek, which leads to the top of a mountain near the town of Wanaka, where there are spectacular views in all directions. There is a beautiful view from Špilberk, but no one will disagree that it just does not compare. And instead of ponies, we met sheep along the way :)
2) This photo is from New Zealand’s South Island, where I spent two weeks during the “autumn” holidays, which were in spring. That's one of the other things that you just don't experience - autumn is in spring. And if you arrive in winter (in January), you actually arrive in summer and can swim in the ocean.
3) Two weeks off during the semester? Really? Yes, that's right! A great opportunity to use your time during your studies abroad. I used them to travel in a car, which was actually a mobile home for a person.
4) What does New Zealand have that Brno doesn't? Well, everything! Mountains, lakes, glaciers, beaches, volcanoes, forests and meadows. Anyone can choose what they like!
Second place: Lucie Červinková, student of the Faculty of Arts, Slovenia
I only took this photo last Saturday, so the whole experience is still fresh for me and I feel like sharing it. As a result of about five different coincidences, I found myself at a festival not far from Pula, where you could try different acrobatic disciplines. For me, the event somehow captures the essence of Erasmus. You do something unusual, or even scary, but once you manage it, it's a great feeling. And you meet a lot of wonderful people along the way.
Third place: Soňa Hýblová, Faculty of Education, Hong Kong
The photo comes from the demilitarised zone between South and North Korea. It was a truly fascinating and heartbreaking place. It was maddening to look at the other side knowing what was happening there, and to read the messages of living members of families who had been separated by the war and who still hoped to be reunited one day. No Man's Land with over a million mines scattered across the land and a third tunnel that takes you to just 170 metres from the world's most guarded land.
Winning photos from placements in Brno:
First place: David Montoto Salas, exchange student from the Faculty of Social Studies
Some classmates and I went to the Brno reservoir because we heard you could see the Northern Lights. We did not have much hope of seeing them, especially from a place like Brno, but then we looked up and the lights were just magical. A moment that I definitely won't forget.
Second place: Juna Mariën, summer school student on the 3D Printing in Pharmaceutics course
I chose this photo for the contest because it perfectly captures this memorable moment from a sunset boat party with the friends I made at summer school. The image is filled with the warmth of the setting sun, symbolising the end of a fantastic summer experience. The good music, great drinks and perfect weather created this magical moment that I wanted to share. This photo reminds me of my unforgettable time in Brno, the joy of new friendships and memories I will always cherish.
Third place: Gautier Gobillard, exchange student from the Faculty of Social Studies
When walking in Brno after the rain, the sun can highlight the beauty of the Cathedral.