About the Contest
Each year, the Exchanges Photo Contest presents an opportunity for the Global Ties Network to showcase its best photos of exchange programs. These photos provide a powerful, visual representation of the impact exchange programs have on local U.S. communities, as well as the lasting connections developed between exchange participants and their U.S. hosts.
Submissions are encouraged from any member of the Global Ties Network, as well as representatives from the federal government, interpreters/liaisons, exchange program alumni, and others who are involved in exchange programming. Winning photo submissions are selected by a panel comprised of staff from the U.S. Department of State, Global Ties U.S., and National Program Agencies.
Entries are judged by how dynamic they are; showcase a unique community; or capture a powerful interaction between exchange participants and community leaders. Settings for photographs could cultural events, home visits, natural settings, professional appointments, school visits, and more. See more Rules & Regulations.
2026 CONTEST
Submissions for the 2026 photo contest will open soon.
2025 CONTEST
Results coming soon.
2024 CONTEST
“Drumbeats of Change.” Submitted by Julia Totskaya, Communications Manager, Global Ties Miami. Photo captures a moment of joy at the “Stories of Human Trafficking from Around the Globe” event. Won Best Overall Photo 2024.
Check out the winning selections of the 2024 Exchanges Photo Contest.
2023 CONTEST
“Fun for Everyone.” Submitted by Karlis Dambrans, IVLP participant. Photo depicts IVLP participants of the “A Global Moment in Time” project having fun at a pumpkin patch in Minnesota. Won Best Overall Photo 2023.
Check out the winning selections of the 2023 Exchanges Photo Contest.
2022 CONTEST
“Reaching Out for Justice.” Submitted by Sofia Triana, IVLP Program Associate, World Learning. Photo taken by Connie Raicovich, International Visitor Liaison. Won Best Overall Photo 2022.
Check out the winning selections of the 2022 Exchanges Photo Contest.
2021 CONTEST
“Speak Up for Diversity.” Submitted by Gary Crofts, Program Officer, Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy. Won Best Overall Photo 2021.
Check out the winning selections of the 2021 Exchanges Photo Contest.
2020 CONTEST
“Women in STEM Fly Delta.” Submitted by Leesa Fields, International Visitor Liaison. Won Best Overall Photo 2020.
Check out the winning selections of the 2020 Exchanges Photo Contest.
Thank you to all who submitted images! View the entire album of submissions.
2019 WINNING PHOTO
“Rock Solid Connections” submitted by Brittany Lynk, International Visitor Liaison. Named “Best Group Shot” in the 2019 Photo Contest.
Check out the top selections of the 2019 Exchanges Photo Contest.
2018 WINNING PHOTO
“Milwaukee Summer.” IVLP participants from Swaziland, Romania, Morocco, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, and Haiti enjoy the music and festivities outside the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, WI on a summer evening. Submitted by Jonathan Christ, an International Visitor Liaison.
2017 WINNING PHOTO
At a special Halloween home hospitality in Arlington, VA, International Visitors from Myanmar and Indonesia eagerly run to the door as the doorbell rings to hand out candy and take selfies with ballerinas and Spiderman. Submitted by Brittany Lynk, an International Visitor Liaison.
2016 WINNING PHOTO
Women leaders from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka “jump for joy” at the WorldDenver International Women’s Day luncheon. Submitted by Paul Docktor of WorldDenver.
2015 WINNING PHOTO
“Reading empowerment.” Submitted by Cassie McGuiness from Global Minnesota.
2014 WINNING PHOTO
Park ranger diplomacy. Submitted by Enrique Meza of the San Diego Diplomacy Council.
2013 WINNING PHOTO
“Strength through sports: a force bringing people together.” Submitted by Bill St. John, an English Language Officer at the U.S. Department of State.
2012 WINNING PHOTO
“New friends: a fruitful hospitality evening.” Submitted by Jena Melancon-Gissendanner of Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council.