Article courtesy of DiversityAbroad.com
I began my study abroad program with 149 photos in my iPhone, I returned home with over 1,500… so now what? Like most students that go abroad, a lot of your experience includes taking photos to savor the memories of all the things you’ve seen and the people you’ve met. Since your amazing photos are taking up so much storage in your smart phone or on your camera’s SD card, aside from posting on social media, get creative. Here are some ideas for what to do with all your study abroad photos:
Postcards
Chances are, you have photos of historic sights and
landmarks, or people you’ve met. Why not print them and make authentic
postcards to send to family or friends from home, or to the friends from
abroad once you return home? To make a great post card, either use
permanent markers on the back of your printed photos, or before going
abroad go to your local craft store and purchase postcard stickers,
which can be placed on the back of photos and resemble actual postcard
backs.
Magnets/Key chains
Many tourist stores have magnets and key chains that you
can purchase, but how cool would it be if you made your own with photos
that you captured yourself? Many stores that have digital printing have
‘gift’ options, which often include making magnets or key chains. Making
your own gifts is creative, thoughtful and in some cases cheaper. Other
printing options include: mugs, blankets, pre-made photo books, canvas
prints, cards, etc.
Posters
There’s nothing like a wall full of beautiful scenery and
people. Instead of printing smaller photos, why not blow that photo up
and print a poster or two… or six? If you want to stick with printing a
lot of 5x7 photos, you can buy a poster frame and create a collage
capture a plethora of memories.
Scrapbook
My personal favorite, scrapbooking! Scrapbooks allow you to
get as creative as you want with photos, cutouts and stickers.
Scrapbooks are fun to make and share. Many craft stores have
location-based stickers and travel paper so once you leave the craft
store and have your favorite photos printed, grab your scissors and glue
and you are ready to begin.
Photo Contest
Good quality photos are a hot commodity; especially photos
of sights from around the world. Consider entering your photographs into
photo contests. If you search “study abroad photo contests” you will
come across over two million results, so put on your competitive lens
and enter those photos. Who knows, you may receive a prize or gain fans
from around the globe.
Share Your Alumni Story
When you share your experience from abroad with us at Diversity Abroad,
you'll be asked to submit photos with your story. Sharing your
firsthand experience with others is not only a creative way of getting
your photos to a broader audience. It also shines a much needed light on
the increasing diversity of students going abroad.
by
MYLAICA CONNERMylaica is a Diversity Abroad Content Contributor. She has done a semester long program at Universiteit Leiden in the Netherlands, and a month long research project in China.
