They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but for our student travelers, a picture is worth a thousand memories. We're excited to officially announce the winners of the 2025 Xperitas Photo Contest!
Each year, our students return with more than just improved language skills; they return with a new perspective on the world. These winning shots capture the joy, the friendship, and the pure adventure of cultural immersion.
🏆 1st Place: "Blooms of Burghausen"
Winner: Emma Kate Maynor (German Immersion Program)
Emma Kate traveled as part of the GAPP program with Walker Valley High School, and she describes the trip as a "life-changing experience." Her photo, "Blooms of Burghausen," captures the stunning beauty of the city she now calls her second home.
Emma Kate, who runs Photography by Emma Kate, shared that she will forever cherish the lifelong friendships she made while exploring Germany with her host family and exchange friends. Her advice to anyone on the fence about traveling? "Just GO!"
🥈 2nd Place: "Des amis devant la tour Eiffel"
Winner: Julia Andretz (French Immersion Program)
Capturing one of the most iconic monuments in the world is no easy feat, but Julia did it with a focus on what matters most: community. This commemorative photo of her class in front of the Tour Eiffel represents what Julia calls "one of the best weeks of my life." It’s a beautiful tribute to shared discovery and French culture.
🌟 Honorable Mentions
We had so many incredible submissions this year that we had to highlight a few more standout moments from Costa Rica:
- Claire Ikeman: Captured the vibrant energy of local life in her photo “viviendo la vida pura,” featuring friends at a bustling Costa Rican market.
- Salem Frost: Gave us a literal bird’s-eye view of adventure with a heart-pounding shot of zip-lining through the Costa Rican canopy!
A Note to Our 2026 Travelers
We're already looking forward to seeing the world through your lens! Whether it's a quiet moment with a host sibling or a grand adventure in a city center, we want to see your perspective.
How to enter for the next season:
How to enter for the next season:
- Submit: Send your best photos to info@xperitas.org after you return from your program.
- Tag: Share your journey on social media using #xperitas2026.
Congratulations to all our 2025 winners! Your photos remind us why we do what we do: to connect people across borders and create stories that last a lifetime.