Are the dog days of summer getting you down? Check out this gallery of student images from the BBA International Program's Spring 2012 Study Abroad Photo Contest. 

Considering your own semester away? Read our Ultimate Study Abroad Guide for tips on how to make the most of your experience. Bon Voyage!

"Pisa was the last of the many European cities we were fortunate enough to visit. Our time there consisted of 3 hours of brainstorming creative "tower pictures", and 3 hours of actually taking them. Italy will always be a home away from home."

"While I was in Southeast Asia I climbed mountains, I scaled volcanoes, I saw ancient temples, and I learned more about my place in the world than I ever thought possible, and I did it all alongside a group of some of the most amazing people I have ever met. I made friends from countless nationalities, races, and cultures, and on some rare occasions I even got to make friends with different species as well. This baby monkey may not have been the most talkative creature I met in Southeast Asia, but sitting there nibbling on that banana, he definitely was the cutest."

"Amongst the busy streets of Hong Kong lays a hidden treasure in the form of the tranquil Nan Lian Garden. Located right in the center of Diamond Hill, the garden provides an escape from the hectic city life. Visiting the garden is a great way to clear your thoughts and re-energize your mind!"

"One of my 'mates' took this photo of me while I was in Jervis Bay, on a trip that wasn't necessarily on my to-do list when I landed in Oz. When you think about studying in Sydney, you think of the Opera House, surfing, and being at the beach. Although I definitely was involved in these things, taking a trip with my Australian Aboriginal Studies class for a weekend was truly one of my most memorable experiences while in Australia. 'Just rest your feet on the ground and take a deep breath,' a quote said by one of the Aboriginal tribe elders, is one that will make an impact on me for the rest of my life. A new chapter of mine started that weekend, and I became even more connected to who I am and where I come from. After all, what starts here changes the world."

"After flying alone to the most remote island on earth, my instant islander friend Rosita helped me rent a [fast] four-wheeler for $30 a day and find a place to sleep. I spent days exploring the tiny island's coastline, volcanoes, and ancient quarries surrounded by Moai (the ancient heads behind the rooster) on my ATV and by horseback. As I sat down for lunch one day at the empty Ahu Tongariki on the coast, this little rooster friend decided to hang out with me in typical random South American fashion. Seven months in Chile, Ecuador, Argentina, and Uruguay was just delightful."

"Choosing to study abroad in Brazil was one of the best decisions of my life. The culture, the photogenic scenes, the beautiful people, and the amazing experiences will be engraved in my heart and mind forever. Foi muito legal tudo!"

"At the top of a hill overlooking Buda and Pest on a rainy day in Hungary on a weekend trip. As I traveled I tried to see the amazing, forgotten about Eastern Europe."

"While most people went to the beaches for summer break, I decided to spend about two weeks in New Zealand after the semester ended. And I certainly don't regret my choice! New Zealand is even more beautiful than everyone says it is - everywhere you looked was picture perfect scenery!"

"Traveling through the heart of Belgium, you will find food stands selling these famous Belgian Waffles around every corner. Soon enough, you will find yourself indulging a seemingly endless wave of waffles and more waffles for every meal of your day."

"Every place I went was the next 'most beautiful place I had ever seen.' This picture was taken about half way through an eight-hour hike through Tongariro National Park on the north island of New Zealand. The 'Tongariro Alpine Crossing' is rated as THE best one day hike in the world...and there's nothing for me to argue there. The mountain in the background is Mt. Ngaruhoe, but most people know it better as Mt. Doom from the Lord of the Rings series. Hiking up, down, and through the peaks of three mountains on this gorgeous day was one of the highlights of my study abroad experience, the views were absolutely amazing. And of course...I rep the horns wherever I go."