American Universities International Programs Ltd.

P.O. Box 3771, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand Web: www.auip.com Email: info@auip.com Tel: +64.3.377.4644 Fax: +64.3.377.4641

Contact: BrocheAroe Fabian Marketing & Communications Coordinator AUIP marketing@auip.com Tel (US): +1.706.621.7843 Tel (New Zealand): +64.3.377.4644

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Twitter: @AUIPStudyAbroad Instagram: @AUIPStudyAbroad

#TransformYourClassroom

2016 AUIP Photo Contest: “Walk a Mile in Another’s Shoes”

Christchurch, New Zealand – American Universities International Programs, Ltd. (AUIP) announces its 2016 Photo Contest: “Walk a Mile in Another’s Shoes”. The photo contest launches August 1, 2016 at all partner institutions throughout the United States. AUIP’s mission is to “promote international cooperation and understanding by providing opportunities for Americans to experience first-hand the cultures and environments of the Oceania region.” Studying abroad can be both eye opening and challenging, especially as many AUIP students are leaving the United States for the first time. The phrase “walk a mile in another’s shoes” refers to trying to understand another person’s perspective prior to passing judgment, something important to keep in mind when faced with new experiences. The full idiom, “Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes,” often incorrectly attributed to a Native American saying, is derived from an 1895 poem written by Mary T. Lathrap titled, Judge Softly:

Just walk a mile in his moccasins before you abuse, criticize and accuse. If just for one hour, you could find a way to see through his eyes, instead of your own muse.

(full text below)

A survivor of the American Civil War, Lathrap was ahead of her time in many ways, such as writing for the local papers and sympathizing with people not of her race or socio-economic standing. Taking her example as inspiration, AUIP encourages program alumni to submit photos in these two categories:

1. Another’s Shoes (people) 2. Walk a Mile (places)

This photo contest is open to all AUIP program alumni as well as AUIP university faculty and staff who have attended AUIP programs. Photo submissions must be the entrant’s original work and must have been taken abroad during an AUIP program in Antarctica, Australia, Fiji, or New Zealand. All photos must be submitted using the hashtag #AUIPWalkAMile to the AUIP Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AUIPStudyAbroad), Twitter account (@AUIPStudyAbroad), or Instagram account (@AUIPStudyAbroad) by 5:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, August 31, 2016. A panel of judges will be appointed by AUIP to evaluate photo submissions based on originality, creativity, impact, and artistic merit. Awards and prizes will be given for first, second and third place, as well as two People’s Choice Awards, one in each category. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, September 7, 2016. Prizes and contest sponsors will be announced on the AUIP blog, Facebook page, Twitter account, and Instagram account prior to the contest submission deadline. About AUIP: For over 40 years, AUIP has been providing programs that combine rigorous academic study with opportunities for experiential learning outside of the classroom. By combining study at prestigious universities around the world with field and community based activities, AUIP offers students unique ways to explore the culture and natural environments of the country they are visiting. AUIP offers an ideal combination of outstanding academic quality, true cultural immersion, extensive extracurricular and leisure activities and the social opportunities of a university environment.

27 June 2016 Page 2 of 2

P.O. Box 3771, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand Web: www.auip.com Email: info@auip.com Tel: +64.3.377.4644 Fax: +64.3.377.4641

The original title of the poem was Judge Softly, later titled Walk a Mile in His Moccasins. Pray, don't find fault with the man that limps, or stumbles along the road. Unless you have worn the moccasins he wears, or stumbled beneath the same load. There may be tears in his soles that hurt though hidden away from view. The burden he bears placed on your back may cause you to stumble and fall, too. Don't sneer at the man who is down today unless you have felt the same blow that caused his fall or felt the shame that only the fallen know. You may be strong, but still the blows that were his, unknown to you in the same way, may cause you to stagger and fall, too. Don't be too harsh with the man that sins. or pelt him with words, or stone, or disdain. Unless you are sure you have no sins of your own, and it's only wisdom and love that your heart contains. For you know if the tempter's voice should whisper as soft to you, as it did to him when he went astray, it might cause you to falter, too. Just walk a mile in his moccasins before you abuse, criticize and accuse. If just for one hour, you could find a way to see through his eyes, instead of your own muse. I believe you'd be surprised to see that you've been blind and narrow minded, even unkind. There are people on reservations and in the ghettos who have so little hope, and too much worry on their minds. Brother, there but for the grace of God go you and I. Just for a moment, slip into his mind and traditions and see the world through his spirit and eyes before you cast a stone or falsely judge his conditions. Remember to walk a mile in his moccasins and remember the lessons of humanity taught to you by your elders. We will be known forever by the tracks we leave in other people's lives, our kindnesses and generosity. Take the time to walk a mile in his moccasins.