Testimonies

To speak directly with past students, email msn [at] mexicosolidarity [dot] org or call (773) 583-7728

My summer experience in Chiapas was deeply impactful. The discussions of US/Mexican relations and the powerful lessons of the Zapatista Movement gave me a different perspective on international relations and the discussions that lack in the classroom. The people I met and the interaction with those in the continued struggle energized me to continue my work for social justice in my community and paved the road for continuous empowerment of self and others. -Karina Macias, Summer 2010

My time spent with MSN in Mexico was hands down the most influential educational experience of my life. MSN and the movements we interacted with exemplified the importance of praxis in both our education and daily lives. Through this engaged model of autonomous popular education I and my peers were able to grow in indescribable ways. From understanding the struggles against neoliberalism to understanding identity politics and learning how to create cohesive group dynamics, my experiences with MSN was truly mind altering and life changing. -Bryan MacCormack, Fall 2010
 
It would be hard for me to overstate the effects that my semester with MSN had on me. It has made me a better learner, student, friend, and activist. The analytical and communication skills that I developed throughout the semester have stuck with me and I use them every day. -Claire Flanagan, Fall 2010



 

The MSN semester long program completely changed my attitude towards academia and towards organizing. My inarticulate, half-formed ideas about the kind of world I want to create and the organizing I want do changed into genuine convictions and tangible action. I came on the program because I wanted to be held accountable for my privilege and for the way I act while traveling. I left the program with so much more than that--I came away with a deeper commitment to social justice, with a desire to listen more and talk less, and with a network of excellent friends and organizers all across the country. The other students I met on this program were incredibly amazing people--thoughtful, intelligent, insightful, kind, caring, inspiring, and fantastic organizers. The people I met in Mexico were also incredible--they were very kind to me, were part of incredibly inspiring and important social movements, treated me like family, and gave me so much faith in the power of global connection, both in general and for organizing. In terms of travel, I felt really good on the program because I was held accountable to not being a "tourist" in a traditional, consumptive, ultimately oppressive way, but I still saw beautiful things all over Mexico. This is such a different experience from most study abroad programs--you don't just "have fun", you become a more thoughtful, committed,  connected person. -Johanna Galat, Spring 2011

I loved being a part of the study abroad trip through MSN! Deciding what program to go on was a really tough decision, and I do not regret picking MSN. I got to have an incredible bonding experience with my fellow students, which I think is beneficial because now we are all connected across the country, despite the fact that we may be involved in different movements and attend different schools. Of course the best part was having the opportunity to live with and learn from los Zapatistas in Oventik, CNUC in Tlaxcala, and 'los Panchos' in Mexico City. Each of these experiences led me to meet people I would never have met otherwise, and while leaving each place is hard, you know that you will always be welcome back with open arms. I have found  that I reflect a lot on my experiences from that semester, and it has led me to a deeper understanding of forces that connect people in the US and people in Mexico, and the incredible strength that movements for social justice have in understanding one another's struggles. Another world is possible with MSN! -Eva Gray, Spring 2011

If you are looking for something other than the typical study abroad experience, and you have an interest in fighting for social justice, go with MSN to Mexico.  No other program will allow you to experience a living social movement the way that this one does. There are invaluable lessons to be learned from the movements in Mexico for those who are trying to build consciousness in the US. I went to Mexico for a semester, and living with the Zapatistas, CNUC and Los Panchos had a huge impact on my political life and my personal growth. The friendships that a gained are also incredibly important to me. I became very close with my companer@s and am grateful that I had the opportunity to connect with other students who share similar interests and values. And if you decide to go, I highly suggest that you opt for the program extension in Chicago! -Lisa Wojehowski, Fall 2011

My semester with MSN was a life-affirming experience that touched on many aspects of my life. I was exposed to this deep side of Mexico, México profundo and met some of the most influential organic intellectuals that I would've never thought of. Mas que todo, la gente que conoci en México made me realize that el conocimiento is based on lived experiences. This type of knowledge advocates for "theory in the flesh" by connecting lived experiences with social activism. I've realized that knowledge is not necessarily rooted in what people write about, but in what people do for a living because that speaks way more than academic theories. -Jovanni Jaurgui, Spring 2012