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