Student Reflections from Fall 2001The following comments are taken from the students who participated in the Casa program in the Fall 2001 term. These 11 reflections are in alphabetical order by student's last name.
Nickname: Pappa G / Calcetines Reason I chose to participate in the Casa: To experience the reality of the marginalized by living in solidarity; to live speaking Spanish and to grow to love the Latin American way of life; to move beyond the "National Geographic" phase of Study Abroad programs; to seek truth in life by giving myself to others. Field Placement Site: San Antonio Abad Overall thoughts of the program thus far: El Salvador is a country growing from decades of paralyzing oppression, subjugation, and marginalization. To be here is so hard at times, and so liberating at others. This program may stand alone in its striking capability to lead students in the Jesuit ideal of acting as men and women for others. At the Casa, we live in community with each other, sharing and learning from our experiences in communities across the country. Kevin and Trena are here to walk with us, to provide a shoulder upon which to lean when we are down and to give us the courage to ask the many questions along the various points in our journeys. We are blessed here in El Salvador to call such an amazing program our home. Suggestions for students considering applying: Ask yourself, "What do I want from my study abroad experience?" If you want nothing more than to live for a semester, as Pink Floyd would say, "comfortably numb" with respect to the way the majority of our world lives, the program might not be for you. If you want to challenge your world, to see realities, tragedies, and to find the soul of survival within them, and as Arrupe says, "to fall in love," then take the leap that we have taken. Walk this way. Willing to communicate with interested students: Como no? Sure! Anything else to share with the world: A shout out to all of you interested in the program, and to all who work for justice. Casa has been and continues to be a life-changing opportunity to see the world in a radically different way. Hope to hear from you if I can be of help.
Nickname: J-Frye Reason I chose to participate in the Casa: My greatest interests (business and social work) seem to conflict with each other at home. Talking with so many people, they seem to understand my involvement in one, but not both. I wanted to come see a greater reality than the U.S., to better understand the needs of our world, and my role within it. Field Placement Site: San Antonio Abad Overall thoughts of the program thus far: I think of the cliché phrase that "this program, or this experience will change you." However, that is the reality of this program and this country. I don’t care what your backyard is - if college life isn’t stretching you enough, this is where you need to be. If you have a desire to understand the reality of the world, this is it. Suggestions for students considering applying: I’ve only been here six weeks and I’m already scheming about when I can come back. Willing to communicate with interested students: Yes Anything else to share with the world: The beauty of El Salvador is the people. I hear what they have been through and still watch their giving spirit. Tourists don’t come to El Salvador; this gives us the ability to see and share in the truth. Gracias a Dios.
School: Boston College Reason I chose to participate in the Casa: There is undoubtedly no other place that I knew of that would be a better context for providing myself to take the social justice focus of my life to the next level. Unlike our volunteer and justice work at Jesuit universities in the states, this experiences is twenty fours a day and one cannot help but be preoccupied with delving into the deep mystery of suffering and justice throughout each and every day. After coming down here for a short while in high school, I knew that I would come back and spending a semester here with a program focused on critical analysis of our faith and our world in light of our experiences with the people of El Salvador was extremely attractive to me. Overall thoughts of the program thus far: Living in community with the other students here has been a huge highlight for me, as I get to be surrounded by incredibly dynamic and like-minded colleagues. Everyone seems not to be satisfied with simple answers and are at all times willing to delve deeper into issues that are even too often brushed over in social justice circles, with apparent common-sense responses. Informal discussions amongst the group before, after, and in the midst of our experiences here have been one of the most beneficial part of the program thus far. The only disappointment I have is that there is just not enough time to see and do everything in this country that has so much to teach us, especially as one's interests continue to grow into the complexities of this country's history with each new encounter of a person, NGO, class discussion, or book we read. Recommendation for students interested in applying: Please be very serious about what you are getting into, as justice ought to be beginning to be a central focus of your life before you consider this. Otherwise you might find yourself totally unprepared for the reality that you encounter here and not mature enough to allow it all in to the point where it ought to propel you into a certain future. Willing to serve as a contact for interested students? Yes, contact me at hege@bc.edu
Nickname: Jules Reason I chose to participate in the Casa: I knew that I wanted to study abroad but wasn’t satisfied with the programs I would read about. I started talking to people at my University who told me about the Casa program. I was interested in the service and solidarity aspect. I had been in El Salvador in March of 2000 to work with earthquake relief and the ten-day trip just wasn’t enough – I wanted to go back. Field Placement Site: Las Brisas Overall thoughts of the program thus far: This program has been one of the most challenging and rewarding undertakings I have ever done. Speaking in Spanish has been my biggest struggle but the professors, students, community, and kids at my praxis site have been so supportive and patient that I couldn’t ask for a better learning environment. Suggestions for students considering applying: Take the risk. Come willing to have your heart broken and your way of thinking changed forever. Willing to communicate with interested students: Yes Anything else to share with the world: Despite all the poverty here, it is impossible to miss the hope and generosity of the people.
Nickname: Evander, E, Hugs Reason I chose to participate in the Casa: I wanted to challenge my North American middle class assumptions. Field Placement Site: Nueva Generacion 21 Overall thoughts of the program thus far: It has been a wonderful experience in entering into a community with fellow students and Salvadorans. Suggestions for students considering applying: You can learn Spanish and have a great time partying in Europe. If you are looking for more than that, come to the Casa. Learn Spanish, have a great time and learn about a reality that will change your view of your American reality. Willing to communicate with interested students: Yes
Nickname: La Yessica Reason I chose to participate in the Casa: To learn in a very different context; to transform my perception of the world and my place in it; to be in El Salvador Field Placement Site: Nuevo Amanecer Overall thoughts of the program thus far: It’s going to be a unique, rich and rewarding experience. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now. Suggestions for students considering applying: This is NOT the conventional study abroad experience. It’s definitely one of a kind. If you want to learn about a very different reality, and change yourself in the process, then come. Willing to communicate with interested students: Sure Anything else to share with the world: Tortillas, beans, rice and guacamole… best meal in the world, by far!
School: Boston College Reason I chose to participate in the Casa: I wanted to speak Spanish, not be a tourist and understand how most of the world lives. Some of the Latin American abroad programs didn’t really focus on justice or the reality of life but the Casa attempts to combine these aspects into an educational experience. For these reasons, I chose the Casa. Field Placement Site: Nuevo Amanecer Overall thoughts of the program thus far: I find joy in what we do, but I never thought study abroad would be so busy. Suggestions for students considering applying: This a journey of justice and spirituality, which is not like most study abroad programs, so discern wisely and expect to be challenged. Willing to communicate with interested students: Yes Anything else to share with the world: "If you have come to help me you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together"
Nickname: Rach / Pequena Reason I chose to participate in the Casa: It was an obvious and perfect program for me to choose with a focus on both of my majors. I couldn’t have asked for a better fit. Field Placement Site: La Escuela de Santa Luisa and La Bloquera Overall thoughts of the program thus far: La Casa is an AWESOME program! It’s a great tool to learn how to live out the Jesuit mission of being "men and women for others" and how to integrate this into our daily lives. It’s a wonderful balance of studies and personal experiences. Not only are we studying the realities of poverty and oppression that the majority of the world live ink, but we’re living, seeing, hearing, and experiencing it ourselves. Kevin and Trena are amazing directors that are sensitive to where each of us are emotionally in taking in the reality of this country and where each of us are coming from. The community created here is more than one could ask for. Suggestions for students considering applying: JUST DO IT!! Well…pray and discern about it first, but I guarantee you, you won’t regret at least having given it a try. Willing to communicate with interested students: I would love to! Anything else to share with the world: Be the change you want to see in the world! ALWAYS stand up for love!
Nickname: Caser Reason I chose to participate in the Casa: It was time to leave the United States university bubble and get to know, as much as I can in 4 months, a Latin American country. Field Placement Site: Santa Luisa, Bloquera Overall thoughts of the program thus far: All the other students are champions, spending time with Salvadorans is fabulous Suggestions for students considering applying: Don’t be shy to ask us whatever the heck you want. Willing to communicate with interested students: Yes Anything else to share with the world: After a few solid weeks of diarrhea, you realize it’s not so bad. I actually think I will miss it if it decides to leave me.
School: St. Joseph’s University Reason I chose to participate in the Casa: This program had everything I was looking for in an international study abroad program. It is geared towards social justice and has a strong emphasis on praxis. I believe this is the best way to learn and grow. In addition, I’m very interested in liberation theology, and, hey, this is El Salvador! Field Placement Site: Jayaque Overall thoughts of the program thus far: Simply INCREDIBLE! The very special spirit of the Salvadoran community amplifies an experience like this. This is an amazing part of the world in which to live, grow, learn and love. Suggestions for students considering applying: Discern no matter where you are considering studying. Do a lot of talking and a lot of listening… to yourself, your friends, your enemies, your God. There’s a lot riding on this decision. With that having been said – get your ass to El Salvador! Willing to communicate with interested students: Of course.
Nickname: Rafi Reason I chose to participate in the Casa: Our decisions are so heavily shaped by our surroundings. I’m trying to make good decisions in this goofy life here on earth – how could I not be here? Field Placement Site: Las Brisas Overall thoughts of the program thus far: I’m very happy with my decision. In terms of passing through the structure of formal higher education, this is the best possible option for me. Suggestions for students considering applying: If you just want to learn Spanish then go to Spain. If you want an opportunity to learn about a reality of immense, immense importance, then come here. You will also learn Spanish. Willing to communicate with interested students: Sure Anything else to share with the world: If my girlfriend Annie is reading this then she should know I love and miss her. Also, read Howard Zinn and Dan Berrigan. Finally, if you are not working on getting yourself in trouble with the structures of death and violence in the world, why not? |
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