"My experience in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina was one that gave life to the questions I have been asked in the classroom during my FPJ courses. We met peacebuilders promoting interethnic and interreligious dialogue between alienated communities. We were forced to grapple with the long term destructive consequences of war, and then we were challenged to imagine pathways forward. I hope to apply the lessons we learned in the Balkans within the context of my own community." Chris Carreras

"Studying abroad in Croatia gave me an immersive experience in peacebuilding, transitional justice, reconciliation, and interreligious dialogue through my classes, travels, and internship. In our studies in Zagreb, and class field trips to Vukovar, Sarajevo, and Vis, we were able to see how the Balkan wars affected the region and how to transition to peace following conflict. Coming back to BC, I am so grateful for my experience in the Balkan region and inspired to continue to work for peace and justice both in the US and internationally." Megan Riegel

"My experience abroad in Croatia showed me more intimately the horrors of war, as well as the amazing capacity for human resilience. The war in the Balkans was triggered by a variety of factors, including the concerning belief that violence was sanctioned by religion. It was also powerful to learn about the peacebuilding efforts that are ongoing in the Balkan region, and meet the people working to foster reconciliation across religious and ethnic divides. This experience continues to make me ask questions that I get to explore in the FPJ minor, including questions of military ethics, if and when intervention is just, and the most effective ways to rebuild society after large-scale violence. Thank you to Boston College, the International Studies Program, the FPJ minor, and the European Center for the Study of War and Peace for such an enriching and moving semester experience." Ben Ward

“I am still reflecting on the experiences and connections I had the opportunity to be a part of in South Africa. We investigated the history of Apartheid, and how although it officially ended in 1994, the oppressive and racist structures that drove injustice then are largely still in place today. Every person we met and every story we heard, it is forever etched in my heart and mind. I am inspired, but I am also bothered. I will remember the wisdom from this trip while I continue with Faith, Peace and Justice studies at BC and beyond.” Julia Franco

"As a student on the trip to South Africa I was able to interact with local communities and visit many religious spaces and organizations. This was important in teaching me how religious spaces can be actors of social justice and also providing me with examples of how I can get involved and help out.” Dilan Luhana

“Studying abroad during the summer in South Africa brought me more proximate to learning about the themes of faith, peace, and justice than I ever imagined. I am fortunate to have encountered South Africa’s beauty, the pride of its citizens, vibrance of its culture, and struggles for justice the country continues to face all alongside an excited group of students and a passionate Professor Snyder. We developed a strong family bond eager to both embrace and challenge one another in our learning!” Ashley Polimeno