Chiapas, Mexico, Study Abroad

By Paulina Salinas

Traveling is full of surprises and adventures, and I never anticipated how profoundly an immersion program in Chiapas, Mexico, would impact my life. This experience has shaped me into a socially-conscious woman, sparking my curiosity to explore new perspectives, cultures, ways of life, and cuisines. Located in southern Mexico on the border with Guatemala, Chiapas is celebrated for its vibrant indigenous cultures. Communities like the Tzotzil and Tzeltal Maya enrich the region’s cultural fabric through their languages, traditional clothing, and handicrafts, particularly in cities like San Cristóbal de las Casas. Chiapas also boasts breathtaking natural landscapes, including the towering Sumidero Canyon, the vividly colored lakes of Montebello, and the turquoise waters of Agua Azul and El Chiflón, all of which attract nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

Adding to Chiapas’ allure are ancient Maya archaeological sites like Palenque, known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings, as well as Bonampak and Yaxchilán, which are famous for their historic murals and temples. Chiapas also stands out for its traditional cuisine, with dishes like tamales, cochito (spiced pork), and the corn-and-cacao drink pozol, which reflect the state’s indigenous culinary heritage. Socially and politically, Chiapas gained international attention through the Zapatista movement, which advocates for indigenous rights and social justice, highlighting the region’s historical and ongoing struggles for autonomy and equity.

This immersion not only deepened my cultural understanding but also strengthened my commitment to engaged listening and solidarity with others. In San Cristóbal de las Casas, I observed signs of gentrification that contrasted with my intention to experience Chiapas authentically. My love for Mexican artisan crafts initially left me feeling overwhelmed, but I soon reminded myself of the purpose of the trip: to engage deeply, live simply, and embody the Jesuit value of being “a person for and with others.” Embracing simplicity, I centered my experience on active listening—a skill that proved invaluable. Through listening, I witnessed Chiapas’ resilience, determination, and cultural richness, which revealed diverse ways in which God’s presence could be felt.

As a Finance major, I was particularly fascinated by Yomol A’tel, a cooperative based in Chilón, Chiapas. Yomol A’tel, which means “working together” in Tzeltal, is a unique social enterprise network dedicated to fostering economic autonomy, sustainable development, and social justice among indigenous Tzeltal Maya communities. By creating opportunities for local families to engage in the production of coffee, honey, and handcrafted goods, Yomol A’tel empowers communities to thrive while preserving their cultural heritage and values.

Yomol A’tel’s Core Initiatives:

• ●  Sustainable Coffee Production: Through its coffee brand, Café Ts’umbal Xitalha’, Yomol A’tel supports Tzeltal coffee growers by enabling them to control the entire production and distribution process, from cultivation and roasting to packaging and marketing. This vertically integrated model ensures fair wages for farmers and promotes organic, eco-friendly farming practices that protect Chiapas’ biodiversity.
• ●  Diverse Product Offerings: Beyond coffee, Yomol A’tel produces handmade soaps, honey, and other artisanal goods made by indigenous families and community members. These ventures diversify income sources, strengthening community resilience against economic fluctuations in traditional agriculture.
• ●  Economic and Social Empowerment: Yomol A’tel fosters economic self-sufficiency by creating fair employment opportunities and reinvesting profits back into the community to support education, healthcare, and essential infrastructure. This approach builds a foundation for sustainable development centered on community well-being.
• ●  Environmental Sustainability: Guided by indigenous values, Yomol A’tel emphasizes sustainable, organic agriculture and eco-friendly production processes that respect the natural environment. This commitment to environmental stewardship is central to their work, reinforcing the Tzeltal belief in living harmoniously with nature.
• ●  Cultural Preservation and Advocacy: Yomol A’tel actively promotes the Tzeltal language, customs, and community traditions. By integrating cultural preservation with economic development, Yomol A’tel ensures that as communities grow economically, they remain rooted in their identity and values.Through these initiatives, Yomol A’tel exemplifies the transformative power of community-driven social enterprise, creating systemic change that uplifts indigenous families, strengthens cultural heritage, and supports sustainable development. By centering indigenous values and local ownership, Yomol A’tel offers a model for economic justice that resonates far beyond Chiapas.I am passionate about supporting this movement, and I hope we can join in solidarity by bringing these products to campus. Whether enjoying a delicious cup of coffee at Benson or purchasing the handmade soaps and cosmetics crafted by indigenous communities at the Cellar Marketplace, each purchase contributes to a unified, community-driven effort for change. I encourage you all to step out of your comfort zones when considering volunteering, traveling, or working internationally. Thank you.