Meet CASE Peer Mayssem Boukadida
From acting as city guides, to engaging in panel discussions and reflections, local peers are an essential part of students’ experiences and cultural immersion on the Community Activism and Social Entrepreneurship (CASE) program! Mayssem, a YES Abroad Tunisia alumni, is one of our local peers for the program this summer. Read on to learn more about Mayssem’s experience, the CASE program, and what being a peer entails.
As a YES alumna 2020 from Tunisia, Mayssem's experience in the United States as a cultural ambassador ignited an unwavering zeal to continue promoting cross-cultural understanding in her home country. Fueled by her passion for global justice issues and her aspirations to study international relations, Mayssem actively sought opportunities to engage with the social justice landscape in Tunisia. One such opportunity arose, the first week of June 2023, when she became a local peer for 14 American community college students who arrived in Tunisia as part of the Community, Activism, and Social Entrepreneurship (CASE) program, organized by Amideast Education Abroad.
Mayssem's role as a local peer was multifaceted and pivotal in facilitating the CASE program, designed specifically for students from two-year institutions who were eager to learn about advocacy and civil society organizations in Tunisia and the surrounding areas. Her responsibilities encompassed creating a convivial and inclusive environment, guiding and supporting the American students throughout their journey, and ensuring their experiences were enriching, socially engaging, educational, and culturally immersive.
One of the key aspects of Mayssem's part was assisting with the daily panel discussions hosted by Amideast/Tunisia. These discussions featured prominently esteemed figures from Tunisia who were recognized for their contributions to various fields. The panel topics covered a wide range of critical global justice issues, such as post-colonial history, the Tunisian revolution, sustainability, labor and migration, race and indigeneity, feminism, queerness, and more. During the panel discussions, she encouraged the participants to pose thought-provoking questions, share discerning notions, and underscore noteworthy comparisons between Tunisia and the United States regarding these topics. Mayssem's notable involvement and intriguing questions stimulated more meaningful interactions and added insightful perspectives to the visiting students.
She served as a valuable resource for the American students, offering her knowledge and insights about Tunisia. Her experience as a YES alumna and cultural ambassador allowed her to bridge any gaps and facilitate understanding of both American and Tunisian culture. In fact, her willingness to answer questions and share her personal experiences helped the American students gain a nuanced comprehension of the Tunisian culture and bolster sympathy between the two groups. Hence, she represented as a catalyst in transcending cultural boundaries and promoting a sense of unity among the diverse group of participants.
She eagerly took pride in sharing and representing Tunisian culture to the American students. For instance, through various excursions, guided visits to significant sites such as the archaeological site of Carthage, Acropolium of Carthage, Baths of Antoninus, Cisterns of La Malga, Sidi Bou Said, the Medina, and the North Africa American Cemetery, she contributed to the exhibition of the rich heritage of Tunisia. Mayssem's commitment to cultural exchange enabled the participants to acquire a profound appreciation for Tunisian identity and reinforce their openness and curiosity about different cultures.
Moreover, she, along with two other local peers, enhanced the students' cultural immersion by taking them to traditional restaurants, Medina tours, and local coffee shops, ensuring a complete Tunisian experience. These informal gatherings not solely allowed to create precious memories but also provided additional opportunities for the participants to engage in deeper conversations and establish lasting friendships.
Mayssem, along with all of our Tunisian peers, are excited to meet you! For more information about the CASE program, visit: Program Brochure (amideast.org)
Mayssem Boukadida was a local peer to students on Amideast’s Community Activism and Social Entrepreneurship (CASE) program during the Summer of 2023.
