Yelitza Hernandez-Guitron '27 and Phia Revoir '26 are spending seven weeks in Oslo, Norway, as Concordia's .
Hernandez-Guitron is majoring in sociology and political science and minoring in international affairs. Revoir is majoring in environmental and sustainability studies as well as political science and minoring in philosophy.
The Peace Scholars program is designed to deepen participants’ understanding of injustice, conflict, and violence to form leaders for peace. Students from Concordia, Augsburg University, Luther College, Pacific Lutheran University, and St. Olaf College participate in this program as a result of generous support from the Philip C. Smaby Family Foundation.
The program is part of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, which is annually held in Minneapolis. The forum encourages students and others to "become active participants in peacemaking efforts around the world."
It is the Norwegian 's only program or academic affiliation outside of Norway.
Both Revoir and Hernandez-Guitron were encouraged to apply by former Peace Scholar . Vrabcova's experience appealed to Revoir and Hernandez-Guitron for different reasons — Revoir for the experience-based learning the program centers, and Hernandez-Guitron for the emphasis on peace building and dialogue.
Revoir is also excited to meet new people. "I get to learn skills that can build spaces of intentional listening where all voices are listened to and respected even if all participants don't agree with one another," they said. "I think this program will be really special, as it occurs during such a tumultuous time when the world needs more pathways for us to understand one another."
Hernandez-Guitron is eager to experience Europe for the first time and sees this as an opportunity to continue building her skills around diplomacy and advocacy work.
"As someone deeply passionate about social justice, human rights, and international diplomacy, I was drawn to the Peace Scholars Program because of its emphasis on global peace-building and cross-cultural dialogue,” she said. “My academic and leadership experiences have centered around advocating for marginalized communities, and I saw this program as a chance to expand that work on a global scale."
Both expressed how extremely humbled and honored they are to be chosen for this opportunity.