Testimonials
On this page you will find a selection of recommendations we have received from students and others who have participated in programs with the Journeys Beyond the Surface (JBS) team. Initially, most testimonials will be from university students and will refer only to educational programs with Mojdeh Hojjati, because that is the experience from which JBS was created. Over time, we hope you will find references to other journey types and from non-students.
Also, you may wish to visit the website for School for International Training (SIT) to see a presentation of Mojdeh's participation in that organization.
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| Ken C - Independent Travel 1990 | | Santa Monica CA - 0---1-2007 | | Not only perfectly accurate, but able to catch the underlying meaning when the words being spoken only hinted at what was taking place beneath the surface. A truly excellent translation.
What can I say? Mojdeh is more than a guide and translator. She offers an experience of authentic Mexico, which is missed by most tourists. She shows you the social, artistic, human Mexico, full of life. The experience is unforgettable because it is so honest and poignant.
I felt like I understood Mexico, rather than just seeing it. | | | | William S., SIT Academic Director - SIT 2003-6 | | Oaxaca, Mexico - 0---1-2007 | | For the past three years, I have had the pleasure of
working closely with Mojdeh. As the Mexico
City Coordinator for the School for International
Training (SIT) Grass Roots Development and Social
Change Program in Mexico, she has done a superlative
job.
Mojdeh is a bright, enthusiastic and creative person.
She has helped SIT gain access to active
and committed non-governmental and grass roots
organizations of interest to the students.
Mojdeh also has a way with college-age students.
She connects and interacts with them effectively.
They respect her for her knowledge and organizational
skills and respond equally well to her warmth and
sense of humor.
It is because of Mojdeh's involvement in the program
that the SIT students have come away with one of the
most meaningful and memorable experiences of their
15-week program in Mexico: the Santo Domingo
homestay. Each semester, the SIT students live with
families in this working class community. By so doing, they learn first-hand how grass roots organizing works at the local level. They also are consistently impressed with the hospitality they receive from these families.
| | | | Nico W. - Independent Travel 2006 | | Casa de los Amigos- Mexico City - 0---1-2007 | | My Spanish is fluent and I have lived on and off in Mexico City for five years. I went on a tour with Mojdeh and four other people to a neighborhood that I go to nearly everyday, and I STILL had a wonderfully illuminating time...The tour included a historical and present-day perspective of Colonia Tepito that I could never have learned without spending years there, and things about the area that are not in any guide book and probably not in any book anywhere at all. Mojdeh not only explained to us who was who on the urban art scene, she introduced us around. She carefully explained the roots and development of the places and events we went to, and I was very thankful to have gained that social, cultural and historical perspective. Also, I had great fun, and Mojdeh is really, really easy to be around. I went with another friend and an Irish family of three, and they all told me what a good time they had and were so grateful to have found such a cool connection. Mojdeh is highly recommended.
| | | | Asha S. - IHP 2005 | | Panama City, Panama - 9---0-2006 | | As a native Spanish speaker, I am very sensitive to individuals who translate my language into another. Mojdeh's translations were incredibly accurate, articulate, and perceptive.
Mojdeh has the ability to make any individual feel at ease. Her presence makes any outing relaxing, enjoyable, and fun. She takes care of logistical details with ease and grace, and has a genuine interest in people and in taking care of them.
One of the most impressive qualities that Mojdeh posesses is her inability to become exhausted. After 12-hour days, she was still available for requests and considerations and conversations. This was most important for creating cultural exchanges that went beyond standard tourist activity. | | | | Erin B. - IHP 2005 | | Clarksburg, Massachusetts - 0---1-2007 | | Having studied and travelled in nine countries over two years, I have witnessed a full range of translating ability and quality -- with Mojdeh, nothing is lost and the full range of emotion, humor, slang, personal voice, and depth are right there. She is able to translate while someone is speaking, while being respectful and compassionate to those who are talking. She phrases questions and prompts clearly, and clarifies what may not be obvious due cultural nuances. Mojdeh's warm personality and encouraging tone instantly create a space for open communication and trust. As much as I valued her presence in conversations, her translations were so solid that she sometimes melded with the person with whom I was talking.
Mojdeh's ability to make things run smoothly, coordinate a fantastic program and introduce us to amazing individuals and communitites were so appreciated. She is very sensitive to personal needs and energy levels. She is also incredibly well-connected and trusted by those with whom she collaborates; an excellent resource for local knowledge and culture.
| | | | David H - IHP 2004 | | Blacklick, Ohio - 0---1-2007 | | Mojdeh’s translation was unparalleled! She made a point to capture the essence of language and to preserve peoples’ thoughts, beliefs and expressions. She accurately and effectively opened a space of dialogue between native and non-native speakers and helped us gain the most from these precious cross-cultural experiences.
Arriving to Mexico City following an exhausting journey from New Zealand, and learning that I needed a root canal was not the way I wanted to begin my travels in Mexico. However, because of Mojdeh's tireless efforts and thorough knowledge of Mexico City, I was able to have the problem remedied the following morning.
From the instant I met Mojdeh, I was struck by her passion to facilitate the most positive experiences for us. Her dedication and responsiveness was unwavering, and this commitment made our unique and unforgettable experiences possible.
Mojdeh juggled a number of responsibilities for our group of 22 students: translator, event planner, logistical coordinator, advisor and friend. She continually amazed me with her abilities to balance a variety of tasks at one time and devote attention to the intricate details required of a traveling facilitator in creating the most amazing experiences for us. Her flexibility, knowledge, and sense of humor helped bring aspects of Mexico to life that visitors rarely have the opportunity to experience, and for this I am ever grateful. | | | | Sarah K. - IHP 2005 | | Portsmouth, New Hampshire - 0---1-2007 | | We travelled to five countries over the year and had many translators. Mojdeh was the most transparent about the translation process. She let both sides know when there were phrases or words she needed to change because they did not have an equivalent in the other language. She did both simultaneous translation and translated after people spoke.
Mojdeh was very flexible to the needs of our group. She listened to our feedback about what was not working well in our trips and immediately worked to accomodate our wishes. Everything was planned out meticulously.
Mojdeh's knowledge of Mexico City in particular was impressive. She cares deeply about the projects and people she has worked with, and that shows. She was caring and open about any questions or concerns I had. I was incredibly grateful for the world Mojdeh opened up to us and am still deeply moved by the experience. I would recommend for anyone who has the opportunity to jump at the chance to have Mojdeh as a guide, leader and/or teacher.
| | | | Lulu M. - SIT 2004 | | Santa Cruz, California - 0---1-2007 | | Mojdeh translates literal meanings accurately, while conveying complex cultural nuances that underscore her profound knowledge of both languages. Her translations are immediate, with hardly a delay between the speaker's words and her translation. She conveys the speaker's words, ideas, and feelings through her translations while blendling so seamlessly into the exchange that her presence, though essential, becomes a natural component of the conversation.
Mojdeh arranged educational and cultural activities that made us feel like we were experiencing all that Mexico City has to offer. Mojdeh's warm yet calm demeanor are qualities that put one at ease in the big city, and her confidence and knowledgeability make her an innovative and trustworthy urban guide. She has an obvious love for the city and its attractions, as well as a commitment to providing stimulating and informative travel experiences.
I was impressed by her close attention to the most minute details of our trip. She was attentive to the group's comfort as well as our learning experience, resulting in a safe, fun and informative trip. Mojdeh has a variety of contacts throughout Mexico City. In fact, when I returned to Mexico City later to conduct research for my senior thesis, her contacts and knowledgeability of Mexico City proved essential to the completion of my research. | | | | Hillary L. - IHP 2006 | | Bethesda, MD - 0---1-2007 | | Not many people in Mexico speak fluent English and it is very important to have a translator with you if you are not proficient in Spanish. Mojdeh was able to translate from Spanish to English and back with guest speakers and keep up with the overwhelming question and comment period afterwards.
Mojdeh is a fantastic coordinator of outings to small villages outside the cities, cultural centers within cities and nightlife. She is very familiar with public transportation systems and can navigate her way around and keep a large group together even in a chaotic situation.
Mojdeh was invaluable to my experience travelling around Mexico for 6 weeks. Her breadth of knowledge on the Mexican society and different cultures was extensive and educational. Because Mojdeh has lived in Mexico for so many years she knows many different people in different communities in both Oaxaca and Mexico City and can therefore give the insiders account of real goings-on. Not only is Mojdeh a great coordinator of outings, she is a fun person with a wonderful personality. I would recommend her to anyone!
| | | | Lizzy Koltai - IHP 2006 | | California - 0---1-2007 | | Mojdeh's simultaneous translation is very helpful, making the conversation much smoother and fuller than normal translations allow. She is also wonderful at explaining the expressions, cultural contexts, and language subtexts that others leave out.
Mojdeh is super-dependable and goes above and beyond an "escort," smoothly leading group of 30 students through the Mexico City Metro and always getting us where we wanted to go, even if that was 30 different places. I always felt totally confident with her and her knowledge of the city and community relations allow safe travel into more than just the "tourist" areas. More importantly, she's an interesting and lively person, so the trip is never dull.
Mojdeh's seamless coordinating pulls the entire time into an invaluable experience. Her contacts allow a depth of learning while her breadth of knowledge illuminates the interconnections between all the different aspects. | | | | Evelyn A. - IHP 2006 | | Los Angeles, CA - 0---1-2007 | | I agree with everyone above about Mojdeh's translations. With Mojdeh it is not merely about translating words but rather the meaning behind the words. I have had experiences in the past where guides and coordinators ran their business as...well, a business. The experience is very impersonal. Not so with Mojdeh, as I experienced while studying in Santo Domingo, Mexico City. She has a long-standing relationship with host families and so they did not view her as 'the coordinator person' but rather more as their friend who should not stand at the door but come in and have some cafe. Her enthusiasm clearly shows that this is not merely her 'job' but rather her passion.
| | | | Dianne L. - Independent Travel, 2006 | | Toronto, Canada - 0---1-2007 | |
Arranged two-part trip for me and my daughter who was registering as an international student in Jalapa; wonderful attention to detail; warm and friendly; well connected to other contacts in Mexico to ensure whole trip went smoothly; went beyond customer service to develop a budding friendship; knowledgeable and yet casual and warm.
| | | | Bridget Moix - Independent Travel 2006 | | Casa de los Amigos, Mexico City - 0---1-2007 | | NA
Mojdeh did a wonderful job of introducing our small international group to Tepito's Martes de Arte community space in Mexico City. We met local leaders, learned some of the history of social organizing in the community, and enjoyed an afternoon of crafts, music, and simply being part of this special space. She prepped our group with a very helpful history of the community and offered just the right balance of accompanying us and letting us roam free during our visit. I definitely recommend her tours for anyone interested in a community experience in Mexico.
| | | | Katharina K. - IHP 2006 | | New York - 0---1-2007 | | I was immediately put at ease by the open, comfortable way Mojdeh facilitated conversation between myself and the Spanish-speakers I encountered. Partly this is because she is able to translate from English to Spanish or Spanish to English almost instantly, which does not hinder the flow of conversation at all.
I was very comfortable exploring Mexico with Mojdeh because, from the beginning, it was clear she knows what she's doing. She has excellent ideas as far as tourist places to visit, "off-the-beaten-track" places to go, as well as restaurant and bar/club hot spots. The number of contacts and friendly relationships she has with the people she works with is also an amazing asset to travelling with Mojdeh. For example, the incredible experience of living with a host family in Santo Domingo, a barrio of Mexico City that became a community because the people living there pulled it all together, would not have been possible without her friendly relationship with my host mother.
Mojdeh is extremely knowledgeable about Mexico, about its history and about current events, both cultural and political. Through her contacts, she can give a visitor the local experience that is inaccesible to the average tourist. | | | | Karra-Lee G. - Independent Travel 2006 | | Canada - 0---1-2007 | | My parents really enjoyed their day with Marvila. They were very impressed with her -in fact my mom couldn't stop talking about Marvila for 2 days! They really enjoyed going off the beaten track and very much appreciated the time spent with them at the medical clinic and construction site.
| | | | Kristine H. - Independent Travel, 2006 | | Winnipeg, Canada - 0---1-2007 | | Recently, my brother and I had the marvelous experience of spending a day in Mexico City with Mojdeh Hojjati, travel guide extraordinaire. We are both in our mid-fifties, both well-seasoned and independent travelers, and both somewhat outside the mainstream in our tastes, opinions, politics, lifestyles, and interests. We’re both Canadian, but he’s a translator living in Mozambique, and I’m an academic living in urban Canada. Mojdeh arranged time with local people engaged in activities of interest to us (in the arts, music, and neighborhood work), showed us interesting locales, and provided depths of information/interpretation/discussion that we never could have achieved on our own, nor with guidebooks or other more conventional tour guides. Three things set Mojdeh apart. The first is her effort to construct individually-tailored tours of personal and social interest to clients, especially in the realm of what one might term “alternative” interests. Engaging her is like having a well-informed, well-connected local friend who is willing to take you to see and do whatever interests you.
Secondly, Mojdeh can arrange interesting meetings for her clients with her extensive set of friends and acquaintances. In our case, that meant a tour of the major art-mural sites with her friend Manrique, a knowledgeable and respected local artist and muralist himself. Manrique enabled us to see the murals in ways we never could have achieved alone. Mojdeh also arranged for a music-producer friend to meet with my brother, also a producer of non-mainstream music. Luckily for me, though, she also arranged a separate trip to an artisan’s market for me while they met, allowing my brother and I to indulge separate interests. Whatever your interests, Mojdeh will work hard to provide you with an individually-tailored experience.
The third thing that sets this guide service apart is Mojdeh herself -- her marvelous personality and her very generous spirit. Usually skeptical about such things, I am amazed that I actually made a real new friend in the course of a single day, and I know that my brother felt the same way. Mojdeh works flat out to give you the best experience that she can of a city that she clearly loves. I should add that she will give you additional tips and information to use on your own, should your stay continue beyond your tour time with her. I truly have no criticisms whatever, and I strongly endorse Mojdeh’s services. | | | | William C. - Independent Travel 2006 | | Glassboro, New Jersey - 0---1-2007 | | (note: William contacted us for translation support during the research for a book he is writing, and took advantage of his time here to also do some sightseeing) I was anxious about my trip to Mexico City until I found Mojdeh. Her planning and communication before the trip both put me at ease and made me very excited about coming to the Distrito Federal. I couldn't believe the helpful materials she emailed to me, and her ideas and suggestions were phenomenal. Her notes were specific and easy to follow and covered every question that I had.
The three translators that we used were all very good. They made our time in Mexico much more profitable and were worth every peso. Mojdeh's skill at simultaneous translation is amazing. Maria was incredibly knowledgable about Mexico's past. Marvila proved essential when we were faced with some of our most difficult documents to translate.
Our time in Mexico City could not have gone any better, and it was primarily due to Journeys Beyond the Surface. We were able to see both the traditional tourist places, such as the pyramids and the Museum of Anthropology, as well as places that most tourists never go, such as Tepito. Journeys Beyond the Surface was incredibly accomodating and flexible. They fit themselves into our schedule and even adapted during the tours to our interests and energy level. | | | | Graham B - Independent Travel 2006 | | Seattle, Washington - 0---1-2007 | | Given the information that you had about us, I felt that the program planning was as good as possible. I would have preferred to see a variety of Mexico City's current approaches to housing people, rather than the architecture in Santa Fe - but you had no way to know that.
Felipe was a fantastic guide. Jen and I both felt an instant kinship with him, and completely safe in his hands. We had far reaching discussions, cut short only by our lack of sleep the night before. Felipe had the knowledge and passion for both of the topics du jour: architecture and food.
The lack of polish worked well for us since we, up to now, had always explored places without a guide. There is nothing I like more than being a little lost in a new city, opening doors, following good smells, etc, and getting to do that with Felipe was a real treat.
It was a great way to be introduced to a potentially vast and scary Mexico City. Felipe felt like an old, trusted, wise friend; his insights and unchecked passions made us very comfortable in your amazing city. After our day with Felipe, we felt ready and confident to explore ourselves (which we did and we had a great time!) | | | | Harm and Betty G. - Independent travel 2006 | | Canada - 0---1-2007 | | The pace was perfect. Not too much and not too little. Being older, we are not in a BIG HURRY any longer . . . . that belonged to our youth. There was opportunity in the day to have packed more in had we chosen to do so. Marvila was most excellent at allowing us to set the pace, in many respects. That was a very essential ingredient to the success of our day, I think. She needed to keep us on track yet give us some flexibility and control . . . . she accomplished that feat most effectively and pleasantly.
Everyday things like the local street market we visited are often what visitors enjoy the most and will relive later. I recall hosting a hot air ballooning team from Japan many years ago and what they really enjoyed was a “very complete” tour of our home including the opening and viewing of the contents of closets and drawers. They could not believe how many clothes we owned and understood this when we explained that our temperatures range from -40 C to +40 C. Riding in “bochoes” ( volkswagon bug taxis) was another hi-light of the day for us as our daughter would “scalp us alive” if we ever took one of them on our own.
Santo Domingo is the just the right “off the beaten tourist track” which many many visitors want to see and know about. Having the written introduction to Santo Domingo which you provided was ideal. Being Canadian, Santo Domingo had that added little “identification” touch in respect to the establishment of their cultural community centre . . . . so, very appropriate for us.
| | | | Jennifer Meriwether - Independent Travel 2007 | | United States - no home - traveler - 7---0-2008 | | Mojdeh did an awesome and professional precontact. She provided extensive information not just of the tour possibilities but also of the city before I even booked. She was thorough in her inquiries in order to provide the best services, and worked quickly as time was very short.
Marvila was wonderful. She was warm and knowledgeable. She made me feel safe in some questionable areas. Her translation was effective and nonjudgemental. She seemed equally at ease with people who had limited resources as well as agency directors. She was kind and respectful to all.
I am so glad I had the opportunity to participate in this experience. It was a highlight of my time in Mexico. I experienced first-hand the service providers and recipients from an inside view. I am inspired by what I saw, and I am beginning a book based on my time with the sex workers. It was very inspirational.
The perception of time was the only thing troubling to me. I became very agitated when Marvila and I arrived late for both our appointments, and I was more disturbed with the tardiness of the people with whom we were meeting. I am not used to such a loose configuration of time.
The other issue I found uncomfortable was assessing an appropriate amount of time with those I interviewed. I felt I was imposing on their time. It would have been more comfortable to me if I had known a preset appointment time such as 45-60 minutes.
These minor issues aside, I would highly recommend one of these tours to anyone, and I intend to take another tour - on art and public space - when I return to Mexico. Thank you. | | | | Jace M - Independent Travel 2007 | | Houston TX - 0---1-2007 | | The planning and preparation prior to our trip was very thorough and we were relieved that you wanted to catch a sense of who we are and how we like to experience things as we travel. We feel we have made new friends in Mexico City.
Mojdeh, Felipe and Maria's translation and accompaniment were spot-on and very good. We always felt at ease. Everyone was very attentive, evenly paced in descriptions and walking. We felt we were able to make things up as we go and that is the essence of how we travel. Mojdeh, et al. understood it was not a priority to see it all on the first trip and it made for a leisurely and relaxing 2 days worth of guided travel.
We felt equally at ease in the metro waiting for the train, in the minibus going to the Zocalo or walking in the alleys and local markets getting a sense of it all. We love Mexico City and because of Journey's Beyond the Surface, we will return again and again. | | | | Ingrid N. - Independent Travel 2007 | | Puerto Rico - 0---1-2007 | | Estoy aqui de nuevo enfrascada en la rutina diaria, luego de ese refrescante "break" en tu patria adoptiva. Quiero volver a agradecerte por haber coordinado tan habilmente mi visita/recorrido de dos dias muy de acuerdo a mis gustos e intereses. Captaste muy bien mi proposito y me apareaste perfectamente de acuerdo a los lugares visitados.
Alvaro es un gran conocedor del arte y la historia, muy pausado, complaciente y agradable. Con Marvila me senti como si me reuniera de nuevo con una vieja amiga para visitar un pueblito encantador, en la casa de Frida y en los mercados y tomar el mejor cafe que he tomado en mucho tiempo!!! Hablamos de todo y siento que ambas dejamos una huella en la conciencia de la otra.
| | | | Carlos V. - Independent traveller, '08 | | El Paso, Texas - 5---0-2008 | |
I really did like Maria because she seem to have a vast knowledge of the history of Mexico and about the various locations that we went to. She had info about buildings and streets and museums that the everyday tourist would not read in books. She had a very calm and pleasing manner and we engaged in some good intellectual conversations. She was perfect for the places we went to. However, I also truly enjoyed being with you, it felt as if I was with a close relative. The places that we went to with you were a bit more unstructured or “off the beaten path” such as the street markets or simply walking the neighborhood. It seems that the trick is to match your guides with the areas that are going to be visited, with each having his or her expertise of the area. Thank you again for your help and I hope to see you again.
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