How to Approach a Sustainable Project Abroad
Being a part of a project abroad can be rewarding, but it can also come with its share of complexities. When we travel to a country in order to participate in a project, we enter a culture that is often not our own. We also operate from a place of privilege, having had the means to travel in the first place. For this reason, approaching such projects intentionally and with humility is essential. This is just what Hyungjoon Jin did when he decided to build an education center and retreat space in Guatemala.
Hyungjoon is the Board Treasurer at RISE Travel Institute and a K-12 educator. He is a longtime traveler and has taken on a number of inspirational projects such as building a center for educators and activists near Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. When listening to him describe his efforts on The RISE Traveler podcast, we were able to gain some critical insights as to what is necessary to successfully take on a project like this abroad.
1. Reflection is key to project development
The idea for this project occurred to him on weekend trips to Lake Atitlan, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. After a few trips to this gorgeous natural place for much-needed rest and relaxation while teaching in Guatemala City, Hyungjoon decided on an important project: an education center and retreat space for teachers to reflect on their roles as either upholding or dismantling oppressive systems. As he was also grappling with his own impact as an educator, it felt important to create a shared space for other educators to do the same.
2. Take a “systemic” approach
Once he decided to begin this project, Hyungjoon drew on his training from the Institute for Humane Education and sought to approach the project through a systemic lens. In his own words, his approach was to think of this project, in this case, the center, “as a system.” He thought through “the input, the output, and the impact that the property would have on the individuals, the society, the environment, and the economy.” This was all to ensure “he was doing the most good and the least harm based on his current situation and understanding.” When approaching any project, locally or abroad, thinking through all of the connected elements and all the ways the project will impact society is important. Otherwise, the best of intentions could result in a project that does more harm than good.
3. Devote time to engaging with the community
In order to really understand the complexities associated with any project, it’s necessary to truly know the community that will be affected by the project. Before getting started, Hyungjoon spent a considerable amount of time living in Guatemala and attempting to understand and think through the various systems at play in the country and in the community he would be serving. As Hyungjoon puts it, “If you really want to create a positive impact to an area you have to be there, and be a part of that community, and really understand it from more than just that outsider perspective and that takes a lot of time.”
4. Constantly check your privilege
Being aware of your privilege can shape the way you engage with a community, and while you may not be able to completely eliminate the power structures at play in a society, you can at least approach the project and the community with respect. Acknowledging that these power structures are very real, and if left unchecked can negatively influence the way you approach your work, is an extremely valuable practice.
Before taking on any project abroad, whether it be building a sustainable hotel or providing aid in a remote village, it is worth following the lead of Hyungjoon and taking the necessary time to reflect, get to know a community, and think through the project as a system that will interact with and influence other existing systems. Taking these steps can lead to both a successful project and a better understanding of your place in an ever-changing world.
About the Author:
Kara King, Digital Content Producer
Kara (she/her/hers) is a traveler and writer who strives to enhance the voices of others. She has developed travel content for Thrillist, Wanderful, and Unearth Women. In addition, she has worked extensively with underprivileged communities, most recently at the Brooklyn-based non-profit, CAMBA, where she managed instructional services and designed holistic programming for young adults, immigrants, and newly arrived refugees. She is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and holds a degree in Comparative Literature.
Currently, in addition to developing content for RISE Travel Institute, she is using her content creation skills on The Hill’s Events Team, where she crafts virtual event programming and acts as an extension of the newsroom, bringing thought leaders together and important issues to light.
She’s lived in multiple cities including Paris, Berlin, Los Angeles, and New York. But she now calls Washington, D.C home.
