Humanitarian study abroad program inspires junior to continue good works in the future

J unior political science andphilosophy double major Derek Kim interned this summer helping Jordanians in need in Amman, Jordan. He did this internship through the School for International Training as part of the "Refugees, Health and Humanitarian Action in Jordan" program.

Derek Kim translates documents and writes a summary on a workshop to improve guidelines on juvenile institutions in Jordan.
Kim wasn't aware of the study abroad program until he inquired about this type of opportunity at the International Education Center. The staff walked him through the application process.

"I looked at the program selection offered, and this one stuck out to me," Kim said. "I was interested in the region, and the objectives aligned with my feeling of purpose, which is to help those who are disadvantaged."

He interned as a legal researcher with the Justice Center for Legal Aid. His research promoted social programs for non-governmental organizations in Jordan.

JCLA provides multiple proposals to work with and hosts different types of sessions to promote legal aid awareness that assist Jordanians and refugees. Although Kim didn't interact directly with refugees, JCLA used his research to provide aid for them.

Kim's Research Design and Systematic Analysis classes at Georgia College & State University prepared him for this internship.

"My professors taught me how to develop a project, what to look for, how to execute it, collect the data and provide analysis that goes into research, Kim said. "Without those classes, it would've been difficult for me to conduct efficient research."

His philosophy classes also prepared him for his internship by providing an awareness of cultural, religion, social and geographic elements.

Kim enjoyed applying these skills to help others.

"There's a difference between learning research in school versus being in the real world, doing research that genuinely affects the people you're trying to help," he said.

"NGOs need funding," Kim said. "Much of our research involved collaborating to help fund projects that provide essential services to refugees."

"Since most NGO funding comes from United States governmental organizations, it made me critically think about how our government has a strong impact on NGOs that provide essential services to refugees across the world," he said.

The School for International Training's Contextual Studies, Counseling and Humanitarian Action class inspired Kim to help others. He took day-long excursions each week to learn more about Jordan and its people.

"I told my family that it felt like a tourist internship, because they took us everywhere," Kim said. "It was very nice."

"The class also developed my cultural awareness of the contemporary and historical issues in the Middle East," he said. "It sheds light on how essential education is to any individual's upbringing or beliefs and ideas."

"This study abroad program helped me understand that we may have our disagreements among each other, but at the end of the day, we're all human beings," Kim said. "The class helped me see the big picture. We want to help each other, and we can do that despite any disagreements, beliefs or values."

Kim had never been abroad before. Living with his Jordanian family was "a truly nice experience and one of the best parts of the study abroad program." They treated him with love and compassion, like he was part of the family.

His host family consisted of two parents, their children and grandchildren. They all lived together in a home with four floors. This wasn't a surprise to Kim, as extended families often live together in many parts of the world.

A young child of the family spoke English but couldn't speak Arabic well. He was taking Arabic lessons, and Kim motivated him to do his homework. The boy watched English videos on YouTube and played English-speaking Minecraft video games.

"It was interesting to see American content in an entirely different part of the world and just how similar my childhood experience was to this child's," Kim said. "I discovered how much influence the U.S. and our society has on the entire world."

"I want to become involved in a nonprofit organization or an NGO that deals with political issues and lobbies for certain positions on these issues," Kim said.

Later, he sees himself as a lawyer or public defender to continue his purpose of helping others who are disadvantaged and can't afford lawyers. Since he'd eventually like to start a family, this career would enable him to have more time to spend with them.

Derek Kim after climbing a large slope of sand in the Wadi Rum Desert-a popular tourist attraction. After graduating from Georgia College, he aspires to do humanitarian work and social activism abroad. He'd also like to pursue his master's degree while overseas.Kim's internship provided insight of the impact he could make in his chosen profession.

"I find more value in the schoolwork I do now and how important it is to be good at it," he said. "Also, applying real-world research is essential to advance my career and see If I'm going to like a certain profession."

As one of 13 students participating in this program from universities across the U.S., Kim noticed how eager they all were to help others. This made the experience even more "amazing."

"There's not only professional consideration, but there's also a mental, emotional and spiritual consideration," Kim said. "This was an eye-opening experience because of where I was and the people I interacted with. Being in another country with a different culture opened my eyes that helped create awareness of others."

Look for Kim as a panelist with the School for International Training during the Opportunities Abroad Fair Sept. 25, 2024. He'll speak about his internship and the study abroad program beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Pat Peterson Museum Education Room.

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