Our decision-making processes throughout the pandemic have been grounded in our values. We have been intentional in our approach to stay true to our mission. This year, we have continued to implement strategies to connect our network through peer-peer learning, hone our model for change and community-driven development, and tackle challenging issues like climate change.
Read MoreThere is no perfect solution to deal with the climate crisis. Individual action will only take us so far. We need systemic change within our largest institutions. At the same time, it's important for InPlace to address our own carbon footprint and the cost of study abroad on humanity and the global environment. But are carbon offsets enough to justify the cost of study abroad?
Read MoreSince our founding, we have grappled with the tradeoffs of international travel and climate change. For us, this ethical dilemma has remained at the forefront. Should we be taking students abroad when the communities we work alongside are directly impacted by climate change? This blog will explore those questions and possible strategies moving forward.
Read MoreIn recognition of our collective impacts on the climate and the news from the IPCC earlier this month, we wanted to share a beautiful piece written by one of our alumni about her hometown in the Mekong Delta. Stay tuned as we continue to grapple with a warming planet, and lay the groundwork for what we plan to do going forward.
Read MoreDr. Chu Manh Trinh is a leader in natural resource management and community-led development in Vietnam, and we are lucky enough to work with him on our Vietnam programs. His passion is teaching and working alongside communities, and here he shares some of the lessons he's learned in his long career.
Read MoreOur mission is centered around building relationships with communities and people whose ways of life are grounded in deep place knowledge. When communities are able to find and maintain a mutually beneficial balance between people and land, everyone is better off.
Read MoreWe have some big news. When our normal operations halted last year due to Covid-19, it gave us a chance to have some long-overdue conversations about our name and work. Since then, we've spent a good deal of time brainstorming, writing, discussing, and rewriting, and we've finally reached a point we feel good about.
Read MoreWe know that meaningful change takes time, and we wanted to be intentional about our course of action. There are always areas to improve, and we must continue to take steps to create more enabling environments for systematic change. For us, that means it’s time to hit the reset button and make sure our work is aligned with our values of social and environmental justice.
Read MoreBipin Lama, the Program Manager for our Nepal Program, and his friends took action when they noticed their neighbors in the Thamel District of Kathmandu going hungry. Together they purchased food and supplies to cook 100 meals per day for those in need. Our goal is to provide at least one meal a day until businesses are allowed to open.
Read MoreOur students recently returned from our Global Health in Rwanda program, which serves as a good reminder that as we confront the challenges of COVID-19, we must remember that we are in this together. We ask all of you to look out for the most vulnerable in society and remember that your actions have global consequences.
Read MoreBipin is beloved by IVS study abroad students. His trip to Vietnam is the first step to create global networks not only between the U.S. and communities abroad but between and across these communities themselves. Ultimately, this collaboration will lead to creative solutions to support community-driven development.
Read MoreInstitute for Village Studies was built on the core value of reciprocity. Our goal has always been to support community-driven development and create lasting cross-cultural relationships. We believe this is now more important than ever. This year we are a launching a new program in Vietnam, and currently raising funds for 15 Vietnamese students to participate in a two-week field study program.
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