Programs in Cambodia

Your students will learn valuable lessons in Cambodian gleaned both from its recent and ancient history.

In the 1970's, Cambodia experienced violent political upheaval during a genocidal civil war. In 1975, the Khmer Rouge Regime seized control of Phnom Penh, the capital city, forcing everyone out of it and other cities to work on rural development projects. During the reign of the Khmer Rouge (1975 – 1979 “three years, eight months, twenty days”), much of Cambodia's infrastructure was destroyed and millions of people died; some from malnutrition while others were victims of brutal genocide. These events, and the lessons that can be learned from them, unfortunately are not generally covered in public school systems. Thus, a visit to the now stable and recuperating Cambodia can teach your students unforgettable lessons on the importance of human rights, the sad outcomes of regimes that rule by fear and paranoia, and the brutal realities of war.

Cambodia was once the cultural and intellectual capital of mainland Southeast Asia leaving as a witness to its glories the magnificent wonders of its most famous landmark: Angkor Watt. This collection of giant stone temples in Siem Reap can give students a deeper understanding of Cambodian culture and provide an opportunity for them to see one of the ancient wonders of the world. They will learn about Cambodia’s myths, history, and religion foundations as they explore countless numbers of corridors and statues throughout the ruins.

The Kingdom of Cambodia, formerly known as Kampuchea, borders Thailand, Laos and Vietnam with much of its geography touched by the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. Modern Cambodians, while all too familiar with modern tragedy, are still like most other Southeast Asians, being quick with a smile and eager to engage you in conversation.

While Cambodian cooking shares some similarities with Thailand, its cuisine definitely possesses many characteristics that are distinct. Cambodian food tends to be less spicy than Thai food with fewer vendors on the streets than in Thailand. Vendors sell slightly dishes like beef and noodle soup, Lok Lak, waffles, and a hunk of Baguette with a cup of hot chocolate. Fried bananas and sandwiches are also common sights. Cambodian dishes are made with fresh ingredients bought at the local street markets. If you can master even a few simple recipes during your stay, you’ll find that family members and friends at home will probably request them on more than one occasion.

In addition to sight-seeing, studying and learning from their environment, students who choose a study abroad program based in Cambodia will have the opportunity to work with one or more NGO’s and provide service in the host country.

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