The SStS Cambodia program begins in the capital city of Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, the group will spend two days learning about the rich history of the Cambodian people, as well as about the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. They will then get their first exposure to the rural lifestyle of many Cambodians as they travel by minibus to the town of Kratie in order to connect with SStS’s non-profit partner, the Cambodian Rural Development Team. After spending a day exploring Kratie and learning more about the work and mission of CRDT, the group will travel up river by boat to the island village of Koh Preah where they will live with villagers in traditional homes for over a week. While in Koh Preah, the group will work on locally supported projects that aim to improve the food security, incomes, and living standards of poor rural communities, with a particular focus on the importance of environmental conservation in Cambodia.
In addition to completing a project centered on improving the local school in Koh Preah, group members will be immersed in the daily rural routines of this village. Evenings will be spent hearing stories told by village elders and participating in various cultural presentations. In order to get a feel for the adjacent countryside, the group will travel by boat to swim in the storied Mekong River. Upon completion of the project, the group will then take the scenic route down the Mekong to Kratie, where they will tour the town and the surrounding area by horse cart. After returning to Phnom Penh, the program will culminate with an exploration of the capital and volunteer work at the Westline School, an organization dedicated to educating impoverished children.
SStS: Cambodia is structured in three phases:
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Phase I: Pre-departure education and preparation
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• Includes staff meetings, reading materials, detailed travel information sessions (e.g. vaccinations, insurance, clothing, etc);
• Students will be included in all sessions through teleconferencing, email, phone, fax, blogs, and mail;
• Introduction of the "5 lenses" curriculum through on-line activities.
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Phase II: In-country Service Trip (June 18 - July 3)
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• All projects have definable goals that will be outlined in pre-trip meetings;
• In-country liaisons are assigned to us by Cambodian Rural Development Team;
• The in-country experience includes varied work projects including work on locally supported projects that aim to improve the food security, incomes, and living standards of poor rural communities, with a particular focus on the importance of environmental conservation in Cambodia.
• Evening "debriefing" sessions will focus on cultural, political, geographic and economic variables that affect the area.
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Phase III: School and Public Presentations (January/February)
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• Students will coordinate to create presentations appropriate for their community at large and for a younger, school-based populations;
• Students at each school will be expected to coordinate with their classmates to create a cohesive presentation;
• The multi-media nature of these presentations has unlimited potential, yet the goal will be to share collective insights through the 5 lenses of SStS.
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* PROJECTED IN-COUNTRY COSTS - $2745
SStS is in search of curious, compassionate, globally-minded students. We are an investment in the future. Thus, we will do all that we can financially to support students whose circumstances preclude paying the full cost. If you would like to be considered for financial assistance, please indicate so on the application.
- Please note, price does not include airfare and immunizations.
- Trip costs are all inclusive with the exception of personal expenditures (e.g. souvenirs).
- Tickets and medical evacuation insurance are purchased as a group. The cost of this insurance is included in the in-country costs.
- Talbot Travel Agency provides pro-bono travel services for SStS, working personally with us to find the least expensive fares
TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS
Please note that we expect all participants to travel together, adhering to the identical itinerary. We will depart the United States as a group from a gateway city. Exemptions will be made for international students. Additionally, travel in the developing world inevitably includes "the unexpected" (e.g. weather disruptions, transportation strikes, etc.). SStS will adjust the itinerary accordingly, making the best of uncontrollable situations. Due to the unknown variables in international travel, participants are asked not to make travel plans or to enroll in programs that start immediately after their return. SStS is not responsible for expenses incurred due to missed flights if the group is delayed in their return.
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