14DAYS
COMING SOON
SStS partners with the Cambodian Rural Development Team (CRDT), a local nonprofit working to improve living standards and food security in rural communities while protecting natural resources.
MORE INFO COMING SOON
This program centers on service and learning alongside the Cambodian Rural Development Team (CRDT), a local nonprofit working to improve living standards for the rural poor while protecting natural resources. CRDT has reached more than 77,000 families through programs in food security, water and sanitation, environmental education, and income generation. You will contribute to CRDT’s ongoing work in a rural community while learning from the people who lead it, and consider what ethical leadership looks like in practice.
The program begins in Phnom Penh, where you will visit the Royal Palace, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields to learn about Cambodian history, including the legacy of the Khmer Rouge. This gives you context for the communities you will serve. In Mondulkiri Province, you will trek to an elephant sanctuary with the Mondulkiri Project and learn from Indigenous community members about their relationship with the elephants and their role in conservation. In Kratie Province, you will receive an orientation on CRDT’s work and social enterprise and meet with WWF to learn about the Irrawaddy dolphins and the biodiversity of the Mekong River.
You will then travel by bus and boat to Koh Tnaot, a remote community on the Mekong River where many residents are from the Khoy Indigenous community. Koh Tnaot is one of CRDT’s current target communities for community development and livelihood activities, where residents have fewer opportunities and greater needs. Working alongside community members, you will take part in a community development project that supports CRDT’s ongoing work. You will attend basic Khmer language lessons to communicate with your hosts and interview the village chief, teachers, and students to learn about the community’s needs and how local leaders respond to them. You will also tour the island by bicycle, visit the village school, pagoda, and rice fields, and join a farewell gathering with community members.
Your journey concludes in Siem Reap, where you will tour Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, and Ta Prohm and attend an Apsara dance performance and a circus show. You will also have time to reflect on what you have learned about service and ethical leadership. This program is designed to help you understand how community development, environmental conservation, and cultural heritage connect, and how local leaders and service shape lasting change.
*Please note that programs are subject to change based on the health and safety of participants and our partners.
Work alongside community members in Koh Tnaot on a community development project that supports CRDT’s livelihood work.
Learn about local leadership through interviews with the village chief, teachers, and students and meetings with CRDT, WWF, and the Mondulkiri Project.
Learn about Cambodian history and cultural heritage in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, including a tour of Angkor Wat.
1 is the least rigorous, 5 is the most rigorous
During the travel phase of each SStS course, students spend time reflecting about the learning that occurs through their immersion and service experiences. These journals capture the impact of our programs on individual students. Explore the posts below to learn about the SStS Cambodia program from the important viewpoint of our students.
Tuition (students from partner schools): COMING SOON
Tuition (students from non-partner schools): COMING SOON
*Students attending a partner school receive a tuition discount. Click HERE to see partner schools. Please note that tuition does not include airfare.
Estimated Flight Cost: $1500
*All students travel to their program destination on a group flight booked by Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder. Participants are responsible for any increase in airfares imposed by the airlines. All participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the departure city. SStS will confirm airfare and connecting travel information approximately 60 days before travel.
SStS is in search of curious, compassionate, and globally minded students from all backgrounds. We will do everything possible to provide financial support to students who require assistance. If you would like to be considered for financial assistance, please indicate this on the application. Resources are limited and tend to be less than 50% of tuition.
For a full description of our Terms and Conditions, please CLICK HERE.
