Service Learning
CAMBODIA
8 days/7 nights | Full Board | Up to 25 participants | From $1,095pp | November-March
Experience Cambodia’s journey of healing and reconciliation through hands-on community service and cultural exchange in Prek Toal, a floating village on Tonle Sap Lake. Contribute to sustainable development projects, learn about local conservation efforts, and engage with residents to hear their powerful stories of recovery from the Khmer Rouge era. Immerse yourself in the culture through activities like cooking and weaving classes, bird tours, and fostering deep connections with the community. Cap off your experience with a visit to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Phnom Penh and check in to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with the group. This is a time to meet fellow participants and share your excitement for the upcoming week. Relax and settle into the local environment, preparing for the upcoming days of cultural immersion and service work.
Day 2
Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, where you'll explore the historical site that once served as a Khmer Rouge prison. Learn about the somber events that unfolded there through powerful exhibits and survivor testimonies. Afterward, transfer to Siem Reap, where you'll rest and get ready for the next leg of your journey.
Day 3
Travel to Prek Toal Floating Village on Tonle Sap Lake. Spend the day with local residents and learn about their way of life in the floating village. Participate in a hands-on cooking class, where you'll learn to prepare traditional Cambodian dishes like fish amok, connecting with the culture through food and shared experiences.
Day 4
Engage in community service work in Prek Toal in the morning, contributing to development projects such as building infrastructure or assisting with sustainable farming initiatives. In the afternoon, embark on a bird-watching tour around Tonle Sap Lake, spotting local wildlife and learning about the area's unique ecosystem and conservation efforts.
Day 5
Continue community service in the morning, working alongside locals on projects to improve the village’s infrastructure. In the afternoon, participate in a weaving class, where you'll learn traditional Cambodian techniques. The session offers a hands-on experience in the textile craft, using local materials and learning the symbolism woven into each piece.
Day 6
In the morning, join the community service efforts once again, assisting with projects that support local development and sustainability. After lunch, visit the local fish market, where you'll observe daily life and see how fishing sustains the community. In the evening, engage with locals to hear about their personal experiences during the Khmer Rouge era.
Day 7
Transfer to Siem Reap and check in to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Angkor Wat. Explore the ancient temple complex, marveling at its vast scale, intricate carvings, and the rich history embedded in its stones. Wander through the temples, learning about the architecture and its significance to Cambodia’s spiritual heritage.
Day 8
Transfer back to Phnom Penh. After a week of community service, cultural exchanges, and historical immersion, reflect on your journey. Share your experiences with fellow participants before your flight home, taking with you the memories of Cambodia’s past, its resilient people, and the meaningful connections you've made.
Meals & Accommodation
Hotels & Homestays | Twin & Dorm rooms for students | Single rooms for staff | Full board
Locations
Included
7 nights accommodation
All meals and soft drinks
Transportation
All activities
Entrance fees
Certificate of completion
Program management
Not included
International flights
Visas
Tips/gratuities
Laundry service
Alcohol
Travel insurance
Items of a personal nature
Partners
Osmose is a Cambodian non-profit dedicated to environmental conservation and community development around Tonle Sap Lake. Through ecotourism, education, and livelihood programs, they work to protect wetlands, support sustainable fishing, and empower local communities. Their initiatives promote biodiversity conservation while improving economic opportunities for floating village residents.