Cambodia trip is a rich cultural exchange

A group of 17 of our students are back from an amazing ‘exchange of knowledge, culture and experiences’ in Cambodia.

Accompanied by Assistant Principal Deana Stone, Curriculum Administrator Jasmine Thacker and Plumbing Lecturer Andy Morris, they experienced many of the country’s most iconic and historic landmarks as well as teaching young pupils at a school.

Here Jasmine gives us a summary of their adventures:

We began our journey on February 7, taking 17 students to Gatwick Airport to catch our flight to Cambodia. After three flights, we landed at Phnom Penh Airport, enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant, and finally reached our hotel after 36 hours of travel. The following day, we explored the city on foot, visiting key landmarks in the capital before our five-hour coach ride to Battambang, where we were staying for the next two weeks.

Once settled in Battambang, the students started preparing their lessons for the next day. Our teaching topics were Finance and Migration, aimed at children aged 8 to 12. Although challenging subjects, our students did an incredible job engaging the children and making the lessons interactive. Each morning began with the Cambodian national anthem, followed by the cheerful song ‘If You’re Happy and You Know It.’ After two weeks of teaching, saying goodbye to the children was very emotional.

During the weekend break between teaching, we travelled to Siem Reap. When we arrived, we took a guided tour to learn about the city’s history, enjoyed a delicious dinner trying various local dishes, and spent the evening at the Riverside Night Market, where our students haggled for great deals with the locals. We then headed back to the hotel for an early night, as we had a 4am start to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat. Although a cloud blocked the sun, it was still incredible. After the sunrise, we toured the Angkor Wat temple and saw some monkeys.

Our group consisted of students from all different courses and campuses, all of them worked together so well. They shared rooms and taught alongside students they had never met before. This trip has given them lasting memories with lifelong friendships. Every student has been impacted, gaining an appreciation for a different way of life, cherishing the small things, and feeling inspired to make a difference, most are already eager to return to Cambodia and continue creating an impact.

Said Deana: “Our journey to Cambodia has been more than a trip; it has been an exchange of knowledge, culture and experiences.

“Our students came to teach but quickly realised that the lessons went both ways.

“Teaching local children showed them that joy and gratitude can thrive even when material possessions are few. The smiles, the laughter and the eagerness to learn were constant reminders that happiness is found in the simplest moments and the power of giving is immeasurable.

“Our students, as young as 16, taught local children ages 8 to 12, with passion, dedication and humility.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for volunteering, their generosity and compassion have made this experience one of true growth, for all of us.”

Here are some comments from the students themselves:

"I came to teach, but Cambodia taught me more.” David

"We created memories on the trip that will last a lifetime.” Matas

“Cambodia was such an amazing experience showing different cultures, amazing places and putting us in new situations. We all bonded as a group and worked through difficult situations together.” Poppy

The visit was organised through the Challenges Abroad, Cambodia Global Citizenship Programme - part of the Turing Scheme.