Cambodia
Cities & Sanctuaries
This program welcomes participants to the fascinating country of Cambodia where big bustling cities and sacred spaces comingle. From the metropolis of Phnom Penh to the rural countryside of Banteay Chhmar, participants will have the opportunity to explore Cambodia’s turbulent past and see how communities, big and small, are building for the future. We’ll study the genocide in great detail at the Killing Fields and S-21 Prison, immerse in Khmer culture and journey to Banteay Chhmar where communities are working to repair rural livelihoods, and venture through Angkor Wat, the largest religious complex in the world, in Siem Reap. We’ll interact with innovative community initiatives that exemplify the resilience of a population that has struggled for peace and now strives for prosperity.
Hands-on experiential learning and cultural immersion provide a unique classroom where participants can challenge themselves while reflecting on the links between memory and justice, as well as tourism and sustainable development.
Program Highlights:
- Embrace the complexity of modern Phnom Penh, from the beautiful temples and the royal palace, to the harsh realities of the Killing Fields.
- Venture out to the stunning island paradise of Koh Rong Sanloem to learn about island life, the ecosystem, and sustainability while taking in pristine white beaches, clear turquoise waters, and the tropical jungle wilderness.
- Learn about preservation and restoration efforts in a small Khmer village surrounding an 800-year old temple complex destroyed during war in Banteay Chhmar.
- Get your hands dirty in the rice fields while volunteering at a permaculture education center designed to support local farmers promoting best practices in sustainable agriculture.
- Travel back in time to explore the majestic ruins of Angkor Wat, a world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest religious complex in the world.
- Explore what life is like on the floating villages of the Tonle Sap.
SPARK GRANT:
Qualifying freshman, sophomore, and transfer students can use their SPARK Grant for this short-term study abroad program.
Reflections from Abroad:
"This trip has allowed me to broaden my cultural lens and learn about what it truly means to be a global citizen. I will carry what I have learned on this trip with me as I continue to travel and create international relationships. This program has shown me the resilience of human beings. Genocide has happened all across the globe; Cambodia isn't the first place, and unfortunately not the last either. However, I've learned that it doesn't matter where you are in the world - love and joy is everywhere, despite tragedy. I've learned to see the kindness and love in people's hearts. The past doesn't define or limit the possibilities of the future." - Jamie Hogancamp '23 UG '25 GR
Views from Abroad:
At A Glance
Term: Summer A 2026
Program Level: Undergraduate & Graduate
Program Types: Experiential Learning
Major(s): Open to all majors, and of particular interest to the following majors:
- Anthropology
- Art History
- Global Sustainability
- International & Global Studies
- History
- Legal Studies
- Museums, Archives & Public History
- Political Science
- Public Health
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
Language Requirement: None
Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.5