Cambodia Service Trip

Special Friends & Family Two-week Program August 9 – 23, 2020

This Cambodia cultural immersion service-learning program will be hosted in Cambodia by Global Service Corps Founders, Rick and Maxine Lathrop. Program participants learn about the Cambodia culture and history and participate in a service project. Participants will gain insight about the ongoing effects of the Khmer Rouge genocide in the 1970’s. Learn why GSC has been working in Cambodia over the past 12 years and how your participation can make a difference. Service-learning options include:

Buddhist Immersion/Teaching English Program (Teaching experience not required) The Buddhist Immersion – Meditation Program provides the opportunity to live with Buddhist monks and nuns at a rural historical large Cambodian monastery and to practice Theravada meditation.  A senior monk highly qualified teacher provides hospitality, meditation training and lectures on Buddhism. Participants will also be actively involved in monastery life including interacting with monks and nuns at the program site. All participants will teach English to young monks in the evenings. Accommodations will include housing in on-site guest rooms and meals. See https://www.globalservicecorps.org/wat-a/

Child and Orphan Care Program The Child and Orphanage Care program provides opportunities for participants to assist the GSC local partner organization in providing care, education and psycho-social support to orphans and/or marginalized kids aged 3 to 18. Participants teach English (prior teaching experience not required), or other skills, provide arts and crafts activities and engage in recreational and other support activities. Participants with specific hobby or educational backgrounds and skills are welcomed to share these. Accommodations are provided at the headquarters apartment of our partner organization and include delicious Khmer food and air-conditioned double rooms with modest Western bathrooms. See https://www.globalservicecorps.org/child-and-orphan-care-volunteer-program-in-cambodia/ (Urban Children’s Orphan Care option only)

English & Leadership Day Camp Program (Teaching experience not required) Join other GSC volunteers and staff of the Pannasastra International School for two weeks of an ongoing three-week day camp.  Participants assist with conversational English and leadership participatory activities. Guesthouse accommodations. See https://www.globalservicecorps.org/2020-gsc-friends-family-program-flyer-2/

Program Schedule

  • Sunday Welcome
    • Meet and Greet cultural orientation with GSC In-Country Coordinator, Ratha Tieng
    • Special Welcome Dinner and presentation by the Lathrops
  • Three-day orientation
    • Tours of Cambodian local historical sites in Phnom Penh including:
      • Royal Palace complex
      • National Museum
      • Independence Monument
      • Khmer Rouge sites including a Killing Field and Tuol Sleng prison
      • Russian Market
    • Meetings and discussions with Cambodian experts and GSC staff:
      • Lecture on Cambodian culture, education and development
      • Visit and lecture on Buddhism at an historical Phnom Penh monastery
      • Project preparations
  • Nine-day service-learning project:
    • Child and Orphan Care
    • Buddhist Immersion/Teaching English
    • English & Leadership Day Camp
    • Accommodations at host organization or guest rooms and dining facilities
  • Weekend free time and visit to historical monastery
  • Two-day Special GSC Friends and Family concluding Siem Reap visit
    • Airfare Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (participants departing Siem Reap back to the States)
    • Tours of the Angkor Wat World Heritage Site and other historical temples
    • Visit to Floating Village, artisan workshop and silk factory
    • Shopping at Night Market
    • Two night’s accommodations in a comfortable tourist hotel

Program Fees: $2,662 based on double occupancy

Contact GSC for details on single occupancy accommodation options.

Extra weeks can be added. Contact GSC for details.

Program fees include: Airport pick-up, drop off, and project transportation; accommodations including all meals; language and cultural orientation and project preparation guidance, project administration; donations to partner organizations; and Special GSC Friends and Family Program Offer: Two-day excursion to Siem Reap and Angkor Wat not normally included in a two-week program.

Program fees do not include: Airfare to and from Cambodia, travel health insurance, required background checks, and visas.

Tax Deductibility: All program fees, including airfare, may be tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Consult your tax advisor for full details.

Reserving your spot: Due to additional planning required for this program, a $300 deposit/person will be due no later than April 15. There is a maximum group size of around 10 participants, and reservations will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.

For more information, Contact GSC: Cambodia@globalservicecorps.org or 503-954-1659