Cambodia January  2024

COR 375 with Dr. Jeremy Norwood & Dr. Gwen Hersha

$1,400 student cost*

*Cost with the full university discount. $150 study away fee is not included in this amount. University  discount applies to 1st CCS program only. Students who transfer in 58+ credits should contact the CCS  office to determine their level of discount.

Discover the rich and ancient culture of Cambodia. Encounter its recent history of genocide in the 1970s through visits to Tuol Sleng, the Killing Fields and personal accounts of people we will meet. Better understand the societal problems of AIDS, genocide, poverty and trafficking of women and children faced by the gentle, friendly people of Cambodia. Understand how we can make a difference in societies in recovery.

Learning activities may include:

Economics

Learn why Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in the world. Understand issues of land ownership, corruption and its impact on families. Visit a garment factory and see the living conditions of the workers there. Interview textile factory workers and learn about the challenges of their lives. Visit local markets and privately owned stores. Interview women who are small business owners. Be challenged at Phnom Penh city dump, where many families scavenge and live.

Education

Visit public schools and church-funded child sponsorship programs like the Free Methodist House of Love, Joy and Peace. Visit a university student dormitory/hostel. Interview school teachers, principals and university students. Visit universities and high schools and interact with students, administration, and professors. Understand ways to be part of the solution.

Family

Observe a traditional Buddhist wedding. Visit the Happy Tree AIDS Children’s Orphanage, play with the children and better understand the dynamics of AIDS in Cambodia. Interview family members who lost loved ones during the Khmer Rouge era. Dialogue with university students about attitudes toward family and marriage. Learn to cook Cambodian cuisine! Interview first-generation Christians who have been denied by their families. See the floating villages on the lakes and rivers and understand how some of the landless people live in Cambodia. Meet with International Justice Mission and aftercare ministries for rescued children to better understand human trafficking.

Government

Interview current or former government officials about their views on foreign policies and issues of corruption, as well as the development of the judiciary system and the rule of law. Discuss the role Buddhism plays in government and politics. Visit the Royal Palace. Interview university students about their thoughts toward the government and its policies, both international and domestic. In Siem Riep visit the ancient temples and monuments from the historic and powerful Khmer Kingdom which ruled all of Southeast Asia many years ago.

Religion

Visit Angkor Wat and Ta Prahm, two of the most ancient temple complexes in the world. Observe Cambodians worshiping at the Buddhist temple and discuss the beliefs held by the monks or nuns there. Enjoy visits with Buddhists and discuss their faith and lives. Observe a Buddhist funeral. Understand how historic Hindu and Buddhist beliefs impact life in Cambodia today. Worship in local Free Methodist churches and establish friendships with young adults there. Visit Tahas Bible Training Center, an interdenominational school equipping pastors and lay leaders in Cambodia.

“The Cross Cultural Studies program sets SAU apart from so many Christian universities in that it provides us as students with the opportunity to become critical participants in the contemporary world, not through a posture of service, but through a posture of receiving with humility. How we receive a different culture and a people speaks volumes to how Christ’s love informs our lives and our attitudes.”

Erin Couch

“Going to Cambodia is an educational experience you won’t receive going to many other places. If you want to move beyond an ethnocentric perspective, and have real life interactions with social injustices happening in the world; as well as diving into a culture with a long-lasting and rich history, and meeting beautiful people, come to Cambodia.”

Cullin Morgan

“If you want to be challenged and truly have a Cross Cultural Studies experience, come to Cambodia! From garment factories, to temples, to schools, to markets and beaches, this experience offers a huge variety of opportunities. God will really work in your life through all the hope and redemption seen here. This was a life-changing trip!”

David Darling

Travel Information

Departure Dates

January 2024 experiences may begin sometime during the last week of December 2023 and last 19-23 days. Students should not make irreversible plans until their departure date is confirmed by the CCS office in early Fall 2023.

Health & Safety

This experience, like all CCS experiences, is subject to political and safety realities at the time of departure. CCS options can be physically and emotionally intense and stretching. Before enrolling, all participants should consult the disclosures on Physical Hardships of CCS.

Covid shots are not required as of December 2022 for Cambodia. For more details on required immunizations consult the immunizations chart.

Passport and immunizations required (both at additional cost); visa required.

Trip Costs

CCS program costs do not include: tuition, passport, immunizations, or the $150 study away fee. The study away fee provides basic medical evacuation insurance, travel photos, deposits, and support services.

CCS trips are not guaranteed and are subject to change.