CAMBODIA STUDENT SERVICE & TRAVEL TRIP
Fri, Jul 18
|Krong Siem Reap
Join the Sumner H.S. International Service Club on a eco-friendly, socially responsible, service and travel trip.
Time & Location
Jul 18, 2025, 9:00 AM – Jul 27, 2025, 6:00 PM
Krong Siem Reap, Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
About the event
Why Cambodia?
Siem Reap is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat, constructed in 1150 CE. Angkor Wat comprises more than a thousand buildings and is one of the great cultural wonders of the world. In contrast, Cambodia's recent history (1970s) includes a terrible genocide that took over 2 million lives and has shaped modern Cambodia. We'll spend two days (at the start and end of our trip) exploring Phnom Penh, the country's capital, to learn first-hand about the ancient and modern history.
When we're not learning about history or experiencing Cambodian cultural activities, we'll volunteer our time at a non-profit school, ABCs and Rice, in Siem Reap. Volunteering includes supporting the local teachers in English instruction and providing art and athletic activities for the students. This is a trip for those interested in deeply engaging in culture to better understand our world. In the evenings we'll support social enterprises through dining, entertainment, and sustainable shopping. Students will engage in daily reflection time to build community and collectively synthesize what they're learning and how to stay connected to this experience and knowledge as they return home.
Why Eco-Travel?
This trip has been planned with intention to support the Cambodian people through eco-tourism. Our hotel, Baby Elephant, focuses on environmental responsibility through renewable energy sources, recycling services, eco-friendly packaging, and locally-sourced food to ensure a positive relationship with nature and the local community.
What's Included?
- Our accommodations in Phnom Penh (private accommodation)
- Our accommodation at Baby Elephant in Siem Reap (shared accommodation) Ensuite bathrooms Daily a la carte breakfast Complimentary potable water Use of the hotel's swimming pool
- Daily community dinner
- Entry and tour of Angkor Wat
- Evening entertainment activities (voted on by students)
- All ground transportation services including transport from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (and return)
Logistics
Tentatively, we plan to fly out of Seattle on Friday, July 18th. We'll arrive in Phnom Penh the morning of Saturday, July 19th with ground transport to Siem Reap on July 20th. We'll spend July 20th-July 26th in Siem Reap and return to Phnom Penh on the evening of July 26th. On the morning of July 27th we'll take our return flight. Considering the time change, we will land in Seattle on the 27th. Once flights are determined, I will send an email and additionally offer a zoom call to support booking of the flight and visa application. Please feel free to reach out directly should you have specific questions or concerns regarding airfare and transportation.
Payment Process
Once registration is approved, a $500 non-refundable deposit is due for each guest. All payments are due no later than March 15th, 2025 (4 months ahead of our trip). Payments can be made via PayPal, Zelle, or Venmo. All participants will require a valid international passport that is less than 6 months from expiration. An online visa is required.
*Note that your Package does not include airfare ($1400-2000), cost of visa ($40), spending money (suggested $250), required trip insurance ($150-200).
Learn more about the non-profit school we will support - ABCs and Rice.