Cultural Immersion
by Chadd Davis
Year 11 Dean/Mathematics Teacher at Northcote College
We really enjoyed being immersed into the community culture, during our stay in Siem Reap. Our community project was building an outdoor seat under a tree at a local school, and in the afternoons our students got to play football with the local students, which was enjoyed by all.
We also stayed at the principal of the school’s house during the project, and across our time there we got to learn about the Cambodian way of life, some history, traditional cuisine and we even got taught how to cook some of the types of food ourselves!
Getting away from the touristy part of town and staying in a real Cambodian community was a wonderful experience. We learnt a lot about a different way of living, to what we are used to back in New Zealand. Even small things like having to use a bucket shower. One thing that I really enjoyed was our walk through the community, and to a local market.
This wasn’t a tourist market, so we got to see where local Cambodian people buy produce, food and other items. During this walk through the market, our guide Vichhay explained about the different foods and even provided some for us to try.
This experience was really awesome and was quite different to be immersed in local culture, and not just see the touristy parts of town. Vichhay was a great support and guide, and was able to clearly translate everything we needed to, and was always willing to go above and beyond to make sure we were well looked after and safe.
I came back to Australia having formed strong friendships with the Cambodian people and other volunteers that I met along the way. Doing this placement was one of the best things I have ever done – I can’t wait to go back!
CAMBODIA
+855 175 66 393
vichhay@traveled.asia
Taphul Village, Sangkat Svay Dangkum
Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
+855 175 66 393
vichhay@traveled.asia
Taphul Village, Sangkat Svay Dangkum
Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia