Cambodia: Not Always fun, but Still Worth It Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., Trinity University) for

Study Abroad Programs in Cambodia

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes. There were lots of times when I hated being there and I just wanted to go back home. But in a weird way, I kind of like that. It lets me appreciate my home a lot more. Cambodia definitely has some beautiful sights and the Khmer are great people. But there's so much pollution and trash everywhere. It really got to me.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was suprised how much work there was.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The food is terribly bland except for the fruit which is amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went on lots of trips to ancient temples.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I usually spent about $10 on meals a day. They use US dolars in Cambodia and everything was very inexpensive.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Everything was fine.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans