Absolutely amazing fieldwork, nature/widlife, and cultural aspects! July 16, 2026
By Mckinley M (Environmental Science, University of Tennessee - Chattanooga) - abroad from 06/01/2026 to 06/30/2026 with
The School for Field Studies / SFS: Cambodia – Environmental Justice and Mekong Ecologies
I learnt honestly so much. Academia speaking I learnt alot of field and observational skills that will be highly valuable when I seek employment. I also believe that the classroom lectures were very insightful and furthered my knowledge on the subject. I had come in with a science background but left with an even higher elevated educational mind and perspective. I really liked the focus on field work as I had not been exposed to field work as much as lab work or classroom. I also really loved how I was welcomed into Cambodia by the locals. I not only gained academia skills but I gained a new perspective. Getting to be so close to nature and connected was an amazing experience and the locals made it even better by being so open and helping me learn. I enjoyed seeing life from a different perspective.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I highly enjoyed the balance between classroom and hands on field work. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was amazing. I loved the SFS center in Siem Reap, it was very beautiful and had everything a student could need and is located near town. I also enjoyed how SFS allowed us to stay with homestays at the floating village to really expereince the lifestyle and culture there. |
| * Food: |
I enjoyed how the food was very clean and healthy. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated. They did a very good job of immersing the students in the local culture. By giving us language class we were able to learn greeting and little comments. The level of skill depends on the student and if they put in the time but the center provided enough for us to be able to connect. I also liked how they introduced us to multiple cultures not just khmer but also Bunong. Getting to try foods, wear clothing, answering questions about buddhism, and visiting cultural locations and educating us on them were all great ways to immerse the student. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Honestly I felt very safe here. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Everything is so cheap! From tuk tuk rides, to food and clothes, everything was very affordable for students. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 30 but that is even pushing it. Could be less or could be more depending on how much the student is wanting. The meals on average are 5-8 dollars. But if the student is buying clothes and souvenirs it could go up and the SFS team provides most meals and stipends. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Take out in cash the amount you want to spend total while away and take from this, do not use card as you can accidentally lose track or not think about it. Also most places do not have a card reader so it is easy to already have that cash. I would advise keeping it in an envelope in a secure place and possibly get a small lock to lock it in a bag or something. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Just highschool spanish. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Yes I think noting down basic phrases you say in everyday life in America and then trying to learn that in Khmer. I noticed that I learnt very fast using the language with people in Cambodia. It helps it stick. So maybe start with the noting down phrases you absolutely will use and learning those and then trying to practice on someone and have a conversation. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I did bring a rolling suitcase and a bigger backpack! Other than that I feel like I was pretty prepared. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
