High School Study Abroad in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Get ready for the ultimate Southeast Asia experience! On this program for older teens, you will get off the stereotypical tourist track and experience some of the region’s best hidden gems in Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. The journey begins in charming Luang Prabang, nestled on the Mekong River with magnificent mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements, Buddhist monasteries, and of course, elephants! From there head to Vietnam and experience the stunning beauty of Sa Pa and Halong Bay. Wander through the rice terraces, get a taste of local life, and relax on the water while enjoying everything this beautiful country has to offer. Spend some time in Hanoi, shopping at the markets, exploring the Old Quarter and sampling Vietnamese cuisine on with a mouthwatering culinary tour. Hop over to Siem Reap to explore the famed temple complex of Angkor Wat, then to Phnom Penh to discover the history of the Khmer Rouge in this emerging metropolis. In Thailand, you’ll experience the island paradise of Koh Tao with its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and magnificent snorkeling. Finally, complete the adventure with a couple of days in Bangkok.

A region accentuated by the colorful robes of Buddhist monks, the vivid greens of rice fields and jungle forests, and the cultural diversity of hill tribe communities—this is the ultimate Southeast Asia semester. Each country offers a unique cultural experience unto itself, and each faces the challenge of reconciling urban expansion and industrialization with indigenous land rights, free movement of nomadic peoples, and equal access to resources. This semester, walk among ancient temples, traverse mountainous jungles, and explore the clear blue water of Thailand’s beaches. You’ll explore tradition, globalization, and human rights against the backdrop of two of Asia’s most complex nations. Immerse yourself in community life through homestays and visits to remote villages. Emerge with your self-awareness and perspective forever altered. 2025: CLOSED Spring 2026: February 25 - May 6 Fall 2026: September 24 - December 4

Learn, serve, and lead with Bright Light Volunteers in a country of your choice. Our Global Service Learning (GSL) program is designed for passionate middle and high school students, exposing them to various aspects, including cultural and social, of their host community. Participants not only broaden their knowledge but also develop a deeper understanding of local, national, and global issues. They gain insight into the interdependency and interconnectedness of people and communities, becoming equipped to act responsibly and effectively toward a more just and peaceful world. Additionally, they develop a range of skills outside a conventional classroom environment. If you’re interested in joining our movement and becoming a global citizen, get in touch with us today for more information.

This program is for anyone interested in learning how the world works and exploring the global issues impacting our lives.  In the spring semester, students will learn the workings of communist and capitalist economies and gain insight through on-site assignments and case studies. As the program progresses, we explore how the world is handling issues like global warming, immigration, terrorism, globalization, and the uses of artificial intelligence while immersed in Eastern cultures. We will visit Bangkok, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Mui Ne, Ho Chi Minh City, Sydney, Blue Mountains, Singapore, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. Dates: mid-January — late April 2026 The High School Study Abroad Program – Spring Semester in Asia is open to all secondary school students registered in public, private, or separate schools worldwide.