What inspired you to go abroad?
I've always had a strong desire to explore the world, experience different cultures, and connect with people from all walks of life. After going through a difficult period in my life, I decided it was time to stop waiting and finally take the leap.
What began as a solo trip turned into an incredible 10-month journey across Asia and Europe. Along the way, I visited 13 countries, stepped far outside my comfort zone and had experiences that completely changed my perspective on life.
One of the highlights was volunteering in Cambodia, where I had the opportunity to give back, learn from the local community, and create meaningful connections.
For me, going abroad was never just about traveling. It was about growth, new perspectives, and discovering who I am when everything familiar is left behind.
Why did you choose Cambodia Volunteer Foundation?
When I was traveling through Thailand, I realized that something was missing. Thailand is an amazing country, and I met wonderful people there, but deep down I felt lonely and somehow not fully connected to my journey. I was constantly moving from one place to another, taking in incredible experiences, yet I felt like I wasn't giving anything back.
Cambodia was my next destination, and at first I mainly knew it for Angkor Wat. While researching what else the country had to offer, I came across Cambodia Volunteer Foundation. The organization's mission immediately caught my attention because it offered the opportunity to connect with local people, contribute to the community, and experience Cambodia beyond the typical tourist attractions.
At the same time, I was nervous about applying. English is not my first language, and being hard of hearing sometimes makes communication more challenging. However, I decided not to let those fears hold me back.
Looking back, choosing Cambodia Volunteer Foundation was one of the best decisions of my entire journey. It gave me a sense of purpose, meaningful connections, and memories that will stay with me long after my travels.
Celebrating Khmer New Year with one of my students. The festival is one of Cambodia's most important holidays and is filled with traditional games, blessings, music and community celebrations.
What was your favorite part about Cambodia?
Definitely the people. Cambodia is a beautiful country, but it was the people who made my experience truly special.
What I love about Cambodians is that they are not always the loudest or most expressive people when you first meet them. The real beauty reveals itself when you take the time to get to know them. The longer I stayed, the more I appreciated their kindness, humility, generosity, and sense of community.
Cambodia is a country that has been through a lot, and when you begin to understand even a small part of its history, you gain a whole new level of respect for the people. Despite the challenges their country has faced, they continue to move forward with remarkable strength, optimism, and warmth. There is something incredibly inspiring about that.
My time in Cambodia taught me to slow down, look beyond first impressions, and approach people with more empathy and curiosity. Some of the most meaningful connections I made during my travels happened there, and those memories will stay with me forever.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
What made my experience abroad extraordinary was that it completely changed the way I travel. Before coming to Cambodia, I had spent months backpacking across Asia, moving from one destination to the next. I saw incredible places, but I often felt like I was just passing through.
Volunteering changed that. For the first time, I felt connected to a place in a much deeper way. I wasn't only exploring Cambodia. I was becoming part of a community, building friendships, sharing experiences, and learning from the people around me.
What made it even more special was that I almost didn't apply. As someone who is hard of hearing, I was worried about my English and whether I would fit in. Looking back, I'm so glad I didn't let those doubts stop me.
The most memorable moments weren't the big highlights. They were the small everyday moments: laughing with students, having conversations with local people, sharing meals, and feeling like I truly belonged somewhere. That's what made this experience so special and unforgettable.
Teaching English as a volunteer for the 2nd time. What started as a volunteer project quickly became one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my journey.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
I felt supported from day one. When I arrived at the airport, Raksmey was already waiting for me with a welcome letter and the biggest smile. After months of solo travel, that simple gesture meant a lot and instantly made me feel welcome.
From the airport, we headed straight to the volunteer house, where a warm meal was waiting for us. It was also the first time I met the other volunteers. We were a group of six people from different backgrounds and countries, which created a really nice atmosphere from the start. Depending on the program, some volunteers continued to Phnom Penh, some stayed in Siem Reap, and I later moved to Battambang.
Before starting our placements, we had an orientation day where we learned about Cambodian culture, local customs, a few Khmer words, and useful tips for daily life. It was a great introduction and helped us settle in quickly.
What I appreciated most was that the support didn't stop after the introduction. Throughout my stay, the team regularly checked in with me, asked how things were going, and made sure I felt comfortable. In Battambang, I was warmly welcomed by everyone and quickly felt less like a visitor and more like part of the community.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
Honestly, I wish I had trusted myself more from the beginning.
As someone who is hard of hearing and not a native English speaker, I sometimes worried about whether I would fit in or communicate well enough. Looking back, those fears were unnecessary. The people I met were incredibly welcoming, patient, and supportive.
If I could go back, I would spend less time overthinking and more time fully embracing every opportunity from day one. Some of my best memories came from moments that initially felt uncomfortable or uncertain.
Those experiences taught me that growth usually happens just outside of your comfort zone.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
A typical day started early, with classes beginning around 7:00 AM. In the mornings, I mostly taught younger children and preschool students. One thing I really appreciated was that I was never left on my own. A local teacher was always there to support me, answer questions, and help manage the classroom.
The school was an NGO-supported school, and many of the students attended regular public school as well. They came here before or after their regular classes to improve their English and gain additional learning opportunities. For some students, it was also a safe place to spend time while their parents were working. It was inspiring to see how motivated they were to learn.
Classes usually finished around noon, followed by a long lunch break. I would grab some food, explore Battambang, spend time with the local teachers, or prepare lessons for the afternoon.
From around 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, I taught older students. The energy in these classes was different, and I really enjoyed the conversations, questions, and interactions. Lesson planning was also part of the experience, but honestly, it never felt like work. Seeing students grow in confidence and improve their English was incredibly rewarding.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
Standing in front of Angkor Wat, one of the world's most remarkable cultural and spiritual landmarks. Visiting this iconic temple was an unforgettable highlight of my time in Cambodia.
During my free time, I loved exploring Battambang and experiencing everyday life in Cambodia. I would often walk or cycle around the city, visit local cafés, explore markets, and discover small places that weren't listed in any travel guide.
One of my favorite things was simply spending time with local people. Whether it was sharing a meal, having a conversation after class, or watching the sunset together, those moments often became the highlights of my day.
I also enjoyed visiting temples, trying Cambodian food, and learning more about the country's culture and history. Because I stayed for a while, I wasn't constantly rushing to the next attraction. Instead, I had the chance to slow down, build routines, and appreciate the small everyday moments that make a place feel like home.
Looking back, it was this balance between exploring, connecting with people, and enjoying daily life that made my free time so memorable.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
I stayed in a small guesthouse run by a local family. It used to operate as a hotel with a few guest rooms, but today it mainly welcomes volunteers. From the moment I arrived, the family made me feel at home. They were incredibly kind, welcoming, and always happy to help.
What I liked most was the warm and personal atmosphere. The family also ran a restaurant where I had my daily meals, which quickly became part of my routine. It was a great place to connect with other volunteers and experience local food and hospitality.
The rooms were clean, comfortable, and, most importantly, had air conditioning, which, trust me, is a real luxury in Cambodia's heat! I was also lucky enough to have access to a gym on the property, which I could use for free during my stay.
Overall, it felt much less like accommodation and much more like a home away from home.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
One thing every future participant should know is that you don't need to have perfect English or teaching experience to make a difference. What matters most is showing up with an open mind, a positive attitude, and a willingness to connect with people.
I'd also recommend staying as long as possible. The longer you stay, the more you settle into daily life, build genuine relationships, and become part of the community. Some of the best moments happen long after the initial excitement wears off.
Don't overthink it too much and embrace the experience, be flexible, and say yes to new opportunities. Cambodia has a way of surprising you when you least expect it.
Would you recommend Cambodia Volunteer Foundation to others? Why?
Definitely. I would recommend Cambodia Volunteer Foundation to anyone looking for a meaningful volunteer experience.
From day one, I felt welcomed, supported, and part of a community. The team was always approachable, communication was easy, and everything was well organized.
What I liked most was how authentic the experience felt. It wasn't just about volunteering, it was about connecting with local people, experiencing Cambodian culture, and growing as a person along the way.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is perspective.
When you leave your familiar environment, you start seeing the world and yourself in a different way. You meet people with completely different backgrounds, lifestyles, and beliefs, and you realize how much there is to learn from one another.
For me, traveling abroad has made me more open-minded, adaptable, and grateful. It has taught me that despite our differences, people everywhere share many of the same hopes, dreams, and challenges.
Travel doesn't just show you new places. It changes the way you look at life.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Getting soaked during Khmer New Year celebrations! Water symbolizes cleansing, renewal, and washing away bad luck as people welcome the new year with joy and laughter.
My time abroad reminded me of what really matters.
Before I left, I was focused on plans, goals, and figuring out what was next. But after months of traveling, volunteering, and meeting people from all walks of life, I realized that most of us are searching for the same things: connection, purpose, belonging, and happiness.
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that, no matter where we come from, we're all human. We may speak different languages, grow up in different cultures, and live completely different lives, but at the end of the day, we're all navigating challenges, doubts, hopes, and dreams in our own way. That realization made me more empathetic and helped me approach people with more understanding and less judgment.
I came home with a different perspective on life. Less focused on achievements and more focused on relationships, experiences, and being present. It sounds simple, but it's a lesson that has stayed with me ever since.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel is about much more than visiting new places or checking destinations off a list. It's about connecting with people, understanding different cultures, and being open to experiences that challenge the way you see the world.
The most meaningful moments of my journey didn't happen at famous landmarks. They happened while sharing meals with strangers, listening to people's stories, spending time with local communities, and building friendships along the way. Those experiences gave me new perspectives and taught me lessons that no guidebook ever could.
But meaningful travel is not only about discovering the world around you. It's also about discovering yourself. Sometimes that means letting go—of assumptions, expectations, and even the image you have of who you are. The farther I traveled, the more I realized that growth often begins when you stop trying to become someone and start allowing yourself to simply be.
One lesson stood out above all others: no matter where we come from, we're all human. We all want to be seen, understood, loved, and accepted. We all carry our own struggles, hopes, and dreams. Travel helped me recognize those shared experiences and reminded me that there is often far more that unites us than divides us.
For me, that's what transformed my journey from simply seeing the world into truly understanding it and, in many ways, understanding myself as well.