Study Abroad Programs in Siem Reap, Cambodia
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6 Siem Reap, Cambodia Study Abroad Programs
MEI Academy World High School
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This term is a journey that carries us through Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand, where every new location becomes a unique chapter in understanding how the world works and our place in it. During our immersive adventure abroad, you will earn 2 compulsory high school credits with the option to
See All 2 ProgramsInternational TEFL and TESOL
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Embark on a transformative journey to Cambodia, where ancient temples rise majestically, and the warmth of its people captivates your soul. Take advantage of our Super Sale! Choose from a selection of accredited online TEFL courses, with prices starting from $65. Our 60-hour, 120-hour, 180-hour, an
The School for Field Studies
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Meet the elephants of Cambodia’s Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary. Spend your summer alongside endangered Asian elephants while studying their ecology and behavior in a semi-captive rehabilitation environment. Examine human-wildlife conflict and conservation approaches, and discuss elephant welfare and
See All 2 ProgramsTEFL Heaven
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TEFL Heaven offers you a chance to teach in Cambodia, one of the most exciting teaching destinations globally. With its rapid economic growth, the country's demand for English teachers has been on the rise, which also comes with competitive salaries for our teachers. Thus, we provide guaranteed job
How to Study Abroad in Siem Reap
Program Options
Even if you have read textbooks or watched documentaries about Cambodia, there is nothing like having first hand experiences here. Though the genocide of the 1970s is still scarring the nation, the peace you feel upon entering is undeniable. Khmer Rouge or not, this country is making strides to enter the 21st century on a brighter note — an interesting and complex transition for you to unpack as a study abroad student in Cambodia. Today, you can witness how it has affected the population and how the people strive to make their country a happier place.
But we digress! Here’s what you need to know before you study abroad in Cambodia.
Popular subjects to study. Many students opt to focus their studies on Buddhism and social entrepreneurship while studying in Cambodia. If you're a tree hugger, you'll also find tons of environmental studies programs here in Cambodia. Every program, no matter what your course load, will enjoy healthy doses of cultural engagement and steaming plates of amok.
Short term and summer programs vs. long term programs. Summertime is a popular option for busy students to pursue study abroad in Cambodia. Short term programs, like faculty-led programs that run for a few weeks or less, are also a good fit for students studying specific subjects in-depth or those that can't part from home for too long. On the flipside, long term programs have a slew of benefits. Though admittedly harder, they will give you plenty of time to get to know the Cambodian culture and overdose on mango shakes. If you want to learn Khmer or dive deep into Buddhism, consider semester or year long programs.
Attending universities vs. other programs. It is more common to connect through a program rather than attend a university directly while studying abroad in Siem Reap. You could find programs for study abroad at the University of South East Asia or Angkor University, most foreign students choose to attend programs run by their universities or by other organizations.
Student Life
Siem Reap has become a hub for both tourists and expats. The population of just over 200,000 makes it feel quaint, but with plenty to offer for those who choose to live in the heart of the city. There are over two million visitors per year due to the UNESCO heritage site of Angkor. Not only are there days worth of temples to explore, but the largest religious building in the world, Angkor Wat, still stands there. It takes up about 500 acres! While trying to wrap your mind around that, just book that ticket and see it yourself.
The city center includes “Pub Street” which has a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes. On a budget? No need to worry, as the cost of living is low and you can always find your daily needs for much less than in a western country. Grab a meal at a street cart for a couple of bucks while chatting with the local vendor. Relax and enjoy that $5 foot massage. Hop on a tuk-tuk taxi for as little as $1. Not only will you have the opportunity to study here, but you will be able to try new things that wouldn’t take place in your typical day – such as the Bugs Cafe (beware, it’s crunchy!).
Travel Tips
Although you can get a visa online, it will save you up to $100 to obtain it at the airport or land crossing. A tourist visa lasts for a month but can be renewed. The Cambodian Riel is the currency; however, almost all places accept American dollars. Be sure to keep small bills on you as not all places can make change for anything over $10. Negotiating in the markets is completely acceptable.
Beware of the cultural norms. Ninety-seven percent of Cambodians consider themselves to be Buddhist with the highest percentage in the world! It is very important to remember that you are a guest in Cambodia. As such, make sure to brush up on cultural etiquette.
Not only will you expand your knowledge of the Khmer culture and lifestyle, but you will learn to live in a world very unlike your own. Learn to unwind. Take this time in Siem Reap to learn to meditate, make close friends, and pick up a hobby that you thought you never would have time for. Student life in Siem Reap can feel slow-paced. So kick-back, relax, and enjoy the Cambodian life.
For more information read our comprehensive guide on studying in Cambodia.
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Latest Program Reviews
Amazing!
June 09, 2018by: Elena - United StatesProgram: Southeast Asia Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year
My time is Southeast Asia was something I will never forget. I got to build incredibly friendships with people and experience a lot of firsts. We went zip lining , snorkeling, to the beach and we volunteered with amazing foundations. We learned Thai and experienced what it was like to live with a host family. Overall this trip has taught me a lot about myself and I would recommend that everyone study abroad.
Opening my eyes to an entirely different world
June 09, 2018by: Sierra - United StatesProgram: Southeast Asia Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year
My time abroad in Thailand and Cambodia was my first time ever leaving the United States. It has always been a dream of mine to travel and I’m forever thankful to Carpe Mundi for giving me the opportunity. The 2 months I spent in Southeast Asia were the best 2 months of my life. I got to hike with elephants, go zip lining, scuba dive in the warm waters of Cambodia, explore huge cities, and spend time volunteering with local people and communities. I made deep connections with my host family and the people in my cohort. Not only did I get to experience all of these amazing things and make life long friendships, I was also able to learn more about myself. I discovered more about who I am as a person and the different things I am interested in. I was also able to push myself out of my comfort zone and try things I never thought I would be able to do. This experience is something that will last with me for the rest of my life.
Some of the most incredible of my life
December 01, 2016by: EmmaProgram: Southeast Asia Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year
Those 3 months were some of the most incredible of my life, and I will be eternally grateful to Carpe and all the amazing people who make these trips happen. So I wanted to say thank you! I still think about the trip everyday, and I am filled with so many memories and experiences that will carry on into the rest of my life, and hopefully keep me traveling for a long, long time! I have the travel bug now for sure. The Southeast Asia trip was just unbelievable; I have nothing but good things to say about it, and if any future students have any questions about anything..packing or what to expect, etc, i would love to be of help! I hope to stay part of the carpe family and maybe one day even lead a trip of my own! I just wanted to let all the staff at carpe know how much this trip meant to be, and what a great program you guys have. The trip has changed my life. Thank you for everything!
It was the greatest three months of my life!
June 28, 2016by: Patrick Prom - United StatesProgram: Southeast Asia Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year
This was the first time I had ever left the United States. Being Cambodian I was really drawn to the South East Asia Program since my dad didn't really teach me very much about our heritage. I was very afraid at first but as it came closer to the day we would leave I was so excited. To partake in the Meditation retreat in Thailand, the ancient temples of Angkor Wat and the home stay in Sapa, Vietnam I can safely say that this was the most transforming experience I had ever had in my life. I learned more about myself, others, and the world in the three months abroad than the 20 years I had in Portland, Oregon. If you have any doubts or inclinations not to travel but you want to Carpe Diem will help you and you will learn along the way.
A life changing experience
June 10, 2016by: Alondra - United StatesProgram: Southeast Asia Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year
I didn't know what to expect from this experience, but when it happened it was a journey that changed my perspective in many ways. Carpe Diem education gave me an opportunity to travel and learn. I was challenged mentally and emotionally and was able to get out of my comfort zone which was something I never knew would be possible. I grew as a person. The Overseas educators were supportive and pushed us to get out of our comfort zones. The culture, the history, the food, and meeting new people was incredible. I surrounded myself with new adventures and through that I discovered myself.
Simply life changing, cliché, I know
May 22, 2016by: Hannah Gibbons - United StatesProgram: Southeast Asia Semester | Carpe Diem Education Gap Year
Carpe Diem was a last minute decision for me. I didn't know what to do with my semester free and out of the blue Carpe showed up. I had no idea what I was getting myself into but I didn't look back. The trip felt very real. A lot of these programs can be a lot of bullshit where you go to a "remote country" and live it your way when you should be living it their way, if that makes sense. Carpe Diem made it as real as possible. This included talking about how problematic it was that we were all there doing this and realizing our privilege and also respecting that their culture is their culture and not ours to take. Very well done.
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