The Cambodia Service Trip
Matteo, Year 11, Plenty Campus
As I settle back into the school routine, the Cambodian trip has not just been the highlight of my holidays, but a trip that taught me far more than I could have learned in a classroom. From visiting significant cultural sites to building relationships with the village children, each day gave me a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s history, traditions and way of life. I greatly valued the opportunity to spend time with local communities in Siem Riep. The kindness and generosity of the people in Rolous village stood out to me, and the kids’ eagerness to learn was evident from the start. I enjoyed learning about their daily lives, customs and especially food, getting a taste of a range of new delicacies from spiders to frogs. The highlight was undoubtedly spending valuable time with the locals, and I will never forget the memories I made with Bali, Mono, Devid, Sokan and many, many more.
The trip was also an opportunity for personal growth. Travelling in a new environment pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me become more independent and confident. Being solely responsible for my own health, wellbeing and laundry was beneficial in building the responsible routines and habits that I’m sure will be handy later in life. I’ve returned home with a greater appreciation for all the opportunities that I take for granted, as well as a stronger sense of independence and an insight into the lives and culture of the Cambodian people. I am very thankful to the teachers and local guides who made the trip possible, and I am certain Cambodia will be a memory I’m unlikely to ever forget.
The Cambodia service project was an experience that I will always be grateful for and cherish. Throughout the trip, I had the opportunity to experience Cambodian culture and better understand what it means to be an Ivanhoe learner. One of the highlights was teaching at the different schools. The students were always enthusiastic, welcoming and excited to participate in our lessons. Teaching at the village school was especially memorable, and on our final day, we celebrated with a dance party. The bracelets and stickers that students gave me are small reminders of the connections we made, and I plan to keep them forever. Staying in the village was challenging, as we slept on the floor under mosquito nets that did not completely protect me from being bitten. However, this made the experience more authentic and helped me appreciate the comfort and opportunities that I often take for granted. The village food was also surprisingly my favourite food of the entire trip.
Another memorable moment was the soccer tournament, where all the teams came together and were given different roles to help run the event. Seeing everyone co-operate and watching the children enjoy themselves made it an incredibly wholesome experience. The cultural activities were equally unforgettable. Visiting the temples was a privilege, and their beauty and history were extraordinary. I also loved exploring the night markets, where I attempted to barter, although my friends were much better at it than I was. I enjoyed buying gifts for myself and my family.
Between our busy days of teaching and activities, I also appreciated the quieter moments, including Starbucks runs, swimming in the hotel pool and spending time with friends. From the cruise dinner and traditional dance performance to the final plane ride home, the trip felt incredibly special. It was a full circle moment that made me realise how fortunate I was to have experienced Cambodia alongside my friends.
Vanessa, Year 11, Ridgeway Campus
The Cambodia Service Trip was an experience that I know I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Although I knew before leaving that the trip would be meaningful experience, I don't think I understood how deeply it would affect me until I was actually there. Having the opportunity to immerse myself in an entirely new environment surrounded by people who have lived their lives in a very different manner than I have, caused me to think about my life in a way that I never would have before. The entire experience was not just one of going somewhere else or doing some sort of community service, it was about the people that I met, the relationships that I formed and the memories that I know I will always remember.
Among the most important experiences during our trip was getting to know the students and communities we visited. The kindness and enthusiasm of the students and their willingness to get to know us made such an impact on me. Our interaction with the students through jokes, laughter, games and other small things became among the most memorable experiences for me. It was really nice to see how they reacted upon entering their classroom and contribute to their experiences in any little way possible. Saying goodbye to the schools was much more difficult than I expected because in a very short period of time, I got to create meaningful friendships to the people I met.
Reflecting on all of this now, I believe the one thing that Cambodia taught me is perspective. Upon returning, I felt immensely appreciative not only for the things that I have had the opportunity to experience but also for the people that I had the fortune of meeting. The experience certainly helped get out of my comfort zone and made me extremely more appreciative of the things that I take for granted. The thing I found that really makes a difference when serving others is that you gain just as much from them as they do from you.
This trip has allowed me to see the world in so many different ways, but especially incorporating the views of what the amazing culture of Cambodia can give. I feel very fortunate to have been on this trip and to have been part of the Cambodian communities in the company of my friends. It truly was, an eye opening and surreal experience.
All photos including the Cambodian children have been taken with the consent of the school on the behalf of the parents.