Immersion Program: Cambodia
The recent trip to Cambodia was Brigidine College’s first International Immersion, where 29 students travelled to Cambodia in the September/October holidays to immerse themselves in the culture, learn the history and engage in meaningful project work.
Students became immersed in the history and culture of Cambodia through visits to museums, the Royal Palace, temples and a visit to the Silk Farm and Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. They also learnt about the history and struggles during war, in particular the Khmer Rouge period. This helped them to understand the challenge that the people in Cambodia have faced and the process of rebuilding, as well as the long term impacts.
Brigidine students engaged in a project at a local primary school teaching out of Phnom Penh, delivering Literacy and Numeracy skills, teamwork and confidence building. Our students undertook all the lesson planning, delivery of the lessons and educational games, as well as learning language and teaching English.
In addition, our group also cleared classrooms, painted walls and designed murals to renovate two kindergarten classrooms to be a bright and welcoming space for learning. To present these beautifully designed rooms to the teachers and principal was utter Joy!
The trip taught the students many skills, life lessons and how to reflect on their own education and privileges. They were a model of excellence whilst away - responsible, mature, enthusiastic and gained so much from the trip away. This really is experiential education and forms such a significant aspect of their learning for life.
Sarah Charles
Director of Pastoral Care and Immersion Trip Leader
Student Reflections
At the end of the trip, I had students answer some short questions: what they liked, learnt, are proud of, are grateful for and what has impacted them. There are a range of really insightful comments:
They enjoyed teaching the children English, learning about Cambodian culture, getting to know new people, making new friends, and gaining confidence through teaching.
They learnt the history of Cambodia and how it has influenced the nation and people, to take initiative and leadership in situations, vital skills of adaptability, creativity, teamwork, to deal in circumstances without complaining, to adapt to challenges.
They were proud of the effort that was put into the lessons, stepping out of their comfort zone, making a difference to students’ learning and overall growth on the immersion.
They are grateful for the opportunity to attend the trip, the education and the resources we have and being in a position to help others.
They saw the trip impact them in many ways and especially understanding that despite their history and upbringing the Cambodian people are still happy and positive people. It has made our students more appreciative of their life and it has changed their perspective of the world,
After our return...
Since we returned, I have gathered some reflections on their experiences. The following are written by Ella in Year 11 and Joely in Year 10.
The Cambodia Immersion program was an experience of a lifetime for me. The opportunity to travel while representing my school was extremely rewarding and eye-opening. It gave me the chance to explore a new culture while making a positive impact on the local community.
The highlight of the experience was allowing myself to be immersed in the culture of Cambodia, visiting the tourist locations, and exploring the city. I especially enjoyed our time at the primary school and having the opportunity to teach the children English. Connecting with the students, despite language barriers, taught me the importance of patience and adaptability. Helping renovate the classroom with my peers and painting the walls with the English and Khmer alphabet, different instruments & sports, was extremely rewarding knowing that we were doing something that would make a difference for the kids. Visiting Angkor Wat was another major highlight of the immersion, which was a breathtaking experience that gave me a real appreciation for the history and cultural importance of such an ancient site.
Overall, the Cambodia immersion was an unforgettable and memorable experience that will stay with me forever.
Ella Shroeder,
Year 11
Throughout our immersion, we had the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in a different culture and environment. This experience taught me how to adapt and persevere, as well as how to be resilient and patient. There was a variety of exciting and unique activities we did as a part of the immersion, including a Kun Khmer kickboxing class, Angkor Wat sunrise and historical tour, a Silk Farm factories tour, and many more, however, the stand out for me was our opportunity to teach in, and renovate a local school in Phnom Penh. We spent 5 days completing shifts of either teaching a class or renovating some of the classrooms in the school. I absolutely loved teaching as it gave me the chance to not only meet and bond with the students but also give them a part of the educational experience we are blessed to have in Australia. Our group of 29 volunteers were split into smaller groups to focus on certain classes at different times. My group was teaching 8-12-year-olds, we taught them basic English sentences and phrases, in addition to numbers, colours, and animals amongst other things. The days we spent at the school were easily highlights of the trip. Each day, we saw the kids waiting for us at the gates or playing duck duck goose with them at break time brought me so much joy. One thing I learned from the trip was definitely to know how to adapt to the unknown. Something that we needed to do quickly. Going into the trip I didn't think I’d miss home or my family, but by the 8 and 9-day mark, it really kicked in, however, what really helped was talking to my peers and teachers about it, surrounding myself with the good energy kept me in a positive mindset, which in return helped me to overcome it. Overall my experience on the Cambodia Immersion was something I'll cherish forever, I've made new friendships, long-lasting bonds, and memories I'll remember forever. The support network of the trip, spending time with the local kids, the amazing tour guides as well as the Brigidine community made this immersion experience something that was extraordinary.
Joely Menzel,
Year 10
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