Age: 32

What work did you do while on the program?

I worked for CDO as an English teacher in Chukk Village and helped built a farm for 2 orphans.

What was your accommodation?

I lived in a traditional Cambodian house (Raised hut) with two wonderful orphans.

Did you travel while you were there?

I traveled to Kratie City, along the Mekong River. Where they say “Cambodians go to vacation” and it was amazing with old temples and rapids that you can sit in and enjoy lunch. I also went to Phnom Phen, the capital city, along where two major rivers of Cambodia converge. Afterwards, I also jumped over to Thailand for 3 weeks to check out that wonderful country as well.

What is your top tip for future participants?

Get as involved as possible with your students, teachers and life in Cambodia. You get out what you put into it. Be prepared to change your diet. I ate a lot of Rice and Vegetables.

What do you miss about your host country?

I miss the kids I lived with and taught. Also I miss how simple life is there.

What did you miss about the USA?

My family and friends. But it was very easy to make friends with the other volunteers. Also it was very easy to feel part of the Cambodian society with the friendliness of the Cambodian people.

What's your best story from your travelling?

Everyday out in the village had a great story to go with it. Everyday was such a new adventure to be had. But about every other Friday we would have water fights in front of the house with the kids from the village. The kids would love it, and so many would show up that we could not keep the water pump full with enough water. Another story is when we brought Ice-cream to the village for all the kids to try. They had learned the phrase “I want Ice-cream.” But most of the kids had no idea what ice-cream was. So we went to the city and bought many gallons of ice-cream, plastic cups and spoons. The kids were very hesitant to try it as first, but as soon as the first kid in each class would try it and say it was good, we could not stop the kids from having second and thirds. Unfortunately they did learn a lesson about over indulgence, as many of them got a little sick to their stomachs at the end of class.