Best way to experience Cambodia as a country Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The course covers a lot of elephant content, however, the actual time spent in the field with elephants is limited

On-site administration of your program

The US side of SFS is in constant contact with the Cambodia side. I had no issues with administration

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived at four different locations during this program: SFS' Center in Siem Reap, The Elephant Valley Project (EVP) in Mondulkiri, The Indigenous People's Lodge in Mondulkiri, and The Asia Tune Hotel in Phnom Penh. I loved all the locations, but if you're not a fan of large bugs (spiders) you may not enjoy EVP. My advice: use the mosquito net, bring plenty of bug spray, and shower when it's light out. Also, bring a book (or two) and download some Netflix shows. EVP does not have Wi-Fi, cell service, or electricity during the day. Think of it as a chance to unplug

I'm an incredibly picky eater, but the program does a great job catering to nutritional needs. You'll have plenty of opportunity to eat American food, so don't worry too much about that. Bring lots of snacks for the middle of the day, late at night, and for travel!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

SFS tries really hard to make culture a big part of your trip, but you are studying and spending a majority of your time with other American students. My advice is to take every opportunity available to connect with someone who isn't a fellow student

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The largest out-of-pocket expense for me on this trip was vaccines prior to leaving. I received vaccines for rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and typhoid. I also took malaria pills before, during, and after the trip. My insurance did not cover any of it, so I spent over $2000 on vaccines alone. Contact your insurance ASAP to see if they can/will help cover these medical expenses. While in Cambodia I experienced no health issues. Some people experienced stomach problems, which our Student Affairs Manager (SAM) handled quickly.

As long as you listen to your SAM's directions and think rationally, you shouldn't have any safety issues while in Cambodia. SFS uses a buddy system that ensures that you're never alone during the program. Although this might seem extreme (some people felt they were being babied), it's important! Not everyone speaks English in Cambodia. The absolute last thing you want is to be lost by yourself and not be able to communicate. Follow the rules, they're there to keep you safe

I choose this program because I wanted to study Asian elephants in Cambodia. I would not choose this program again because I do not feel that I received the amount of elephant field experience that I was paying for

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Other than the vaccines and flight, nothing about this program was expensive. SFS provides food 6 days a week, and leftovers are available at the Center during the 7th day. Because this program travels a lot, you do have the opportunity to eat out. It's not expensive. You can get a meal for < $5. The most money I spent on one meal was $11, and it was at a Western style beer brewery. When it comes to souvenirs, you can bargain for anything that doesn't have a price tag on it. Most of the stuff you find in the markets are mass produced in factories, don't pay a lot for it. There's nothing that you can't get for less than $5. Sellers near Pub Street will try to charge more, don't buy from them. If you want quality souvenirs, go to Made in Cambodia Market on King's Road in Siem Reap. You'll pay more for the products, and you can't bargain, but they've got quality stuff that's made by the people who sell it.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

You are given a very quick lesson on language at the beginning of the program, but it's up to you to actually use it. I highly encourage you to learn the basic phrases, locals are very impressed if you can say thank you in Khmer

Select all that apply

• Dorm
• Other
• Hotel

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• Americans
• Other

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Traveling the country
• Constructing a grant proposal
• Learning about Cambodia's history and culture

• More field time with the elephants
• Better integration of lecture material while in the field
• Less down time between stays at EVP

The Avid Adventurer