Hidden Hill Tribes Of Cambodia

  Cambodia

• Other Cities in Cambodia: 
Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: August 2010

Description: Explore The Little Known "Wild East" Of Cambodia:
Tampoans, Krungs, Kavets, Braos, and Jaraîs, we are still talking about Cambodia aren't we? The hill tribe minorities of Ratanakiri make their homes in the remote North-East of Cambodia where they are rarely visited, and often forgotten in the land of Angkor Wat. This mysterious part of the country is vastly different from the flooded rice paddies most visitors experience across the Western floodplain. Each ethnic group coexists closely with the others while retaining their individual cultural identities. Here among tigers and elephants these groups have developed their own unique religions, languages and architectural styles. A shy and remote province awaits....

At Home In The Jungle:
Explore what makes the region unique by living and working alongside local hill tribesmen as we perform service in villages across Ratanakiri. The villages of Ratanakiri look as if they were literally carved out of the jungle, they are surrounded by thick steamy tropical jungles. The tribes living in these areas have learned to adapt to a unique and beautiful landscape and lead lives much different from their low land dwelling countrymen. In between service projects volunteers and students will have the opportunity to accompany the men of the village on traditional hunting trips in the jungle, explore hidden waterfalls atop mighty Asian elephants or relax in volcanic hot springs. Immersed in local culture volunteers will be able to gain a deep and personal understanding of the hidden hill tribes of Cambodia.

Tribal Service Projects:
Volunteers will be working with local villagers to build toilets, repair schools, or spend some time teaching English or Art at the local primary schools. Volunteers will be able to survey each village and meet with the leaders of the villages and schools to discuss what projects they feel would most benefit the people living at each location. Volunteers may find themselves working with local raw materials such as bamboo or using thatched roof panels to finish their projects. This project promises to challenge students to think outside the box and exercise their problem solving abilities as they participate in this exciting and unique service project. In addition to construction projects, volunteers will be delivering school and medical supplies to people who simply cannot afford them as they snake their way through Ratanakiri.

Qualifications: There are no formal qualifications necessary to join our volunteer/community service trips around the world. We only ask that you are physically fit and come with an open mind, ready to meet people and lend a hand!

Cost in US$: 2695

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Participants in our community service programs tend to be open-minded individuals who are eager to see the world, experience a new culture, and lend a helping hand.

Age Range: 13-26

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Cambodia Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 10

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Global Student Outreach's Mission Statement: Global Student Outreach believes that informal education through interaction will benefit impoverished and disadvantaged children more then forced encounters with foreign concepts and values. Our organization strives to connect foreign volunteers with Cambodian youth in need of support, allowing them to work together on cooperative projects throughout the country. The resulting interaction and genuine friendship between the volunteers and the local population will stimulate curiosity about the world beyond and promote greater interest in pursuit of higher education.

Year Founded: 2009