The recent Cambodia service trip was an unforgettable experience, offering our students an unparalleled opportunity to learn, give back, and grow. Over two weeks, 39 students and six staff from The Studio School (TSS) and All Saints' College (ASC) embarked on a journey filled with cultural discovery and community service, leaving a profound impact on both the students and the communities they visited.
From the vibrant streets of Phnom Penh to the awe-inspiring temples of Siem Reap, the group immersed themselves in Cambodian history, culture, and daily life. Through projects like installing water filters and building homes, students not only developed valuable skills but also made meaningful contributions to local communities.
A Journey Through the Diary Entries
Days 1-4: Cultural Immersion
The first few days were filled with vibrant cultural experiences. Students explored Phnom Penh's night markets, tasted delicious local food, and delved into Cambodia’s complex history.
They visited the Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields, gaining an emotional understanding of the Khmer Rouge regime’s devastating impact. These deeply moving visits provided insight into the Khmer Rouge regime’s devastating impact and sparked thoughtful reflections among the group.
A highlight for many was visiting the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, where students joined the "Keeper for a Day" program. They learned about the sun and moon bears and prepared enrichment activities for the rescued animals.
To top it off, students enjoyed the thrills of the Phare Circus, a not-for-profit school of the arts.
Days 5-11: Service Projects
The focus then shifted to hands-on service projects that made a lasting difference.
Partnering with Water for Cambodia, students worked to install bio-sand filters in rural homes, bringing clean drinking water to communities. The filters, expected to last up to 15 years, will significantly improve health outcomes for local families.
The group also partnered with Volunteer Building Cambodia to construct a house for a family in need. Over two days, students worked tirelessly to assemble the house’s frame, paint planks, and install doors and walls. The project culminated in an emotional handover ceremony where the family expressed heartfelt gratitude for their new home.
At Treak Community School, students worked with local children on educational activities and got hands-on with a sustainability initiative, making over 500 bricks from recycled plastic to build homes in the surrounding village. The process, involving sand, baked plastic, and a concrete mix, was eye-opening, and our students took great pride in being part of something so impactful. They also designed and laid a mosaic that beautifully represents TSS and ASC, with the value of Empathy at its core.
Near Siem Reap, students planted fruit trees for a local family, providing them with a long-term source of both food and income.
Days 11-13: Adventure and Exploration
The trip ended with a mix of adventure and cultural discovery.
Students hiked up Phnom Kulen, a significant sandstone plateau that’s both the birthplace of the Khmer Empire and a sacred site for the Khmer people. They then cooled off at the breathtaking Kulen Waterfall, before spending the night at a traditional Khmer homestay filled with traditional music and dancing.
They visited Banteay Srei, a stunning pink sandstone temple, and explored Pradak Village, learning how to make palm sugar, rice noodles, and traditional crafts like palm-frond fish.
On the final day, students cycled 23 kilometres around the Angkor temples, visiting landmarks such as Bayon, Ta Prohm, and the iconic Angkor Wat, before celebrating one of the student's birthdays with cake, dancing, and a final visit to Pub Street.
Year 10 Audrey’s Perspective: A Life-Changing Experience
Year 10 student Audrey perfectly captured the essence of the trip:
"Going to Cambodia was the experience of a lifetime. It might sound cliché, but it was life changing. It put a lot of things into perspective, and I came back much more grateful for everyday things that I would normally not think twice about. Building a house in two days is something I never imagined doing, but seeing the smiles on the family’s faces made all the hard work truly worth it."
Audrey’s words highlight the personal growth and deep connections formed during the trip, as well as the transformative power of service and cultural immersion. For many students, the experience was a chance to step out of their comfort zones, learn new skills, and give back in meaningful ways.
The Lasting Impact
This trip exemplified The Studio School’s commitment to fostering global citizenship and empathy. Beyond gaining hands-on experience—ranging from building sustainable homes to installing water filtration systems—students developed a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s culture, history, and remarkable resilience.
The memories and lessons from this transformative trip will stay with the students for years to come. As Audrey reflected, "I hope to visit Cambodia again in the future to give back even more."
We are deeply proud of our students for their kindness, determination, and curiosity. Thank you to everyone who made this experience possible—our students, staff, parents, and community partners. Together, we’re helping shape a brighter, more connected future, one project at a time.
