Phnom Penh & Siem Reap - Turing Scheme

Explore Phnom Penh’s rich heritage with visits to the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum. Gain deeper insight into Cambodia’s past at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Documentation Center, including a powerful session with a Khmer Rouge survivor.

Visit Friends Kitchen, a social enterprise supporting marginalised youth, and end the day with a sunset cruise on the Mekong River.

A meaningful blend of cultural immersion, historical understanding, and social impact.

Students will gain a powerful, first-hand understanding of Cambodia's history and resilience by visiting the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and meeting with a local NGO supporting disadvantaged youth. This is followed by an enriching cultural immersion at the Champey Academy of Arts, where they'll practice traditional dance and painting alongside local students. This trip perfectly reflects Turing Scheme goals - promoting global citizenship, empathy, cross-cultural exchange, and hands-on skill development through meaningful, transformative learning experiences

Students will dive into Cambodia's sustainability and social impact scene, starting with a hands-on eco-workshop at Compost City, where youth-led initiatives transform waste into organic fertilizer. They'll enjoy a sustainable lunch at Eleven One Kitchen, explore Cambodia's economic history at the SOSORO Museum, and visit Daughters of Cambodia to learn about community empowerment and recovery. A reflective sunset walk along the river rounds off a day that blends practical learning, cultural exchange, and personal growth - making it an ideal Turing Scheme experience built around global awareness, resilience, and social responsibility.

Students will travel across Cambodia's countryside to Battambang, experiencing rural life and local culture first-hand. They'll relax in this charming, art-focused town and dine at Jaan Bai, a social enterprise restaurant that empowers disadvantaged youth through hospitality training. This trip perfectly embodies the Turing Scheme's goals by fostering cultural immersion, ethical tourism, and social responsibility, giving students a unique opportunity to support community development and grow their global awareness.

Students will gain hands-on cultural experience making traditional rice paper, explore local markets and historic temples, and reflect on Cambodia's past and resilience at the Peace Gallery - meeting with a curator to understand its powerful messages of reconciliation and hope. Visits to sacred sites and natural landmarks like Wat Phnom Banan and the Bat Cave deepen students' historical and environmental awareness. This immersive day perfectly aligns with Turing Scheme goals by fostering global citizenship, empathy, cultural exchange, and transformative learning that broadens horizons and nurtures a sense of shared humanity.

Students will gain hands-on experience with Cambodia's vibrant social entrepreneurship scene at the Phare Circus Centre in Battambang, joining interactive workshops led by disadvantaged youth who have built careers through this creative performing arts program. This is followed by a captivating circus performance in Siem Reap that celebrates Khmer culture and sustainability, showing how local innovation supports community development. The trip offers a powerful blend of cultural immersion, environmental awareness, and real-world learning — an inspiring and transformative international educational experience.

Students will explore the iconic temples of Angkor Archaeological Park, including Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Wat, gaining insight into Cambodia's rich cultural heritage and architectural mastery. A hike up Phnom Bakheng offers panoramic views and a memorable sunset experience. The day concludes with a traditional Apsara dance performance, deepening cultural appreciation. An engaging photo scavenger hunt at Bayon Temple fosters teamwork and active learning, making the experience interactive and immersive. This blend of history, culture, and collaborative learning provides a dynamic environment to understand sustainable tourism, heritage preservation, and community engagement.

Students will trek through lush jungle trails to Phnom Kulen, a site of deep spiritual and cultural importance in Cambodia. Guided by a local expert, they will visit sacred pagodas, observe traditional worship, and enjoy the natural beauty of the waterfall and its pools. This active, immersive experience promotes physical wellbeing, cultural understanding, and environmental appreciation, perfectly supporting the goals of global learning, personal growth, and cross-cultural engagement.

Students will explore the Teuk Chub Knapo Community Conservation Forest, learning about local efforts to protect wildlife and combat deforestation through grassroots conservation. They'll engage in a guided 7-kilometer trek under the jungle canopy and participate in tree planting, actively contributing to environmental sustainability. A cultural exchange at Knapo High School, including games and gift-giving, fosters friendship and cross-cultural understanding. This immersive day supports key goals of the Turing Scheme by combining environmental education, community engagement, and international collaboration.

Days 9–13 – Community, Culture & Social Impact

Explore Kampong Khleang, a floating village on Tonlé Sap Lake, and engage in hands-on service projects in the Kok Sangke community focused on sustainability and rural livelihoods. Activities include traditional crafts, village interviews, and visits to a women-led farm and blacksmith workshop.

Meet a landmine survivor, tour historical irrigation sites, receive a monk blessing, and enjoy a lakeside BBQ with local students. Reflect on resilience, culture, and development each evening.

Connect with a Vivu Local Legend and visit Wat Danak Pagoda, the Life and Hope Organisation, and the Women’s Resource Center to learn about education, social care, and women’s empowerment. Tour Angkor Hospital for Children before concluding with a farewell dinner, celebrating growth and shared experiences.