Cambodia
The Kingdom of Cambodia has a population of approximately 13 million and is the most ethnically homogenous country in the region. Cambodia is located in South-East Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand to the south, Thailand to the west, Laos to the north, and Vietnam to the east. According to the World Health Organisation, Cambodia has enjoyed great success in improving health outcomes in recent decades. Still, significant challenges remain as Cambodia moves towards universal health coverage.
Facts
Population: 16million+
Capital City: Phnom Penh
Currency: Cambodian Riel & USD
Main language: Khmer
Location
Siem Reap is a cosmopolitan tourist hub with a cosy feel referred to as a ‘city with soul’. It’s home to a contrast of people rich and poor, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the increasing number of tourist facilities in town as well as sharing a mutual respect for the amazing Angkor temples complex.
There has been a big push recently to tidy the town up to make it better place for people to live in and for people to visit.
Project info
Despite the recent modernity of Siem Reap there is still a big need for better healthcare facilities and basic health education. The more and more people move to Siem Reap, with the enticement of jobs and wealth, the more and more poverty levels rise.
A few weeks on placement will allow you to work hands on in your chosen discipline whilst getting to grips with Cambodian culture, its people and complexities.
Opportunities
Allied Health Program: General health facilities and services in Cambodia need support. Specialist healthcare including physiotherapy, occupational health and social work are keys areas in which students can make a real difference in terms of knowledge, skills exchange and capacity building.
At each facility, you will be utilising your skills and working alongside local health professionals. Throughout the experience, you will be learning from each other ensuring the best outcomes for your clients whether that be an immediate health check, an exercise session or writing a healthcare program that can be utilised at home.
Time will be spent assessing the health of individuals under the shadow of hospital or clinic staff, following up on patients’ conditions and consulting with staff about individual cases.
Depending on group sizes and your discipline you might have the opportunity to work at several sites across Siem Reap province including Grace House Community Centre, the Cambodian Diabetes Association, the Physical Rehabilitation Centre in Siem Reap, the Military Handicap Development Centre and Military Regional Station no.4 Hospital in Prasat Bakong. Students also have the opportunity to complete their placement at the Physical Rehabilitation Centre and World Mate Emergency Hospital in Battambang. Your placement will depend on your chosen area of study and we can offer either a dedicated placement at one of the partner sites or at multiple sites.
Head to the Programs page to find out more.
Community Internship: Nineteen Degrees collaborates with Khmer (Cambodian) businesses, NGOs and community organisations on an internship program to develop the entrepreneurial, philanthropic, creative and communication skills of students. The program will introduce students to the power of the new Khmer ‘Tiger’ economy and use this to explore community development, social justice, human rights, sustainability, big city vs rural ways of doing business and new business models (e.g. social entrepreneurship-based business model) evolving in the ever-growing Cambodia. Asian business culture places a high level of importance on hierarchy, relationship building and traditions which will be a unique insight for Australian students. The program is located primarily in the main city of Siem Reap, the home of Angkor Wat as well as regional trips to smaller regional and tourism hubs.
Head to the Programs page to find out more.
“This was followed by a visit to the Angkor Children’s Hospital where we had the privilege of meeting a local physiotherapist and learnt about the important role he does within the hospital.”
— Jess Sparks.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy, James Cook University
In country support
Nineteen Degrees together with their in-country host partners tailor make student programs ensuring both students, hosts and partners on the ground benefit from service placements. This only happens through good communication, something of which Vichhay, our in country manager, excels at.
Throughout your placement our staff will consistently liaise with the student group and local staff to check work schedules and debrief. Reflection and evaluation also occur weekly to ensure program needs and learning outcomes are being met.
You will find that there is continual monitoring and follow up to ensure project placement and client needs are being fulfilled. Prior to your placement finishing you will be asked to complete a handover to ensure your work is built upon and not un-done and re-done.
Get in touch
We hoped you enjoyed learning about our Cambodia programs on offer. To find out more information or to request a tailored proposal please contact us using the form below.