Cambodia

Program Overview

Cambodia Study Abroad is a study abroad program offered by the College of Education Department of Curriculum and Instruction. There will be 4 pre-departure meetings in Spring 2026, followed by a 3-week program in Cambodia from May 11 to 30, 2026. This program is open to all Purdue undergraduate and graduate students of any major. 

Participants will spend three weeks in Cambodia engaged in cultural excursions and opportunities to study and practice methods for teaching English as a Second language (ESL). Cultural excursions include visits to ancient temple ruins, museums, and other sites and will engage participants in learning about Cambodia culture and its ancient and modern history. Site visits to schools, universities, and NGOs will highlight the challenges and opportunities for improving education in Cambodia. Participants will also assist in teaching ESL at local schools. 

During their stay in Cambodia, participants will take approximately 30 hours of applied linguistics and ESL methodology classes based at the English Department of the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), our partner university in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. These classes will be taught by program leaders from Purdue University with invited guest lecturers of the English department of RUPP in Cambodia. They will also do approximately 30 hours of teaching ESL in one of our local K-12 partner schools: Zion International School of Phnom Penh, USA International School, and Abundant Life International School.

Length of Program

3 weeks (last 3 weeks in May, immediately after finals week).

Locations

Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Kampot, Cambodia

Academic Information

Undergraduate courses: Earn 3 Academic Credits

• EDCI 37001 Teaching & Learning English as a New Language (3 credits)
• OR
• EDCI 49000 Cambodia: History and Culture (3 credits)

Graduate courses: Earn 3 Academic Credits.

• EDCI 53000 English Language Development (3 credits)
• OR
• EDCI 59000 Cambodia: History and Culture (3 credits)

Estimated Program Costs

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.

Estimated program costs for the May 2026 program are $3,500.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

There are a variety of financial aid & scholarship opportunities offered by Purdue University to cover some or all of the costs for study abroad programs.

Students interested in receiving financial aid should

• direct financial aid inquiries to the Division of Financial Aid on the West Lafayette campus; 
• consult the Study Abroad Financial Aid Process website;
• complete and submit the FAFSA by the appropriate deadline.

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.