Student Travel Programs in Cambodia
Cambodia is a country with a painful past and a hopeful future. Rustic Pathways has partnered with social enterprises and local community development organizations since 1999 to help students gain a deep understanding of the beautiful, complex realities of Cambodia. Our staff members are skilled at teaching while keeping it fun, and students often leave with a changed perspective about their own lives.
Explore access to water in Cambodia during the first week of the Critical Issues Summit
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Connect to local youth and expand their access to education
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Experience Cambodian river life and lend a hand to communities in need
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Journey through remote Cambodia to explore the country’s rich cultural tapestry
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The best hotels and attractions of Southeast Asia in four countries
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Through the years, Cambodia has become my second home. The moment I first stepped foot in the country, I felt welcomed and the people I’ve met have sincerely become my family. That’s simply how Cambodia operates. — Alexis Simchak, Cambodia and Vietnam Country Director
Quote by: Lexi has extensive experience in Southeast Asia where she has worked since 2012 leading programs and managing operations in Cambodia. Having discovered her passion for travel and service learning at a young age, Lexi loves exploring new places and uncovering hidden gems. She is a proud alumna of Penn State and is dedicated to service and cultural exchange in Cambodia.
Meet the Rest of Team Cambodia
Pannha En
Cambodia Country Manager
Pannha is a graduate of the National University of Management in Phnom Penh where he received his Master’s in Business Administration. Known for his gentle-hearted nature and quick smile, Pannha hails from humble roots in Kandal province. His inspiring work ethic has shined brightly over the past seven years. When he is not hard at work behind the scenes organizing our Cambodia program operations, he enjoys playing volleyball. Fluent in both English and Khmer, Pannha is a tremendous asset to Rustic Pathways and proud manager of our local staff team in Cambodia.
Sothea Aom
Cambodia Program Manager
Born in a small village south of Phnom Penh, Sothea graduated from Cambodia’s National University of Management with a degree in business administration. Prior to joining Rustic Pathways, he worked for an NGO that helps support children in indigent communities and his knowledge of the non-profit world really shines when leading our From the Ground Up program. Since joining Team Cambodia in 2012, he has been a tremendous asset in improving our operations. Sothea is a talented musician and artist, and is often leading karaoke during the van rides!
Yusos Sles
Cambodia Program Manager
Full of energy and always smiling, Yusos is the first one to the project site and the last one to leave. Born in a small Cham village outside of Kampong Chhnang, he now resides in Phnom Penh where he is a recent graduate of Royal University of Law and Economics. Yusos enjoys traveling, seeing new things, and meeting new people, and has traveled to the United States, Australia, and all around Southeast Asia with Rustic. He especially loves meeting new students and showing them around his country.
Senghong Yourk
Cambodia Program Manager
Senghong is a recent graduate of Royal University of Law and Economics where he received a degree in international relations . He brings his impressive knowledge of the many issues affecting life in Cambodia today. Senghong is very passionate about discovering new things and being a role model while making a positive impact in his country. Outside of Rustic Pathways, he is very involved in efforts working to bring change to Cambodia, and is a member of the U.S. Ambassador Youth Council, where he meets with the U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia every month to discuss different issues.
Sothy Than
Cambodia Program Manager
Sothy was raised in the Battambang countryside where he worked his way up through school and became a champion kick boxer. In addition to his native Khmer, Sothy learned English and Thai from the monks at Phreah Phrom Rach Pagoda. He has been with Rustic Pathways since 2011 and is a great addition to Team Cambodia. His love and passion for his country is contagious and it’s apparent that he enjoys sharing the wonders of his country with students. Sothy is also a proud father to two adorable little boys..
Pengthay So
Cambodia Program Manager
A graduate of Build Bright University with a degree in English, Pengthay, also known as Mr. Thay, is one of our most knowledgable leaders. Known for his unforgettable laugh, he will be one of the first cracking jokes. From a remote area of Siem Reap province, Pengthay, who is an official tour guide for Angkor Archeological Park, delights in showing students the wonders of Angkor Wat and the region’s best-known temples. When not leading trips, you can find Mr. Thay spending time with his family and three adorable kids.
Hun Vat
Boat Captain
Raised on the edge of the great Tonle Sap waterway, Hun has spent his entire life on the water. As the captain of our river boat, he knows all the best backwater routes for our Floating Village Service program and can show you the many hidden gems along the way. Hun has been with Rustic Pathways since 2007, and is the perfect captain to navigate our students through the heart of Cambodia’s intricate waterways. Hun is an avid fisherman, and enjoys teaching the students his ways!
Ra Gneim
First Mate
Originally hailing from a small floating village in Siem Reap province, Ra was raised on the water. A skilled fisherman, Ra is an excellent first mate on the Rustic Pathways River Boat. Having never attended formal school, Ra has taken advantage of the Rustic Pathways’ Intensive English Language course and excelled tremendously over the last four years. Ra enjoys listening to music and is very interested in learning about popular music outside of Cambodia from the students. When not working on the boat, Ra likes to play soccer and volleyball.