Written By Kate & Katie
Our week began as we said goodbye to our friends and left the peaceful waters of the floating villages so we could journey to our new home for the week – Ptea Teuk Dong (PTD) International School!
After a 6 hour boat ride equipped with lots of Bob Marley music and dancing on deck (along with a stop in between for snacks), we arrived to our hostel for the night located in the exciting city of Battambang! We intentionally picked the hostel we did knowing it had the best pool, so rest assured, we made use of the pool! The next day, once we were all pooled out, we arrived at PTD, where we met the school president, Hou, as well as Aliza and Sambun, who would help us around for the week! Our main focus during our time at PTD was volunteering in the classroom with the children, which was also a big highlight of our week (and entire trip)! We assisted with three different classes a day: morning, afternoon, and an evening one, and it was so rewarding to work with and form connections with many different students at the schools. Each day in the classroom was different, with many classes being filled with games, yoga, and of course, many dance parties! Not only did we connect with the students, but we also found new friendships with many of the teachers at the school; many of which were our age. However, even though most of our days were packed with volunteering, we still found time to have fun! Much of our free time was spent on trips to the market or Dairy Queen nearby, We ended our time at PTD with a little ceremony and a big dance party with the teachers from PTD!
While we were sad to leave our friends at PTD, we will forever remember the experience we had and the connections we made!
What were three of the top highlights this week?:
Some of our big highlights of the week were meeting the teachers of the schools (we ended up getting their instagrams and have been staying in touch!)
Another highlight was the bat cave!!! We went to We saw millions of bats exit a cave at sunset. It was such an incredible experience!
Finally, a big highlight for us was the last night dance party, where we danced for hours alongside the staff at the school. It was a time for us to let loose and be ourselves, and it was a night we will never forget!
What is something you or the group is challenged by this week?:
One challenge this week has been teaching classes while navigating a language barrier. Although the wonderful teachers helped translate, it sometimes made communicating and connecting with the students a little more challenging. We also had the opportunity to visit some difficult historical sites connected to the Khmer Rouge, including the Killing Caves at Phnom Sampeau. It was a heavy experience and gave us a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s history. Lastly, our days have been pretty long, with classes starting at 8:00 AM and sometimes not finishing until around 6:00 PM. Even with these challenges, the students’ smiles, enthusiasm, and excitement have made every day worthwhile!
🌎 What are you most grateful for this week?:
This week, the things I feel most grateful for are the incredibly welcoming environment that PTD International School created for us. From the beginning, they made us feel at home and included in their community. The time we spent with the students was heartwarming and provided a comforting reminder that children around the world share something so special: their ability to play, be creative, and use their imaginations. Seeing their excitement, curiosity, and joy has been one of the best parts of our experience.