A Teachers’ Luxury Study Tour of Cambodia – Limited to 20 participants

Cambodia

Phnom Penh | Koh Rong Samloem | Siem Reap

10 January – 20 January 2025
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We welcome all teachers to an extraordinary journey that combines the essence of ancient wonders, vibrant city life, and the serene beauty of tropical paradise.
Outline

We are delighted to present our exclusive study tour for teachers in an unforgettable adventure through the captivating landscapes of Cambodia.

With presentations from local teachers, academics, and experts in Khmer culture, and visits to both Khmer and Western schools, this education study tour will provide a real insight into the Khmer education system and pedagogical practices in Cambodia.

You will explore the awe-inspiring temples of Siem Reap, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of life and culture in Phnom Penh, and unwind on pristine beaches nestled among the enchanting islands whist staying at some of Asia’s most iconic hotels.

Let us unveil the hidden treasures of Cambodia, where history, diversity, and natural splendor blend harmoniously to create an unforgettable journey of discovery.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

During this study tour, you will:

  • Understand the current state of primary and secondary education in Cambodia.
  • Analyse various classroom management techniques.
  • Explore cultural influences on the classroom environment.
  • Consider the similarities and differences in education in your own institutional setting and those that you visit in country.
  • Connect with Khmer and international teachers from diverse backgrounds.
Presenters:

Dr. Paula Foran PhD RN, FACORN, FACPAN, MACN

Dr Paula Foran has worked in education for over 30 years. Rather than learning about how students learn, her focus has been on how adults learn to become teachers. Paula’s qualifications include a Graduate Diploma in Adult Education and Training, Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training, Master (research) in Professional Education and Training and a PhD in Philosophy (Education). Paula’s doctoral research looked at the value of ‘guided’ verses ‘non-guided’ workplace learning, namely the importance of guided teaching for students gaining practical experience in the workplace.

Helen Miralles

Helen Miralles has worked as a teacher for over 40 years in various educational settings. Helen’s  qualifications include a Diploma of Teaching and Bachelor of Education and these have allowed her to work all around  Australia including remote Northern Territory, and at an International School in Kuwait. Helen has been a classroom teacher; Primary and Secondary levels, and worked as a Specialist in both Special Needs Education and English as a Second Language Areas. Helen is committed to helping teachers keep the joy of learning and teaching alive throughout their careers.

The Program: The program content is provided by expert Educators with extensive backgrounds in teaching and education experience. Education at Sea combines quality education with fabulous travel adventures. We have taken a holistic approach to Education Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to ensure you get the most out of your education-travel experience.

Disclaimer: Sessions are correct at time of publication. Sessions are subject to change without notice due to circumstances beyond the control of the organisers and EAS reserves the right to alter charges, cancel, postpone, change or withdraw the product or service at any time.

Itinerary

 

Day and Location Events
Day 1: Friday 10th January 2025 Arriving at Aquarius Hoteland Urban Resort Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The Aquarius Hotel and Urban Resort nestled in the heart of Phnom Penh, surrounded by the famous and momentous landmarks. It will immerse you in a thriving and frantic street life of this fascinating city while simultaneously cocooning you in luxury and comfort, your home away from home from which to explore this captivating city.

Unpack your bags and order a cocktail in their open air sky bar or relax in their infinity glass walled swimming pool.

Evening: Enjoy this opportunity to mingle with the other attendees at the complimentary drinks and registration function.
Day 2: Saturday 11th January 2025 – Aquarius Hotel and Urban Resort Phnom Penh

9am to 10:30am – Morning Session: 1

This morning we listen to a fascinating insight into the history of Cambodia and Phnom Penh by an expert historian, Linguist and long-term expat.

Jean-Michel Filippi is a professor of Khmer studies at the Royal University of Phnom Penh. He holds a Ph.D. in linguistics and master’s degrees in anthropology and mathematics.

He specialises in the description of the Khmer language and various minority languages of Cambodia and Southeast Asia. He is currently in charge of a UNESCO program about minority languages and cultures in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains. Jean-Michel has published several articles and books about these topics, mainly in French and Khmer, but also in English, including “Everyday Khmer” and the soon to be published “Preliminary Researches About Cambodian Minority Languages”.

Apart from linguistics, he has always had a great interest in Cambodian history and art. His wealth of knowledge on Cambodia makes him a fascinating speaker on a diverse range of topics.

11am to 1pm – Morning Session: 2

Following the introduction by Jean-Michel Filippi, you will meet with a local Khmer PhD holder with over a decade of experience working in government schools. With years of experience in both primary and secondary education, as well as university level teaching, our guest speaker will provide valuable insight into the Khmer education system.

Paula and Helen will then take over as they discuss desired learning outcomes from the conference. They will tell you more about what you can expect to see over the next week as you visit different schools and learn about the university, government, and private education systems in the country.

Afternoon: Visit a local university and meet with educators and students on the path to becoming teachers. Learn about the differences in required criteria for private and government teachers in Cambodia.

Evening: BOUTIQUE COCKTAIL TOUR

This evening your expat guide will meet you at your hotel to begin a night time exploration of some of Phnom Penh’s most prestigious cocktail bars. Journey around the city by tuk tuk experiencing the energy that makes up Cambodia’s capital whilst enjoying artful mixology.
Day 3: Sunday 12th January 2025 – Aquarius Hotel and Urban Resort Phnom Penh

Afternoon: PHNOM PENH HISTORY HALF DAY TOUR

Your half day tour this afternoon is designed to give you an insight into the horrors of Cambodia’s past, but also a sense of the optimism of its people. You will begin with the emotive settings of the detention centre S21 at Tuol Sleng and the ‘Killing Field’ of Choeung Ek.

Please be aware that the exhibits are, by their very nature, both graphic and disturbing, highlighting the atrocities committed against an entire population during one of the most terrifying periods in Cambodia’s history.

Evening: SUNSET BOAT CRUISE ON THE MEKONG RIVER INCLUDING DRINKS AND CANAPES

This evening as the sun descends head out on your own private boat into the Mekong River and enjoy the skyline of Phnom Penh as darkness falls.
Day 4: Monday 13th January 2025 La Passion Hotel & Resort, Koh Rong Samloem

Morning: 

At 7am we board our bus for the journey to Sihanoukville, this will take approximately 3 hours. On arrival to Sihanoukville, delegates will visit a local Khmer government school, meet the principles and staff, and tour the campus grounds and classrooms.

After some lunch we will board the speed boat for a short journey to Saracen Bay, Koh Rong Samloem to the 4* La Passion Resort

Day 5: Tuesday 14th January 2025 – La Passion Hotel & Resort, Koh Rong Samloem

 

Located just of the coast of Sihanoukville, Koh Rong Samloem is Koh Rong’s stunning sister island. It is a peaceful relaxing destination with breathtaking scenery, pristine white beaches, clear turquoise ocean waters, and a tropical jungle wilderness – a real ‘island paradise’.

After breakfast we will board a longboat for a 30 minute trip to M’Pai Bay on the opposite side of the island. Here we will visit the small local school and witness what school is like for the children of this small fishing community.

Following lunch we will board the boat once again for an exciting snorkeling experience in the beautiful waters surrounding the island, then return to our hotel.
Day 6: Wednesday 15th January 2025 FCC Angkor, Siem Reap

Today we make the short trip to Siem Reap, gateway to Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and the heart and soul of Cambodia.

Following a short 40 minute flight, we will arrive at the iconic FCC Hotel, where you will have time to enjoy a casual swim in the tranquil surrounds before our evening cocktail party.

Welcome to Siem Reap Reception (guests welcome) – FCC Angkor by Avani 5* Hotel

Enjoy tantalising cocktails and canapé’s as we watch sunset over the river at our welcome to Siem Reap reception. Here you will learn about all this enchanting city has to offer.
Day 7: Thursday 16th January 2025 – FCC Angkor, Siem Reap

Morning Session: 

This morning we will meet with a Western teacher with decades of experience in teaching and teacher training in Southeast Asia. You’ve learned about the Cambodian education system on the Khmer side, and today you will hear what it is like as a Western educator in the region.

Following lunch we will visit a private school and meet with the staff. Here you will witness firsthand the major differences between Khmer government schools and private education facilities.
Day 8: Friday 17th January 2025 – FCC Angkor, Siem Reap

ANGKOR SUNRISE & FULL DAY TEMPLE EXPLORATION

Wake up early this morning to depart at 4:45 AM, to see the amazing sunrise at Angkor Wat, a bucket list item on any trip to Siem Reap, the pre-dawn view provides a different and tranquil feeling in the cool of the morning. We will return to your hotel in time for Breakfast.

We start today with a visit to Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire with its centrepiece; the Bayon temple. Although it may look like a shapeless mass of stone, further scrutiny reveals towers with enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds perfect carvings winding along a narrow passageway that leads to the Baphuon complex.

Next head to the picturesque Ta Prohm. This temple is considered to be Angkor’s most beautiful structure and is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling.

Enjoy Lunch at a local restaurant nearby Srah Srang lake before continuing to Angkor wat. In the afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the Angkor plain: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture.

Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks, the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat symbolizes the ocean beyond.

 
Day 9: Saturday 18th January 2025 – FCC Angkor, Siem Reap

Take this free morning to enjoy as you please. Explore the city, enjoy a riverside coffee, or lounge in the hotel pool!

Afternoon: Tonle Sap Floating village 
 
This afternoon we’ll take a drive to the Tonle Sap lake. Once there, we’ll boat to one of the lake’s floating village communities and gain an insight into how the villagers live and what local life is like.
 
We’ll then continue the journey out onto the lake with a cold drink to watch as the sun descends before heading back to the hotel.
 
Day 10: Sunday 19th January 2025 – FCC Angkor, Siem Reap

9am to 1pm – Morning session: Paula & Helen

This morning you will review your experiences over the course of the conference. You have learned about education at the university level, in government run schools, and private institutions. How can you incorporate what you’ve learned into your own classroom environments? Paula and Helen will help you compare and contrast how these different systems function, while bridging the gap between education in Cambodia and in Australia.

EVENING: Farewell Gala Dinner

7 COURSE DEGUSTATION GALA DINNER AT THE FAMOUS ‘LUM ORNG” RESTAURANT.

Here, owner-chef Sothea Seng cooks New Mekong Cuisine from Cambodia and beyond, based on seasonal produce from his farms, local markets, and growers across the region.
Day 11: Monday 20th January 2025 We say our final goodbyes – Safe Travels

For information relating to pricing, bookings and travel insurance please complete the booking enquiry box or email enquiries@educationatsea.com.au

Itinerary Disclosure: Itinerary, topics and Education program are subject to change without notice.

Presenter Disclosure: Education at Sea makes every effort to ensure the advertised presenters deliver the program. However in the unlikely event a presenter is unavailable Education at Sea reserves the right to use a suitably qualified substitute presenter.

Included Tours
Included Tours and Attractions
Sunday 12th January 2025

Phnom Penh: S21 & Killing Fields Tour

Your half day tour this afternoon is designed to give you an insight into the horrors of Cambodia’s past, but also a sense of the optimism of its people. Starting early, you’ll begin with the emotive settings of the detention centre S21 at Tuol Sleng and the ‘Killing Field’ of Choeung Ek.

Please be aware that the exhibits are, by their very nature, both graphic and disturbing, highlighting the atrocities committed against an entire population during one of the most terrifying periods in Cambodia’s history.

DATE: Sunday 12th January 2025

Phnom Penh:  SUNSET BOAT CRUISE ON THE MEKONG RIVER

This evening as the sun descends head out on your own private boat into the Mekong River and enjoy the skyline of Phnom Penh as darkness falls.

Grab a cold drink and some Canapés to round  off the day. (includes 2 hours freeflow local drinks and canapes).

DATE: Sunday 12th January 2025

Siem Reap: ANGKOR SUNRISE & FULL DAY TEMPLE EXPLORATION

Wake up early this morning to depart at 4:45 AM, to see the amazing sunrise at Angkor Wat, a bucket list item on any trip to Siem Reap, the pre-dawn view provides a different and tranquil feeling in the cool of the morning. We will return to your hotel in time for Breakfast. We start today with a visit to Angkor Thom, the ancient royal city of the Khmer Empire with its centrepiece; the Bayon temple. Although it may look like a shapeless mass of stone, further scrutiny reveals towers with enigmatic faces of former King Jayavarman VII.

Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants, which served as a platform from where the King could welcome back his victorious army and the Terrace of the Leper King, which holds perfect carvings winding along a narrow passageway that leads to the Baphuon complex. Next head to the picturesque Ta Prohm. This temple is considered to be Angkor’s most beautiful structure and is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. The magnificent roots of the trees have merged over the centuries with the temple’s huge stone blocks, emphasizing a ‘forgotten city’ feeling.

Enjoy Lunch at a local restaurant nearby Srah Srang lake before continuing to Angkor wat.

In the afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the Angkor plain: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks, the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat symbolizes the ocean beyond.

DATE: Friday 17th January 2025

Siem Reap: TONLE SAP FLOATING VILLAGE 

This afternoon depart on a journey to the Tonle Sap, the largest lake in Southeast Asia.

Here we will hop onto a boat and head out to one of the lakes floating village communities and gain an insight into how the villagers live and what local life is like.

After the visit we will continue the journey out onto the lake to watch as the sun descends with a cold drink before heading back to the hotel.

DATE: Saturday 18th January 2025

 

Siem Reap: 7 COURSE DEGUATATION GALA DINNER AT THE FAMOUS ‘LUM ORNG RESTAURANT.

Here, owner-chef Sothea Seng cooks New Mekong Cuisine from Cambodia and beyond, based on seasonal produce from his farms, local markets, and growers across the region.

It is one of the worlds top 50 restaurants!

In Khmer, Lum Orng means ‘pollen’, a grain that fertilises and gives life. For Sothea Seng, whose farm-to-table philosophy is rooted in seasonality and sustainability, it’s a symbol of growth and regeneration, and a metaphor for his journey as a chef as passionate about preserving Cambodia culinary traditions as exploring new directions.

For the last five years at his Siem Reap restaurant Mahob Khmer, chef Sothea has dedicated himself to elevating traditional Cambodian food while preserving Cambodia’s culinary heritage – much of which was lost during the brutal Khmer Rouge regime of the late 1970s, and is at risk due to the lack of understanding about Cambodian food – and growing much of his own produce at his organic gardens and farm at Beng Mealea.

Lum Orng represents a renewal for the chef in terms of both his desire to develop an inventive New Mekong Cuisine that reflects Cambodia’s long rich culinary history, and the expansion of his farm-to-table philosophy and commitment to sustainability with the establishment of a restaurant with herbs growing in the garden and a farm across the road.

Looking beyond Cambodia’s borders, Sothea is develop relationships with growers and producers in neighbouring countries. So alongside the Tonle Sap’s freshwater fish and seafood from Cambodia’s coast, you can expect to see anything from organic beef from Surin, Thailand, to buffalo mozzarella from Laos on future Lum Orng menus.

DATE: Sunday 19th January 2025

We Welcome all partners, friends & family!

You don’t have to travel alone – we welcome all partners, friends and family to come with you!

There are many things for your guests to do while you are having presentations or attending hospital visits. Below are just a few fabulous ideas for activities they can do:

SIEM REAP:

  • Soak up the sunshine and play golf
  • Go on a Quad bike adventure
  • Visit the Old Market – known locally as Psar Chas – is among the most popular things to do in Siem Reap town itself. 
  • Test your skills at the shooting range
  • Get your adrenaline going with some trail bike racing
  • Visit Pub Street
  • APOPO Visitor Center –  experience the realities of humanitarian demining and how they train rats to save lives!!
  • Visit the Angkor National Museum – Displays include relics from the pre-Angkorian periods of the great Khmer kings Funan and Chenla, Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, stone pallets with ancient Khmer and Sanskrit inscriptions, as well as traditional costumes of former kings, queens, warriors, and Apsara dancers.
  • Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre
  • The Landmine Museum – This museum was founded in 1997 by Aki Ra. He was forced to work as a mine layer by the Khmer Rouge, planting land mines from an age as young as 5. Now he is working to remove them, and set up the museum to both showcase his efforts and educate visitors on the dangers faced every day by Cambodians#
  • Go on a day trip to Kulen Waterfalls

KOH RONG SAMLOEM:

  • Scuba Diving
  • Fishing
  • Island tour boat trip
  • Snorkelling
  • Kayaking
  • Hiking
  • Paddle boarding

PHNOM PENH:

  • Garden City Water Park – Garden City Water Park is a new first Asia’s top entertainment filled with family lifestyle activities for all ages 
  • Enjoy a relaxing Spa day and massage
  • Visit the Royal Palace
  • National Museum
  • Fly – Fly is the first ever trampoline park in Cambodia where you can free-fly, free-ball, and free-run your way to happiness. 
Pricing
  Luxury Exclusive Cambodian Study Tour Experience – Why not invite a friend or colleague to join you!
Delegate (Twin Share) $3560 per person 
Single Supplement (Own room for one) $840 per person
Non Delegate (Twin Share) $3060 per person

Prices are subject to change, Education at Sea has reserved the right to re-cost pricing in the event of significant currency fluctuations. A non-refundable deposit of $200 per person is due at time of booking with the final balance payable by the 13th November 2024. All funds are non-refundable after the final payment date.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:
  • An airport meet and greet and private transfer to the Aquarius Hotel and Urban Resort from the airport via a traditional Tuk Tuk ride
  • 3 Nights stay at the Aquarius Hotel and Urban Resort including breakfast
  • Phnom Penh History Half Day Tour – Includes S21 at Tuol Sleng and the ‘Killing Field’ of Choeung Ek
  • Sunset boat cruise on the Mekong River including canapés
  • University visit in Phnom Penh
  • Bus transfer to Sihanoukville
  • Government school visit
  • Return Boat transfer to Koh Rong Samloem
  • 2 Night stay at the beachside resort ‘La Passion’ including breakfast
  • Boat to M’Pai Bay for school visit and snorkeling
  • Transfer to airport
  • Flight to Siem Reap
  • Five nights at FCC Angkor by Avani (5 stars) including breakfast
  • Sunrise at Angkor Wat and full day temple exploration
  • Tonle Sap floating village experience
  • Private school visit in Siem Reap
  • Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience at our gala 7 course degustation (including wine) farewell gala dinner held at one of the top 50 restaurants in the world ‘Lum Orng’ to celebrate new friendships and memories made
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS:
  • An extensive program based on current best practice
  • Dedicated Space for expert presentations and reflection
  • Coffee breaks and lunches on presentation days
  • Education content that meets the same exacting standards as anything offered in an Australian program
  • Presenters that are excited to be able to share their skill, knowledge, and passion with Attendees
  • An online library filled to the brim with educational content that allows you to create your own learning experience
  • A Registration Reception including complimentary drinks where you can meet other Attendees and network with Convenors and Presenter/s
  • A locally sourced handcrafted Cambodian Welcome pack and additional information to support a fantastic study tour experience
  • A Transcript reflecting all education sessions, presentations and school site visits
  • A Certificate of Completion identifying the CPD hours attached to the Program for you to include in your CPD Evidence Portfolio
EXCLUSIONS
  • Flights to and from Cambodia
  • Meals & Drinks not mentioned
  • Departure transfer to airport
  • All optional tours
  • Travel insurance – please contact us at travel@traveldirectaustralia.com.au for a quote
  • Visa

Cancellation Penalties and Disclosure: Cancellation policies vary by supplier. When reserving your study tour please review the terms and conditions applicable to the event. All deposits and registration fee’s are non refundable. CPD Cruises Pty Ltd trading as Education at Sea will not be responsible for any financial loss due to cancellation from unforeseen circumstances. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance at time of booking.

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