CAMBODIA GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP PROGRAM
A Transformative Service-Learning Experience
About Us
Greater Social Equality. A More Sustainable Environment. A More Secure World for Everyone.
Challenges Abroad is a social enterprise that provides impactful, customised overseas learning program for students. Our mission is to develop the next generation of Global Citizens, who as future leaders will help shape a better future for everyone.
Through our programs, we ensure that students not only develop a global mindset but gain vital life and employability skills, enabling them to have a positive impact on the world through their future endeavours
We are proud to be a Certified B Corporation!
It reinforces that together, we’re delivering programs that are not only transformative for students, but also beneficial for communities and respectful of the planet
The Challenges Abroad Difference
Student Impact
Developing the next generation of Global Citizens.
Community Impact
Delivering long-term development projects that support local communities.
Enviornmental Impact
We are working on becoming a carbon neutral organisation.
Short-Term Programs, Long-Term Impact.
Our Global Citizenship Program enables students to step out of their comfort zone whilst building their understanding of the wider world, learning about new cultures and fostering meaningful connections with the local community.
Global Citizenship:
Students broaden their perspectives, embrace cultural diversity, and ignite a lifelong drive to make a difference in the world
Cultural Immersion:
Discover, connect & experiencestudents dive into vibrant local cultures, learning through meaningful cross-cultural exchange
Community Engagement:
Lead, inspire & create changestudents deliver hands-on workshops, building skills and leaving a lasting impact on local schools.
Every Challenges Abroad program supports the goals and objectives of our international development charity, theFutureSenseFoundation
Participants on a Challenges Abroad programaretherefore, not only directly impacting the community through their project, but are part of a sustainable community development initiative that will have a long lasting, positive impact.
Cambodia: Land of Wonder
Our programs are based at our Hub in Battambang, in northwestern Cambodia on the Sangkae River The city is known for having some of the best-preserved French Colonial architecture in the country
Since 2013, we have supported a Supplementary Education Centre in Battambang, which provides free education to children from low-income backgrounds Over the years, 700 children have graduated from this program, and we have seen primary school pass rates grow from 20% to 99%!
Day 1
Arrival
Arrival Airport: Siem Reap International Airport
Transfer: 4 hours by private bus
Accommodation: Challenges Abroad Hub
Touch down in Cambodia! Welcome to Battambang - a city that feels more like a large country town. After being welcomed at the airport by your group mentor and transferred to your base for the next week, you’ll have time to settle into your accommodation
As the evening sets in, gather for your Welcome Dinner - your first taste of Khmer cuisine and the first moment your team comes together, ready for the journey ahead.
Siem Reap
Battambang
Week 1: Community Engagement
Days 2-3
Program & Cultural Orientation
Accommodation: Local guest house
The name Battambang means “the lost stick”. According to local legend, a powerful king threw a magical stick that landed in the area and brought prosperity to the region!
The first couple of days are all about building confidence, connection and excitement You’ll dive deeper into Khmer culture, learn more about the communities you’ll be working alongside, and start planning as a team for the impactful journey ahead.
Days 4-6
Battambang
Accommodation: Challenges Abroad Hub
Spend three immersive days embedded in the local community, partnering with local schools to bring your skills to life by running interactive workshops. With dedicated time to craft your sessions, you’ll step into the classroom feeling ready to contribute in a meaningful way - learning just as much from the community as you share. This hands-on experience builds confidence, uncovers new strengths, and leaves a lasting, sustainable impact
Beyond you workshops, soak up Battambang’s laid-back charm and experience culture in the most authentic way - through new friendships and everyday moments that shift perspective.
Potential workshop topics: The goal: inspire creativity, spark curiosity and build aspirations
Day 7
Battambang > Siem Reap
Travel Time: 4 hours by private bus | Accommodation: Hotel
Spend the morning wrapping up your first week in the community, before kicking back and relaxing, sharing stories and reflections with new friends, and soaking in Cambodia’s incredible landscape as you travel to Siem Reap! Once you arrive, there will be time to settle in and explore as you get ready for an unforgettable weekend of discovery
Weekend: A Bucket List Moment
Day 8
Angkor Wat
Accommodation: Hotel or Hostel
Rise before dawn for a true bucket list moment as you visit Angkor Wat, one of the largest and most awe-inspiring religious monuments in the world As the first light of day rises behind the temple’s iconic towers, watch the ancient complex slowly glow in the morning sun - an experience that feels both peaceful and magical Walking through this UNESCO World Heritage site at sunrise is a once-ina-lifetime moment and a highlight of any visit to Cambodia
Did You Know?
The Angkor Archaeological Park is home to over 1,000 temples - ancient wonders waiting to be explored, from the worldfamous Angkor Wat to hidden ruins tucked into the jungle!
Day 9
Siem Reap > Battambang
Travel Time: ~4 hours | Accommodation: Challenges Abroad Hub
Before making your way back to Battambang, there will be time to explore the vibrant streets of Siem Reap, soaking up the energy of this lively city as you wander through bustling streets filled with cafés and street food stalls Browse the famous markets, where you’ll discover handcrafted souvenirs, try delicious local snacks, and experience the colourful atmosphere
Week 2: Community Engagement
Accommodation: Challenges Abroad Hub Days 10-13 Battambang
These four days follow a similar rhythm to the first - crafting sessions, leading workshops, and coming together as a team to reflect on the impact you ' re making The difference? You return with stronger skills, growing confidence, and deeper connections, stepping back into the classroom with a clearer sense of purpose. Somewhere between the first workshop and the last, you’ll begin to recognise your own growth as a Global Citizen reflected back in the students in front of you
You will also contribute to Climate Action initiatives by raising environmental awareness, leading community clean-ups and tree-planting!
Our programs are Carbon Neutral, as we work with a certified off-set provider to calculate and neutralise the emissions generated for everyone travelling
Day 14
Departure
Airport: Siem Reap International Airport Transfer: ~4 Hours
The final day and journey home offer time to reflect on the skills you ’ ve developed, the experiences you ’ ve shared, and the perspectives you ’ ve gained, recognising how much you ’ ve grown as Global Citizens
Global Citizenship Programs
Key Objectives:
Developing the Next Generation of Global Citizens
Providing a structured & reflective experience for students, as they apply their knowledge and skills in a practical, real-world setting.
Short-Term Programs, Long-Term Impact
Working towards achieving the UN Goals for Sustainable Development, supporting the FutureSense Foundation
Mutually Beneficial Programs
Ensuring that there is mutual benefit and learning for the local community and student participants.
of students think that their Global Citizenship journey was a lifechanging experience that has inspired them to experience the world more!
Global Citizen,Nadia
As the name suggests, of course there are challenges, but the problemsolving skills and confidence that come out of the experience are unmatched.
We measure the impact of our programs on student participants by evaluating the following 10 key skill areas:
Students will tackle real-world challenges hand-in-hand with local communities, seeing the direct impact of their contributions.
Students will step into a different world, experiencing new cultures firsthand and building genuine connections that change how they see the world.
Students will strengthen emotional development and self-awareness through reflective and collaborative experiences
Students will push beyond their comfort zone, discovering resilience, confidence, and capabilities.
Students will examine their own perspectives on privilege, equity, and global citizenship, developing empathy and a deeper sense of responsibility.
Students will build authentic skills through daily interactions, learning to communicate & work effectively across cultural differences
“This program pushed me to be uncomfortable which allowed me to overcome my fears of failure. The connections I've made with everyone will last forever and have opened my eyes to the vast world.”
Global Citizen, Rommie
This is a once in a lifetime experience, which is both culturally and educationally enriching. While it does present challenges, you gain skills and make new friends to help you overcome any issues.
Risk Management
We ensure that...
Every program activity has been risk assessed with safety audits conducted and can provide school with information required to complete pre trip processes
We have real-time safety management system with a robust emergency response process
All participants have 24/7 support from our in-country staff
Every participant has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance (mandatory)
We conduct a comprehensive program briefing process to ensure students are well prepared for their program
