Invitation to Attend our Annual Intercultural Exchange to Cambodia

The Cambodia Intercultural Exchange in psychology, counseling and therapy has enjoyed many successes since it beginning in 2007. The goal of this 10-day exchange program is to explore issues of counseling, psychology, marriage, couples and family life in Cambodia, including traditional and innovative methods of intervention. Our group will meet with our professional counterparts at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) and participating community agency representatives and professionals. During the trip we will share information, develop relationships, and foster a bilateral cultural exchange of ideas. We hope that you will be actively engaged as both a teacher, and a learner. Our philosophy of developing this exchange is to go far beyond a mere tour. We would like to meaningfully engage with the culture and get involved with some of the issues currently facing the Khmer people. These include issues of social justice and overcoming poverty in the wake of war and conflict. We will do this by being thoughtful about every aspect of our trip, including our accommodations (i.e. when possible we will seek accommodations that are green, owned and supported by the local economy, staffed locally), and by carefully selecting restaurants and other accommodations. We are developing a menu of restaurant choices where the restaurant operation is designed to provide training and experience for homeless street children (many rescued from the city dumps) as they learn a trade and provide service. These restaurants are heralded as some of the most common-sense social action activities in the city. And, they boast some of the finest Khmer cuisine in town. Finally we will engage with vital Non-Governmental-Organizations (NGOs) that deal with some of the critical issues facing families in Cambodia today, domestic violence, child abuse, and substance abuse. We will meet with representatives from these agencies and share thoughts and ideas for improving the lives of the Khmer people. Cambodia is one of the most exhilarating places in the world today. Although often remembered in the west through the lens of war. It is actually a land filled with natural beauty and majestic relics of ancient civilizations. Today age-old traditions converge with modern life in a setting you are sure to find wondrous. From its highlands to the rainforest regions, you will discover a warm and joyful society, where family and honor play a meaningful role. Our group will meet at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) in Cambodia on in early December (usually around December 8-10). During this 10-day exchange program, we will travel to Siem Reap, Cambodia as part of the cultural exchange. Activities will include visits to historical and cultural sites for an opportunity to explore many aspects of Cambodian life, culture, and customs. The program cost per participant is $2,800 USD. This program cost includes group transportation, meetings and cultural activities, accommodations, many meals, and most other costs associated with participation. You are responsible for roundtrip airfare from your departure city to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, a few some meals, and any incidentals.