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Cambodia & Vietnam

War, Peace, Genocide, and Reconciliation

This program听welcomes participants of all majors to the fascinating Southeast Asian countries of听Cambodia and Vietnam, where big bustling cities and sacred spaces听comingle. Throughout this program we will explore themes of war and genocide in both countries and witness sites where that history took place.

In Vietnam, we will study what is referred to as the "American War" and reflect on that history through the battlefields, monuments, and museums that we visit. Visits to sites such as Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi, Kien Luong Bridge and Bo De School in Quang Tri, and the War Remnants Museum in former Saigon will serve as powerful reminders of Vietnam's tragic history and the critical part that the United States played in that story. Not only will we study Vietnam's modern history, but we will also take a step into the past while exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the former imperial city of Hue. We will also spend time in the lantern lit town of Hoi An, take a cable car up to the Ba Na Hills to walk the famous Golden Bridge, and spend a night on the water in Ha Long Bay.

In Cambodia, from the metropolis of Phnom Penh to the听rural countryside of Banteay Chhmar, participants听will have the opportunity to explore the country's turbulent past and see how communities, big and small,听are building for the future. We鈥檒l study the genocide in great detail at the Killing Fields and S-21 Prison,听immerse in Khmer culture and journey to Banteay听Chhmar where communities are working to repair rural livelihoods, and venture through Angkor Wat, the largest religious complex in the world, in Siem Reap. We鈥檒l interact with听innovative community initiatives that exemplify the听resilience of a population that has struggled for peace听and now strives for prosperity. One of the highlights of this program is the time we spend staying with host families in Banteay Chhmar. Previous student participants have lauded that the time spent in this community was by far one of the most impactful experiences of their lives.

Cambodia and Vietnam have come so far in recent years and are now some of the safest countries to visit in the world.听Hands-on experiential learning and cultural听immersion provide a unique classroom where听participants can challenge themselves while reflecting听on the links between memory and justice. This is a powerful program where you can experience hope and change in real time. Consider applying for this program if you are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, grounded in the field of history, where you will become a witness to places of incredible human suffering and experience the many ways in which people came together to rebuild despite having the odds stacked against them.

Program Highlights:

  • Embrace the complexity of modern Phnom Penh, from the beautiful temples and the royal palace, to the harsh realities of the Killing Fields.
  • Venture out to the stunning other-worldly landscape of Ninh Binh where we will explore ancient temples and take a sampan tour of film-worthy Trang An.
  • Learn about preservation and restoration efforts in a small Khmer village surrounding an 800-year old temple complex destroyed during war in Banteay Chhmar.
  • Get your hands dirty in the agricultural fields while volunteering at a local sustainable farm owned by our inspirational guide Sokha Youn.
  • Travel back in time to explore the majestic ruins of Angkor Wat, a world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest religious complex in the world.
  • Take an overnight journey in stunning Ha Long Bay where we will kayak the bay, try our hand at night squid fishing, and take part in a traditional Vietnamese cooking class while taking in the sunset.

Program Details

Program Dates

This program will run during Summer A 2026, most likely from May 18 through June 13, 2026. Please note that these dates may change depending on the availability of international flights.

Program Itinerary

Below is the proposed itinerary for 2026. Please note that this itinerary is subject to change and a final program itinerary will be provided to participants before our departure at the pre-trip meetings.

Day 1 (Monday, May 18, 2026): Departure from Nazareth to Toronto by bus.

  • Arrival at YYZ airport mid-day for full day of travel.

Overnight on the plane

Day 2 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026): Full day of travel - arrival in Hanoi in the evening. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3 (Wednesday, May 20, 2026): First day exploring Hanoi

  • Breakfast at the hotel in morning

  • Walking tour of the Old Quarter

  • Saint Joseph鈥檚 Cathedral to learn about French colonial presence in Vietnam

  • Visit the Temple of Literature - Hanoi鈥檚 first university, est. in 1076

  • Lunch near the Temple of Literature

  • Visit to the One Pillar Pagoda - built in 1049 by Emperor Ly Thai To

  • Visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, and Ho Chi Minh鈥檚 Stilt House

  • Dinner in the Old Quarter

  • Water puppet theatre performance at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in the evening (dates back to 11th century and still an attraction today)

Overnight in Hanoi.

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Day 4 (Thursday, May 21, 2026): Communism and North Vietnam

  • Morning visit to Hoa Lo Prison where American POWs were kept during the war

  • Visit Imperial Citadel of Thang Long & Hanoi Flag Tower where North Vietnamese planned their resistance to US and South Vietnamese troops

  • Lunch nearby in this neighborhood

  • Visit Vietnam Military History Museum

  • Visit B-52 Memorial where John McCain was shot down near Tran Quoc Pagoda

Overnight in Hanoi.

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Day 5 (Friday, May 22, 2026): Cruise Ha Long Bay

  • Morning departure from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay (2 hour 30 minute bus ride)

  • Get on our ship for an overnight tour of the bay

  • Lunch on the ship while taking in the picturesque canals that lead to the bay
  • Discover the Dark and Bright Cave by kayak or bamboo boat or visit the area of Ba Trai Dao and the natural lagoon of Lan Ha Bay
  • Dinner on the ship while taking in the incredible sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin
  • In the evening we will engage in a traditional Vietnamese cooking class and also try our hand a night squid fishing

  • Overnight in Ha Long Bay on the ship

Day 6 (Saturday, May 23, 2026):听Sunrise in Ha Long Bay

  • Morning Tai Chi Class and watch the sunrise from the top deck along with breakfast.
  • Kayak in Ao Ech around the limestone islets and swim in the crystal sea water and then visit Cat Ba Island

  • Disembark ship around noon and have lunch near the town of Ha Long

  • Head down to Ninh Binh via bus(3 hour drive)听

  • Dinner upon arrival and free time to relax in the evening

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Day 7 (Sunday, May 24, 2026):听Ancient Capital of Vietnam

  • Breakfast at our accommodation

  • Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu

  • Lunch in Hoa Lu

  • Take a sampan tour by small canoe in Trang An

  • Hike the steps of Hang Mua for an incredible view

  • Dinner near our accommodation in Ninh Binh

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Day 8 (Monday, May 25, 2026):听Ancient Capital of Vietnam

  • Visit Bai Dinh Temple

  • Visit Van Long Nature Reserve

  • Another overnight in Ninh Binh

Overnight in Ninh Binh

Day 9 (Tuesday, May 26, 2026):听Imperial City of Hue

  • Early morning (7am) departure from Ninh Binh to Hanoi Airport (1 hour to 1.5 hour drive)

  • Direct flight from Hanoi to Hue (1 hour 25 minute direct flight)

  • Arrival in Hue mid-day

  • Group lunch

  • Afternoon walking tour of the city - Hue Historic Citadel, Dien Tho Palace, Nine Holy Cannons, etc

Overnight in Hue.

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Day 10 (Wednesday, May 27, 2026):听Day Trip to DMZ

  • Day trip from Hue to Quang Tri (1 hour bus ride from Hue)

  • Cross Kien Luong Bridge where the DMZ used to be between North and South Vietnam - visit the many memorials nearby that commemorate battles and the war

  • Visit war-torn听sites of Quang Tri, the northernmost town of South Vietnam and most bombed province in the whole war - visit the citadel, Bo De School, and Our Lady of La Vang Church

  • Group lunch in Quang Tri

  • Visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels in the afternoon

  • Drive back to Hue in late afternoon. Free time for the group to explore Hue on their own the rest of the evening.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 11 (Thursday, May 28, 2026):听Visit to Hoi An, the "City of Lanterns"

  • Morning drive to Hoi An - walking tour of historic city

  • Lunch in the center of Hoi An Old Town

  • Afternoon visit to the Marble Mountains and Dong Am Phu Caves (30 minute drive from Hoi An)

  • Back to Hoi An in late afternoon before dinner - free time this afternoon to explore on your own

Overnight in Hoi An

Day 12 (Friday, May 29, 2026):听Day Trip to Ba Na Hills

  • Morning visit to the Ba Na Hills via cable car - visit the Golden Bridge at the top

  • Lunch at the top of the mountains and take the cable car back down after lunch

  • Afternoon to walk around Hoi An and have some free time to shop

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 13 (Saturday, May 30, 2026):听The Fall of Saigon

  • Morning flight from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City (plenty of flights every day direct between the cities)

  • Arrival in Ho Chi Minh and head directly to accommodation

  • Group lunch in Ho Chi Minh City after checking into accommodation

  • Full walking tour of Ho Chi Minh city in the afternoon - Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum (formerly the American War Crimes Museum), Venerable Th铆ch Qu岷g 膼峄ヽ Memorial (famed monk who burned himself alive on the streets of Saigon in 1963)

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 14 (Sunday, May 31, 2026):听Fall of Saigon

  • Second day to continue Ho Chi Minh City walking tour - Venerable Th铆ch Qu岷g 膼峄ヽ Memorial (famed monk who burnt himself alive on the streets of Saigon in 1963), Old US Embassy, Saigon Central Post Office & Book Street, etc.

  • Group lunch in HCMC

  • Free time in afternoon to explore markets and other sites on your own

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

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Day 15 (Monday, June 1, 2026):听Introduction to Cambodia

  • Morning visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels (1 hour drive from HCMC) - take everything with us today

  • Lunch near the tunnels

  • Bus from tunnels to Phnom Penh, crossing the Bavet border crossing

  • Group dinner in the evening

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 16 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026): Orientation to Phnom Penh

  • Introduction to Sokha, our guide in Cambodia, at Royal Palace Park

  • Guided tour of Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

  • Visit National Museum of Cambodia

  • Stop at hotel briefly if anyone needs anything; make our way on foot to the Central Market for lunch

  • Afternoon visit to Tiny Toones (NGO serving youth of the city)

  • Visit Mongkol Serei Kien Khleang Pagoda

  • Tuk-tuk back to Sisowath Riverside Park (pathway where the Tonle Sap and Mekong Rivers meet) for a group dinner on a river boat

Overnight in Phnom Penh

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Day 17 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026):听Cambodian Genocide Memorial Sites

  • Full morning visit to Choeung Ek Genocide Memorial Site (commonly known as 鈥渢he Killing Fields鈥�)

  • Lunch around Sangkat/Tuol area of Phnom Penh

  • Afternoon visit to Tuol Sleng (S-21) Prison Museum

  • Group dinner at sustainable restaurant

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 18 (Thursday, June 4, 2026): Phnom Penh to Battambang

  • Morning departure from Phnom Penh to Battambang (4 hour drive)

  • Lunch upon arrival

  • Afternoon visit to the Romcheik 5 Artspace and Cambodia Peace Gallery

Overnight in Battambang

Day 19 (Friday, June 5, 2026): Temple Ruins

  • Morning visit to Banan Temple Ruins (hilltop temple partially destroyed by Thailand and the Khmer Rouge)

  • Lunch by the Banan Temple at waterside covered decks听

  • Afternoon hike to visit to the 鈥淜illing Cave鈥� and Phnom Sampov (hilltop temples currently in use)

  • Visit to Buddha Statue carved into the cliffs and wait until dusk at the Bat Caves to see the bats come out

  • Back to Battambang via tuk-tuk for dinner

Overnight in Battambang

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Day 20 (Saturday, June 6, 2026):听Temple Restoration and Homestays

  • 9:00 am departure from Battambang to Banteay Chhmar (~ 2 hours)

  • Arrive at our homestay accommodations organized by Community Based Tourism (CBT); 2 to 3 people to a home minimum

  • Settle into homestays and meet for group lunch at CBT or one of the family homes

  • Afternoon visit to learn about CBT and visit to Banteay Chhmar temple complex to learn about the temple preservation process

  • Dinner at one larger family homestay and free time at homestays in the evening

Overnight in Banteay Chhmar at host families

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Day 21 (Sunday, June 7, 2026):听Work at Sokha Farm

  • Breakfast in the morning at local restaurant

  • Morning visit to Soieries Du Mekong, a local silk producer that weaves traditional Cambodian scarves

  • Group lunch

  • Afternoon visit to Sokha Organic Farm to learn about organic farming process and how to build a 鈥渕ud house鈥�

  • Dinner and evening spent at homestay

Overnight in Banteay Chhmar at host families

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Day 22 (Monday, June 8, 2026):

  • Work on Sokha Farm in the morning

  • Group lunch

  • Afternoon visit with local school to play soccer and other after school activities

  • Visit Trapeang Rohal Trach Lake to watch the sunset

  • Dinner and evening spent at homestay

Overnight in Banteay Chhmar at host families

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Day 23 (Tuesday, June 9, 2026): Sokha Organic Farm

  • Group breakfast

  • Full day of work at Sokha Organic Farm (working in rice and lemongrass fields, planting pineapples and other fruits, working on the mud house, etc.)

  • Community bonfire and BBQ to celebrate our time in Banteay Chhmar in the evening

  • Overnight at Sokha Organic Farm (students will mostly sleep in hammocks)

Day 24 (Wednesday, June 10, 2026): Siem Reap Orientation

  • 9:00 am departure from Banteay Chhmar to Siem Reap (~ 2 hour 45 minutes)听

  • Arrival to Ta Prohm Hotel and group lunch at WILD Spring Roll Restaurant

  • Afternoon walking tour and orientation to Siem Reap (Night Market, Old Market, Pub Street, Wat Preah Prom Rath, and Made in Cambodia Market (handmade market)

  • Dinner at a local restaurant; free time in evening to explore Siem Reap

Overnight in Siem Reap

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Day 25 (Thursday, June 11, 2026): Angkor Wat

  • Breakfast at accommodation; travel via tuk-tuk to Angkor Wat

  • Full day Angkor Wat tour with a registered guide (Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Tonle Om Gate, Ta Prohm, Pre Rup Temple, etc.)

  • Lunch at restaurant within Angkor Wat complex

  • Group dinner at a local restaurant in Siem Reap; Free time in the evening to relax at hotel, shop at night market, explore Pub Street, etc.

Overnight in Siem Reap

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Day 26 (Friday, June 12, 2026): Explore Siem Reap

  • Morning tour of the Landmine Rats Center (APOPO) to learn about the demining efforts

  • Group lunch in Siem Reap

  • Free time in the afternoon to visit more shops and markets

  • Group dinner together for final meal

  • Free time in the evening

Overnight in Siem Reap

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Day 27 (Saturday, June 13, 2026): Journey back home

  • Breakfast at accommodation

  • Morning flight from Siem Reap back to Hanoi

  • Stay in Hanoi airport for flight back home later that afternoon

Overnight on plane - arrival either on June 13th or early morning June 14th depending on flights

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Accommodations

This program includes all housing costs, which range from hotels, hostels, homestays, and hammocks!

Program Costs & Funding

Program Fees for 2026 are to be determined.

Funding Sources:

For听SPARK eligible students, you will receive the听$1,500 SPARK Grant听from the Center for Life's Work.

For听non-SPARK eligible students, you will be eligible for some funding from the Center for International Education.

Program Fee Includes:

  • Round trip airfare
  • All hotels and accommodation
  • All meals part of the itinerary
  • All in-country transportation including in-country flights, buses, tuk-tuks, etc.
  • All projects, activities, workshops, entry fees, etc.
  • Bus to and from Toronto (YYZ) airport
  • Travel Insurance
  • Cambodian visa fee

Not Included:

  • Passport (must be valid at least 6 months past the return date of the program). Contact Josh Fess as soon as possible for assistance with applying for or renewing your passport.
  • Additional meals (meals not in the itinerary)
  • Miscellaneous expenses (such as souvenirs, personal care items, etc.)
Application & Payment Timeline

The application for this program will open in the Fall 2025 semester around mid-September. Please complete the online application by no later than October 10th. Interviews for this program will be held the following week and acceptance emails sent out shortly after all interviews are held. The payment timeline will be shared at the time of acceptance into the program.听

SPARK GRANT:

Qualifying freshman, sophomore, and transfer students can use their SPARK Grant for this short-term study abroad program.

Reflections from Abroad:

Reflections from Abroad:

"This trip has allowed me to broaden my cultural lens and learn about what it truly means to be a global citizen. I will carry what I have learned on this trip with me as I continue to travel and create international relationships.听This program has shown me the resilience of human beings. Genocide has happened all across the globe; Cambodia isn't the first place, and unfortunately not the last either. However, I've learned that it doesn't matter where you are in the world - love and joy is everywhere, despite tragedy. I've learned to see the kindness and love in people's hearts. The past doesn't define or limit the possibilities of the future." - Jamie Hogancamp '23 UG '25 GR

Views from Cambodia:

    Angkor Wat Temple Complex
    Rice Fields in Battambang
    Ta Prohm Temple
    Phnom Penh Royal Palace

    At A Glance

    Term:听Summer A 2026

    Program Level:听Undergraduate & Graduate

    Program Types:听Experiential Learning

    Major(s):听Open to all majors, and of particular interest to the following majors:

    • Anthropology
    • Art History
    • Global Sustainability
    • International & Global Studies
    • History
    • Legal Studies
    • Museums, Archives & Public History
    • Political Science
    • Public Health
    • Psychology
    • Religious Studies
    • Sociology

    Language Requirement:听None

    Minimum听GPA Requirement:听2.5

    Views from Vietnam:

      Trang An in Ninh Binh
      Hoi An, the "City of Lanterns"
      Ha Long Bay
      Marble Mountains in Da Nang