Cambodia

rFLA 300/ENG 321F: Cambodia - The Khmer Empire

This field study offers an in-depth exploration of Cambodia's rich history, vibrant literature, and diverse culture spanning from the 9th to the 21st centuries, with a special focus on the Khmer Kingdom, the powerful and influential state that dominated Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th centuries. We will delve into the evolution of the Khmer civilization, the splendor of the Angkor period, the impact of European colonialism, and the complex modern history including the Khmer Rouge era and the tourist boom to Angkor Wat following its starring role in Laura Croft: Tomb Raider (2001). In addition to exploring Siem Reap, the massive temple complex of Angkor Wat, and Phnom Penh’s Killing Field and Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, our travel itinerary will also take us to several local villages where we will learn about the project of recovering and preserving Khmer culture, language, and literature. All applications are welcome, but priority consideration will be given to students with demonstrated financial need; can’t participate in a semester-long study abroad program; and/or are fulfilling either their rFLA300 or ENG course requirement.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2024

Program Details

Program Leaders: Jana Mathews and Emily Russell
Program Location: Cambodia
Tentative Travel Dates: March 7 - 16, 2025
Credit: 4 credits, letter
Prerequisites: For RFLA credit: RFLA100 and two 200-level RFLA courses (the second of which may be taken concurrently with this course), or the equivalent in the Honors Program. For ENG credit: ENG190 or instructor approval.
Course Requirements: 2-3 essays, readings and weekly discussion posts, research project, field study reflective and critical writing assignments, creative project
Anticipated Number of Students: 16
Estimated Undergraduate Program Fee: $3,800
Program Fee Includes: Round-trip airfare from Orlando International Airport (MCO), tuition, housing, most meals, visas, on-site transportation and activities, federal loan fees $0, books/course materials $0, and professional licensure/certification $0.
Estimated Additional Costs: Passport $165, personal expenses $125, some meals $200, federal loan fees $0, books/course materials $0, and professional licensure/certification $0.
Visa: Required for US citizens for both Vietnam and Cambodia.
Special Notifications: Trip involves walking up to 2-3 miles per day on rough terrain, in hot and humid climate. There will also be use of stairs, walking on uneven ground, on-site travel that could induce motion sickness, and areas with no air conditioning. There also may be encounters with packs of feral dogs (not aggressive) and monkeys (aggressive). Cambodia has a conservative dress culture: shoulders, chest, and abdomen must be covered; shorts and shirts must be below knee. Visiting this country inherently means exposure to sex tourism, child labor, animal abuse and neglect, and disturbing images and sites related to genocide and war. Limited food options will be available in most locations which could be challenging for students with restricted diets or allergies.
Please Note: All dates are tentative and subject to change depending on the final number of students, final costs and other considerations.
Please Note: Estimated costs for all programs are based on anticipated numbers of students, current exchange rates, and commercial airfares. Costs are subject to change. Final prices will always be communicated to accepted students before they commit to the program.

A Rollins college student on a study abroad trip in New Zealand.

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