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Environmental Justice and Mekong Ecologies in Cambodia

A man fishing on a boat at sunset.

In Cambodia, the struggle to conserve ecosystems and to ensure livelihoods are deeply entwined.

From the ancient temples of Angkor to the jungle highlands, from the urban center of Siem Reap to the shores of the Great Lake, you will see firsthand how people are dealing with threats to their ecosystems and livelihoods. Dive into the themes of community livelihoods, natural resource access and management, and the ethics of conservation and development while exploring diverse perspectives on environmental management issues, learning to conduct community-based data collection, and understanding the complexities of human-wildlife conflicts. Traveling extensively, you will spend time in the elephant-inhabited forests of Mondulkiri, along the banks of the mighty Mekong River, and the vibrant capital city of Phnom Penh.

In the final weeks of the semester, you’ll spend your time out in the field conducting an extensive research project.

  • Spend the night in a floating village on the Tonle Sap Lake and speak with villagers about climate-related livelihood challenges and adaptation strategies.
  • Visit the Mondulkiri highlands to study elephant conservation and learn about the changes and challenges to the indigenous Bunong peoples’ traditional lifestyles.
  • Explore the jungle temples of the ancient city of Angkor, including Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Learn about Khmer history and arts at the National Museum of Cambodia in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant and booming capital.
  • Conduct a comprehensive field research project: Develop a research question, collect and analyze data, write a paper, and present your findings. Read more about SFS Directed Research projects.

Application Deadline 

Applications for the spring semester are due mid-November.

Applications for the fall semester are due mid-May

Specific dates and details regarding the application can be found on this page.

Stay Connected for Updates

More details about the program are available on the SFS website, and make sure you have subscribed to the SEAP listserv to receive the latest updates on deadlines for SFS study abroad applications and funding deadlines.

Additional Information

Academic Type

  • Study Abroad Opportunity

Program