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LC-ASIAS’ Southeast Asia Joint Training Program
Participants in all Asia programs (Cambodia, China, Thailand, and Vietnam) begin their adventure at our training facility in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, before traveling to their destination country. This allows participants in all 4 programs to:
Meet participants from other programs – extending their LC-Asia network and making great contacts for future travel or vacations
Participate in our most popular excursion to Angkor Wat
Learn about the options for obtaining an advanced degree and receiving academic credit for LC-Asia TESOL training
Details of the program are explained below, and an overview of the course content is included near the end of this guide.
Arrival and Initial Excursion
You should plan to fly directly into Phnom Penh on the Saturday before your program start date. If you chose the accommodations program, airport pickup and transport to your accommodations is included.
Important note: When you book your flight, if you are departing from the US, remember that you will arrive the day following your departure date due to the international dateline. So if you need to arrive on the 1st of the month, your flight will typically depart on the 31st or maybe even the 30th.
When you research flights, you may find it to be more economical to book a flight to Bangkok and then book a one-way flight to Phnom Penh through Air Asia (www.airasia.com). They have very affordable flights although their departure times are limited, but they do not work with resellers so you would need to book online. Other Asian airlines that you can investigate are Bangkok Air and Thai Airways.
Security procedures in the U.S (and other countries) are changing and increasing all of the time. The following feedback from LC-Asia participants may be helpful in avoiding hassles and possible delays:
· Check in at the counter rather than trying to check in online or using the self-check kiosks. Gate agents are more experienced and flexible than the online/kiosk programs
· Make sure you have a passport photo or two with you and accessible (if you forget, you can typically get one at the airport but it is easier and less expensive if you have one on hand)
· When we have received the balance of your program fee we will issue a course confirmation for you. Be sure to have that letter with you and easily accessible.
With all of that preparation, you shouldn’t have a problem.
Note about one-way flights: We have received feedback that occasionally the agents at check-in will insist on a return (or ongoing) itinerary. While this is unlikely, you should be prepared to purchase a fully refundable flight acceptable to the gate agent so that you will be allowed to board. The ticket does not have to be a return to departure point, it can be to any forward destination, like Bangkok, Vientiane or Ho Chi Minh City.
When you arrive at the Phnom Penh airport you will collect your luggage and go through immigration. The airport is small, so this typically goes fairly quickly. After you clear customs, come outside and turn to the right. Look for someone holding a sign with your name or the LC-Asia program logo.
If you experience an exceptionally long delay getting through the process and you come out more than an hour after your scheduled arrival time, look for our staff in the small Dairy Queen food court that is located about 100 yards to the left after coming outside.
Sunday includes a tour of Phnom Penh and a Welcome Dinner.
Contact information for the training center is included in this guide.
Combined Training
On Monday, all participants begin nine days of academic TESOL training in joint sessions which are held at our new school facility, next to the hotel. This joint training provides all participants with the essential skills that they will need in order to begin teaching. A complete list of the topics covered in this part of the program is included on the last page.
Excursion to Angkor Wat
Your stay in Cambodia includes an excursion to Angkor Wat, located in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Since its inception, this has been our most popular excursion by far. We spend three glorious days that include time to wander through ruins of the largest religious building area in the world. Temples range in condition from moderately restored to jungle encrusted. In addition to seeing incredible sights, we include time for a visit to Bang Melea, a more abandoned temple built on a similar plan to Angkor Wat. Here, tourists are rare, and you get to really explore the site. This trip creates memories that will be treasured forever!
Second Excursion / Departure for Destination Countries:
At the conclusion of the combined training, everyone departs for a second excursion in Cambodia’s beach resort town of Sihanoukville. This town, about four hours south of the capital, offers some wonderful white sand beaches, great inexpensive seafood, and a really interesting and rapidly developing resort. There will be lots of time to relax and unwind before starting teaching practice on Monday. Participants in the Thailand and Vietnam programs will leave from here for the remainder of their programs in their respective countries.
Country-specific training includes local language and cultural training, along with teaching practice. More details on topics covered can be found later in this document.
Important Note: Please be sure to print this contact information and include it with your travel documents so you will have access to it upon arrival!
Visa and Passport InformationNOTE: To the best of our knowledge, information in this section is correct and up-to-date. It is your responsibility, however, to check for any updates or changes to visa requirements at the time you are applying.
Everyone needs a visa to enter Cambodia, with the exception of those who hold passports from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore.
If you are arriving in Cambodia by plane, you may obtain your visa upon arrival at the two airports in Cambodia: Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Visa applications will be distributed during the flight or at the airport on arrival. This is the easiest alternative and the one we recommend. Alternatively, you can obtain your visa beforehand from a Cambodian Embassy. US residents can apply for a visa in person or by mail, by following the instructions in the Consular section of the Cambodian Embassy’s website at www.embassyofcambodia.org.
You should get a business visa (called an Ordinary Visa) instead of a tourist visa. Business visas can be extended without having to leave and re-enter Cambodia. If you obtain your visa upon arrival, you will need $35 US cash along with one passport size photo. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into Cambodia.
We recommend that you come with a supply of 2-4 passport photos to meet the various visa requirements:
Cambodia visa – 1
Extras 1 – 3
Accommodations
You have the option of selecting our accommodations package with your program.
Housing for the Cambodia program is provided at the Marady Hotel in Phnom Penh. The accommodation program includes airport pick up and transportation to the hotel. Housing is officially available starting on the Saturday before classes start, but additional nights for early arrivals are available for $16 a night. Accommodations are in private rooms that include air conditioning, cable TV, mini-fridge, wifi, and western style bathrooms with hot water. The hotel offers 24hr hour room service, a swimming pool and exercise room, massage service, free laundry and a complimentary buffet breakfast Monday through Friday. Additionally, the program is opening a TESOL and ESL training school next door to the hotel, limiting a commute to many classes and teaching practice sessions. Sovanna mall, one of the largest in Phnom Penh, is just four blocks away, complete with all manner of shops and stores including a large US-style grocery store.
After training, many students move into private apartments in town near their work locations. Housing costs generally run $150 to $400 a month depending on the part of town and type of facilities. Upscale apartments in apartment houses with pools generally go for $600 and up. Often, a one-month security deposit and the first month’s rent are required at the time of rental.
LC-Asia maintains a few apartments at the hotel that can be rented by students for $300 per month including utilities and free laundry. This is often a popular alternative while job-hunting until one knows where they are going to teach.
The program provides cell phones on loan during the course and the hotel has internet access. Additionally internet access is readily available at cafes and restaurants all over town.
Optional Scuba Certification Course
In response to requests from recent participants, our staff in Asia has created the opportunity to obtain full NAUI Scuba certification in your free time during the first two weeks of training in Cambodia. Southeast Asia has some of the best diving in the world and the warm waters and variety of tropical fish make for a great experience! The program includes classroom training and introductory water training in our new swimming pool at our accommodations facilities in Phnom Penh; ocean diving during the excursion to Sihanoukville; use of equipment; and all NAUI fees, all for an additional fee of US$300. If you are interested, email our Director, Rick Barnes at rick@lc-asia.com .
Immunizations
We recommend that you contact your healthcare provider or local travel clinic to determine whether you should obtain any immunizations before your departure. Keep in mind that some period of time may need to elapse before they are effective so plan accordingly. It is wise to bring an International Certificate of Vaccination (or equivalent form) so that you will have a record of your immunization history.
Working in Cambodia
Job prospects throughout Cambodia are good and easily available for citizens from all countries. Should you accept a work position in Cambodia, you will need to get a work visa. While not currently required, we recommend that you bring the following with you:
· Copy of your Diploma or transcripts as proof of a Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in any field. (Note: A degree is not required at all schools, and is not required for a work permit.)
· CV or copy of current resume
· Criminal Background Check (please contact me if you would like information on obtaining an FBI background check)
· Minimum of 2 identical passport-sized photos
Note on Background Checks: We request that all participants in LC-Asia programs obtain an acceptable Criminal Background check. While Cambodian schools do not currently requiring one, this could change at any time and it is much easier to initiate from your home country than it is after you are overseas. You can contact us for instructions on getting an FBI check, or contact your local police for information on how to obtain a background check within your home state. When you have received your background check, please scan and email a copy to the LC-Asia Training School in Cambodia at email address: rick@lc-asia.com at least 2 weeks prior to your departure. Be sure to bring the original document(s) with you along with your travel documents.
Country Information
Fast Facts:
Time- 12 hours ahead of New York City.
Electricity- 220/230V, 50 Hz
Currency- The riel (but the US dollar is widely used)
Tipping- Tipping in Cambodia, as in most of Southeast Asia, is not the common practice, but anything extra will be much appreciated in this nation of extremely low wages. If no service charge is added to your check in a fine dining establishment, a 10% to 15% tip is appropriate. In local shops, a small tip (25¢) is common. Bargaining is common practice in markets and tourist shops, and when catching non-metered taxis.
Weather Conditions
Cambodia's year is generally divided into three seasons: the "cool season," "hot season" and "rainy season." (Travelers from Europe and North American might be tempted to label these three seasons as hot, really hot and really hot and wet.) The cool season runs from November to February, and of course this is the best time to visit. High temperatures during this time are usually under 30°C (85°F) with night-time lows sometimes dipping below 20°C. The hot season follows the cool season from about March to May. High temperatures at this time can reach 40°C (104°F) and average 33 to 35°C. The temples at Angkor, high up on their plateau, can be particularly baking. The rainy season runs from around June to October, when the monsoons arrive from the Gulf of Thailand. Temperatures are almost as high as the hot season, but this isn't an entirely bad time to visit. The rains usually only last an hour or two in the afternoon, leaving the rest of the time to explore with the sights pretty much to yourself.
In-town Transportation
Phnom Penh offers a variety of affordable transportation options, including walking! For getting around the main area, there are small carriages pulled by motorcycle that are called Tuk Tuks. Cost depends on the number of people and the distance traveled, but rarely run more than 2 to 3 dollars.
Money
The Cambodian unit of currency is the riel. The Cambodian riel is divided into 100 sen. At the time of this writing, the riel trades at approximately 4,200 riel to US$ 1.
Automated-teller machines (ATMs) are by far the most convenient ways to access cash in Cambodia -- they give good currency exchange rates (usually the rate of the day), and make traveler's checks almost obsolete. Be aware that most ATMs charge about $1.25 for each withdrawal. Check with your bank before leaving home to find out if your debit card is linked into either the MasterCard/Cirrus or the Visa/PLUS networks, and be sure to check the daily withdrawal limit before you depart. You may also want to ask what the fees are for international withdrawals.
The US dollar is commonly used in Cambodia, so you may want to bring a bunch of $1 and $5 bills so you don’t have to worry about making change, at least initially.
Two keys to living and working successfully abroad are to be flexible, and to plan for initial expenses. As far as how much money you should bring with you, it is really a personal decision but we advise you to have access to more than you think you might need. People tend to spend a little more when they first arrive in a new location, as they are excited, and want to experience the night life, different restaurants, etc. You will probably need to put money down for a security deposit and first month’s rent on a more long term residence once you know where you will be working, and schools usually pay at the end of the month. Also, you will want to keep the exchange rate in mind. For Asia, $1,000-1,500 should be plenty.
Post and Telecommunications
The country code for Cambodia is 855. To call a number in Cambodia from the US, dial 011-855, then the telephone number, eliminating the first zero. To call an international number from Cambodia, dial 00-country code, then the telephone number.
Post offices and mailboxes can be found around the city where you can send mail. You may receive mail at this address:
LC-Asia c/o Marady Hotel
268 Street 217
Sangkart Tom Nop Terk
Khan Chamkarmon
Phnom Penh, Cambodia 12306
Your TESOL Plus program includes the use of a cell phone throughout your training. The phone will initially have a SIM card for Cambodia which will be swapped for a Thai card when you travel there. You have the option of buying the phone from us at the end of training but most people decide to get a new phone by signing up for an individual plan. Minutes can be charged via credit card at a number of local stores. You should budget $5-$10 for local calls and texts during the training period. International calls will be expensive with any plan – many people use Skype, Facebook and blogs to stay in touch with friends and family back home.
Electrical Adapters/Converters
Most participants don’t need to worry about a converter. In general, laptops and digital cameras come with a power source connector that accommodates input from 110 to 240 volts. You can check the black box in the cord running from the wall to your device and it will list acceptable voltages. For small items such as blow dryers, it is generally cheaper to buy a new one overseas than to buy the necessary converter.
As to adapters, in general the standard US two prong plug works fine in all of our Asian program countries. If you have items with three prong plugs (grounding), you will need a standard US adapter that takes the 3 prongs and has 2 for the outlet. If you feel that you might need something special, it will be more likely be available there (and less expensive) than here in the States.
Safety
Phnom Penh enjoys a relatively low crime rate when compared to urban centers in the U.S. and Europe. Generally speaking, the area is safe, and most criminal activity involves non-confrontational street crimes such as pick-pocketing, purse snatching and tourist scams (such as fraudulent sales of gems, ivory, etc.). Less urban areas outside of Phnom Penh experience even lower crime rates. Generally speaking, if you come prepared and use common sense, you should be fine. As in your home country, common sense guidelines include the following:
· Don’t carry all your money in your wallet
· For women, avoid carrying cash and credit cards in a purse with a shoulder strap as they are a popular target for ‘snatch and grab’ thefts. If you do carry one, take reasonable precautions such as placing a purse beside you rather than on your lap when in a tuk tuk, if you ride a moto make sure your purse is around your shoulder and in your hand or around your shoulder and secure beneath you. When walking and crossing the street make sure your purse is across your shoulder and in your hand or tucked in your armpit. Your purse should always be on the side of your body that is opposite of the road.
· Don’t “show off” shiny gadgets or valuable electronic gear
· Carry a copy of your passport, but leave your actual passport in a safe location
· Don’t go out late at night by yourself
· Don’t walk alone at night in unfamiliar or unpopulated areas
· Store your money and valuables in a safe place
· Bring a money belt
· Traveler’s checks are safer than cash, but they may be hard to change. ATMs are a safe alternative, and they can be found in many convenient locations.
· In the unlikely event of theft, or if you are targeted for your belongings, surrender them without resistance
· Take proper care of bags and backpacks – padlock your backpack, use it as a front pack, never leave it alone, and use only one or two bags
· Keep important documents and electronics in your personal care rather than entrusting them to cab drivers, bellhops, concierges etc. – just as you would in the US
· Remember to back up important computer records, photos, music etc. and store the backups separately to protect from losing them due to theft or damage to your computer.
· Be sure to lock your door and secure the windows when you leave your room
Laundry
Laundry services are generally available throughout the country, and are relatively inexpensive.
Clothing and Dress Requirements
Khmer people are quite conscientious of their dress. The nationwide stress on maintaining a neat and clean appearance creates a marked disparity with some Western visitors.
Light, comfortable, easy to launder clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton are most appropriate for Cambodia. Good walking shoes and sandals that can be easily slipped off are recommended, as shoes are removed when entering temples and homes. During the Sunday tour of Phnom Penh, women should not wear sleeveless tops, short skirts, or shorts, as these are not allowed into the Royal Palace and some temples. No need to over pack, as high-quality clothes are strikingly cheap, while inexpensive laundry service is generally available wherever you go.
Teachers should adhere to the local culture and ideas of professionalism. “Casually smart” attire means that women should cover their shoulders. No low-cut necklines or very short skirts (you may want to bring skirts that cover the knee when you are seated). Bare midriffs must not be visible, even when lifting arms up. Open-toed shoes are acceptable. Men should wear long pants (not jeans), short- or long-sleeved shirt with a collar (possibly with a tie), and loafers or dress shoes. Sandals and tennis shoes are not acceptable when teaching. Long hair should be neatly tied into a ponytail.
For all input and tutorial sessions at the training location, there are no specific dress requirements, yet we ask that you be mindful of your peers and respectful of the fact that you are a visitor in another country.
Food
Phnom Penh offers the discerning diner plenty of choice at a range of prices to suit pretty much any pocket, though we recommend that you acquire a taste for the local cuisine. Be prepared for rice and seafood, especially shrimp, crab, and freshwater fish dishes.
Cambodian cuisine is related to both Thai and southern Chinese cuisines. Ubiquitous soups include somlar machou banle (sour fish soup), somlar chapek (pork soup with ginger) and num banh choc (a noodle and fish soup often served for breakfast). Rice is often served with sach mon chha khnhei (stir-fried chicken and ginger), choeeng chomni chrouc chean (pork spareribs), or the spicy an sam chruk (pork and soybeans marinated with ginger and chilies.
In Phnom Penh, the large number of Chinese immigrants means that excellent Cantonese, Hokkien, Teochou and Hailam restaurants abound. Thai, Vietnamese, and French outlets also available, of course.
Fresh vegetables and fruits - especially coconut, durian, mango, pineapple, rambutan, starfruit, and watermelon - are in abundant supply, as are vegetarian restaurants.
It's always best to drink bottled water and juices in Cambodia, while the beverage to indulge in is coffee. Do not drink the local tap water!
There are many local restaurants and street vendors nearby offering excellent, inexpensive Cambodian food. Chinese, Thai, and other international cuisine are also readily available.
Participants are responsible for their own meals.
Vegetarians
Due to the strong Buddhist influence, vegetarian food is widely available. Vegetarians will have no difficulty as fresh vegetables and fruits are in abundant supply, in addition to a number of vegetarian restaurants. All fruits and vegetables should be cooked or peeled.
Medications
If you require a particular medication, take an adequate supply in case it is not available locally. Knowing the prescription’s generic name rather than the brand can make it easier to get a replacement locally. Take part of the packaging which shows the generic name rather than the brand, which will make getting replacements easier. It’s a good idea to have a legible prescription or letter from your doctor to show that you legally use the medication to avoid any problems.
Be prepared. You should either bring a complete, personal medical and first aid kit along. While these items are available in Cambodia, it is easier if you bring a ‘start-up supply’ with you We suggest the following: Ibuprophen, Aspirin or Tylenol, Band-Aids, betadine ointment, throat lozenges, cold and cough medicine, Pepto-Bismol, ChapStick, suncreen, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, eye drops, antiseptic towlettes, and insect repellent.
Because of the long term risks of sunburn, be sure to bring a good supply of sunscreen with a high SPF rating, good sunglasses and a hat.
Consider bringing a supply of Neosporin Plus which is not available in Cambodia. It includes Lidocain which helps treat scratches, scrapes and other minor injuries.
TESOL Course Overview
The LC-Asia TEFL / TESOL course consists of 144 hours of training; combining the essentials of what you need to become an effective Teacher and be successful in your new country. The program includes an academic classwork component, a foreign language component, and a teaching practice component.
Combined Training (Weeks 1 and 2)
During the first two weeks of class, your time will be dedicated to academics. We want to ensure that you have a solid base so that you are ready to begin student teaching during the third week. The day starts at 9 AM and it is broken up into four two-hour teaching segments with breaks and lunch as appropriate. Topics covered during this first part of the program include:
§ History of English Teaching & Language Acquisition
§ Context – Content – Modeling
§ Materials Development
§ Peer Teach – Warmers
§ Developing Dialogs
§ Peer Teach - New Language
§ Grammar 1 - Word Classes & Parts of Speech
§ Peer Teach - Language Practice
§ Grammar 3 - Verbs & Related Issues
§ Peer Teach - Increasing Vocabulary
§ Lesson Planning
§ Peer Teach - Listening Skills
§ Early Childhood Development
§ Peer Teach - Extension Activities
§ Using Drama to Teach English
§ Peer Teach - Reading & Writing
§ Using Chants & Songs
§ Employment & the Legal System
Warmers – Introduction of function & Types
Writing Resumes
Phonetics
Introducing New Language – Oral Format
Using Phonetics with Asian Language Issues
Language Practice
Grammar 2 - Sentences & Clauses
Increasing Student Vocabulary
Classroom Management
Listening Skills
Teaching One-to-One
Extension Activities
Young Learners
Teaching Reading & Writing
Introduction to Business English
Testing and Assessment
Assessing & Using Textbooks
Testing & Moderation
Practice Teaching (Weeks 3 and 4)
The schedule changes dramatically for the final two weeks. During the morning session, you will have a chance to practice the academic strategies you learned during the first weeks of your TEFL / TESOL training. You will be teaching English to students in a school or an organizational setting. You will be expected to teach as many as twenty hours with real students. You will have additional time to review your plans and your previous day’s presentation with LC-Asia staff. The second session varies between Khmer language and cultural classes, training and language practicum. The third and fourth sessions of the day center around lesson planning, lesson and materials development for your next teaching lesson, and spending time on your search for a position teaching English.
While this is a basic framework, there are a number of program options that can be tailored to fit the individual needs and backgrounds of each class.
By the conclusion of the course, you will possess a thorough and complete preparation for teaching English, as well as a TESOL Certificate verifying your completion of the 144-hour TESOL course including 20-30 full hours (six observed and graded) of teaching practice.
You will additionally have a letter of recommendation from your teaching practice location, and will have completed 30 hours of local language training, which should be sufficient to get you started in Cambodia and give you the basic structure from which to grow your own language development.
Valuables
Please ensure that you put all valuables and excess cash in a safe place and put away other valuable items when you are out your room. Do not leave cameras, tape players, etc. in the classroom overnight.
First Aid
Minor injuries can be treated at the training location. Medication for food poisoning - including antibiotic drugs - is available at local drug stores. In the case of food poisoning or other stomach problems trainees are advised to temporarily avoid eating. Drink only bottled water until the symptoms subside and then gradually introduce other foods into your diet beginning with steamed rice.
If there is any serious injury, please inform the Course Director or one of the staff and transportation will be provided to a local hospital for treatment.
Problems and ComplaintsIf any trainee has a personal problem which might interfere with course studies, we ask that they discuss it with their instructor. If they have a complaint about any aspect of the course or about any of the trainers, they should contact the Director, Rick Barnes.
Other Useful Information
An Overview of Cambodia
As its history of war becomes an increasingly distant memory, Cambodia is evolving into a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia. With its pristine beaches, ancient temples and exotic jungle, it's not hard to see why.
The capital of Phnom Penh is the political and commercial center of the country, and the city is home to over one million people. Once considered the most beautiful of all cities in French Indo-China, much of the city’s colonial charm has survived the violent decades the country and its people have experienced since independence. Beautiful (if somewhat dilapidated) public buildings and private villas are a lovely part of the legacy left by the country's French rulers. Phnom Penh also offers travelers the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and the excellent National Museum, plus a wide selection of hotels, restaurants, cafes and bars.
Things to See and Do
The Temples of Angkor Wat are the heart and soul of the Kingdom of Cambodia, a source of inspiration and pride to all Khmers. Prepare to be inspired! To the south, try snorkeling and dolphin spotting in the seas surrounding Sihanoukville. Or go elephant trekking in the East.
Phnom Penh itself home to large and rising number of venues catering to a mixed crowd of expatriates, tourists, and locals – old and young alike. The quality of pubs and bars in Phnom Penh varies widely, from cheap and cheerful backpacker bars to sophisticated nightclubs. Explore the tragic history of the Pol Pot years with visits to the Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.
If you want to eat/shop and help a good cause at the same time, there a few places in Phnom Penh that are non-profit, run by NGO's and help locals with vocational training. Friends is the biggest and most well-run. They have a restaurant on Street 13 near the National Museum that features really good tapas style food (western & khmer). The shop sells hand-made crafts/clothes made from recycled materials. Both places work to get kids off the street and give them training and a fair wage. Also check out Daughters of Cambodia, also near the National Museum on Street 178. They have a shop, a lovely cafe and a spa which offers manicures & pedicures for as little as $3.
Check them out!!
Bordered by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam - and with a coastline on the tropical Gulf of Thailand - Cambodia is at the heart of Southeast Asia. Border crossings are now easily negotiable for travelers wishing to explore further afield.
Culture Shock
When entering a new environment where very little is familiar, you will probably be disoriented in the beginning. Some people call this “culture shock.” Culture shock is brought on by the anxiety that results from losing familiar signs and symbols.
In addition to living in a physical environment (like an apartment), every individual lives in a cultural environment. This consists of man-made physical objects and social institutions. These signs or cues include the hundreds of ways in which we orient ourselves to the situation of daily life. This can include when to shake hands and what to say when we meet people, when and how to give tips, how to give orders in a restaurant, when to take statements seriously and when not.
These cues may be words, gestures, facial expressions – all customs or norms which we learn in the course of growing up, and are as much a part of our culture as the languages we speak or the beliefs we accept. All of us depend on these cues for peace of mind and our efficiency, most of which we are not consciously aware.
When people enter a strange culture, all or most of these familiar cues are removed. No matter how intelligent, broad-minded, or full of goodwill they may be, a series of props have been knocked out from under them. This is followed by a feeling of frustration and anxiety. All people react to this frustration in much the same way but in varying degrees. Experts suggest that there are four stages of culture shock:
1. Initial euphoria
2. Irritability and hostility
3. Gradual adjustment
4. Adaptation
Traits that Contribute to Successful Adjustment:
Ability to fail. Many consider this to be one of the most important traits for adjustment. Everyone makes mistakes in a new cultural environment and the person who is tolerant of them and tries to learn from them (rather than worrying about them) has more potential for rapid and effective adaptation.
Tolerance for ambiguity. A person with little tolerance for ambiguity insists upon clear definitions, precision, predictability, satisfied expectations, and, above all, knowing with certainty what is about to happen. This will all be absent in a new culture and that person’s adjustment will be very difficult.
Low goal/task orientation. A person who is less compelled and preoccupied by work/school assignments is likely to be more open to social interactions and consequently quicker to adapt to cultural challenges. (i.e. those who pursue activities outside of the classroom and are focused on more than their grades tend to adjust better and more quickly)
Being non-judgmental. This has to do with a person’s ability to “roll with the punches” without making early and prejudicial evaluations of people and situations. A person who has a high tolerance level for differences encountered will obviously function better in a new and different culture.
Flexibility, adaptability. This ability to make basic changes in thought patterns, experience new ways of feeling, and adopt behavioral changes.
Communicativeness. This has to do with verbal and non-verbal aptitudes – listening, observing and responding. A perceptive, insightful person will generally adjust to a new culture more quickly.
Self-reliance. The person of positive self-concept, integrity and courage will adapt most easily to the challenge of living in a new culture. Don’t wait for others to solve your problems.
Curiosity. The more actively one seeks out and participates in a new culture, the more quickly he/she generally adapts to it.
Sense of humor. This goes along with the ability to fail. A person who can look with humor on difficult situations will have an easier time adapting than one who cannot.
Almost everyone experiences culture shock to some degree. It can be frustrating and confusing. There are positive steps that you can take to minimize the impact:
· Realize that this is normal and that you will live through it.
· Be open-minded and ready to learn. You will come to realize that there are different ways to do things, and that’s okay.
· Research your new culture. You can begin now; read as much as you can about the Asian culture that you will be experiencing.
· Understand the reasons for behaviors in the new culture that you may find strange. With a little analysis, you may find that these different behaviors don’t seem so strange after all.
Above all, flexibility, humility, and open-mindedness will be the most helpful traits as you adjust to a new culture. These may be the very qualities that led you to embark upon this adventure in the first place, so you may find that you have adjusted quickly and easily after all!
Travel Resources
Before your arrival, we highly recommend you purchase a descriptive guidebook or do some online research to familiarize yourself and get acquainted with Cambodia and all it has to offer. For more information on Cambodia we recommend the following sources:
A Final Note
Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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