Journey to Cambodia during the winter session.

Labor Development and Society

Richard Fincher, Esq.

Winter Session 2024

Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, Cambodia

In collaboration with the Center for Khmer Studies (CKS), Cornell's Southeast Asia (SEAP, Einaudi) Study Abroad program in Cambodia will provide an in-depth focus on on how the dynamic changes in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap connect to their history, policies, and labor politics. Home to Angkor Wat—one of the Seven Wonders of the World—and the vibrant city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia has prospered significantly over the last two decades, thanks to tourism and manufacturing. Yet, the country still faces challenges such as rural poverty and deficits in healthcare, education, and infrastructure. This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to Cambodian development through examination of Cambodia’s history, culture, politics, education system, labor and society and their evolving relationships in shaping the past, current and future development of the country. The course involves a mix of lectures, including by Cambodian experts, and field visits. Based primarily out of Siem Reap, Cambodia, CKS has a long-standing partnership with Cornell to help us arrange in-country logistics as well as other relevant excursions while in Cambodia including the capital, Phnom Penh.

Financial aid available—apply through OCOF.  Cornell students who have taken 3+ credits of SEA courses are eligible for funding from SEAP.

This 3-credit course will be held in Cambodia.

To prepare for CU in Cambodia, students should plan to take KHMER 1100 “Elements of Khmer Language and Culture” this fall with Hannah Phan. The course will introduce basic Khmer/Cambodian language and culture to anyone with an interest in the subject matter, those planning to travel to Cambodia, heritage students, etc.

Previous Course Topics

This course is a two-to-three week immersive experience in Cambodia during the winter session. Students join a faculty member and TA in Cambodia to receive a hands-on, in-country instruction. The enrollment capacity is 10 to 12 Cornell students. Dates and course content are subject to change depending on which faculty member will lead the course—stay tuned! Previous courses have included:

• "Heritage, History, and Identity in Cambodia," taught by Magnus Fiskesjö (Anthropology).
• "Contemporary Cambodia: Labor, Development, and Society," taught by Sarosh Kuruvilla (Industrial and labor relations).
• "Performing Angkor: Dance, Silk, and Stone," taught by Kaja McGowan (art history).
• "Chinese Empire and the Cambodian Experience," taught by Andrew Mertha (government).  

Stay tuned for the announcement of next year's course!

Stay Connected for Updates

Make sure you have subscribed to the SEAP listserv to receive the latest updates on deadlines for study abroad applications and funding deadlines.

Email cu-in-cambodia@cornell.edu to receive updates and information on how to apply.

More information also available at Experience Cornell.