Cambodia
The Kingdom of Cambodia is home to approximately 13 million people and is the most ethnically homogenous country in the region. It is located in South-East Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand to the south, Thailand to the west, Laos to the north, and Vietnam to the east.
Our placements are in Siem Reap, a cosmopolitan tourist hub with a cosy feel referred to as a ‘city with soul’. It’s home to a contrast of people rich and poor, with locals and tourists enjoying the increasing number of facilities in town as well as sharing a mutual respect for the amazing Angkor temples complex.
Despite great improvement, Cambodia faces many challenges against both communicable and non-communicable disease prevention, including the fight against HIV/AIDs, malaria, tuberculosis, dengue fever and access to clean water. Maternal and child mortality, malnutrition, mental illness and the potential health problems from climate change are threats to Cambodia’s health system development. Specialist healthcare including community health, physiotherapy and occupational health are keys areas in which students can make a real difference in terms of knowledge, skills exchange and capacity building.
A few weeks on placement will allow students to work in a hands on capacity in their chosen discipline, whilst getting to grips with Cambodian culture, its people and complexities.
Opportunities in Cambodia
Nursing (download Flyer)
The community health placement in and around Siem Reap is structured to provide students with an overview of health in Cambodia. Students may experience health conditions in more advanced states than commonly seen in Australia, as well as cultural environments unique to Cambodia. The placement allows students to collaborate with local health professionals in community clinics under supervision from their University supervisor and with the support of translators. Students have the opportunity to work across patient assessment and treatment and health education in the local community and also at local primary and secondary schools.
Allied health & Physio (download Allied Health flyer) (Download Physio Flyer)
We partner with a number of organisations across Siem Reap providing allied health treatment and support to clients with disabilities, chronic health conditions and injuries. Your placement will depend on your chosen area of study and we can offer either a dedicated placement at one of the partner sites or at multiple sites.
At each facility, you will be utilising your skills and working alongside local health professionals. Throughout the experience, you will be learning from each other ensuring the best outcomes for your clients whether that be an immediate health check, an exercise session or writing a healthcare program that can be utilised at home.
Time will be spent assessing the health of individuals under the shadow of clinic staff, following up on patients’ conditions and consulting with staff about individual cases.