Following is a sample itinerary for Dragons' “Cambodia: Studies in Development and Peace” summer program.  Our sample itineraries are based on past courses; in order to meet instructor team goals, as well as the goals and interests of particular student groups, itineraries are subject to change.  Please keep an eye on the course's Yak board for additional itinerary-related postings and updates.

Weeks One-Two:
Orientation in L.A., fly to Phnom Penh: Gain our bearings in one of the most intense cities in SE Asia.  Visit the Killing Fields and the S-21 concentration camps; meet with experts on the Khmer Rouge and interview Khmer Rouge survivors.  Visit local markets and begin immediately to study Khmer history, culture, and language.  Travel by train to the rural province of Pursat, in western Cambodia: Explore traditional Cambodian culture and community values; study rural development issues with the organization Sustainable Cambodia.  Begin Independent Study Projects.

Weeks Two-Three:

Short but rugged journey to Battambang, Cambodia's second largest city: Compare and contrast urban Cambodia with life in the countryside.  Travel through the channels of the Tonle Sap ("Great Lake") to Siem Reap: Explore the magical temples of Angkor Wat by bicycle and by foot, and engage in reflective solo time; learn about the art, culture, and history of the ancient Khmer Empire.

Week Three:

Return to Phnom Penh: Enjoy traditional shadow puppetry; meet with prominent politicians, development workers, and historians; make progress on Independent Study Projects.  Study of poignant issues facing contemporary Cambodia, such as human trafficking and sex tourism, and learn about the intense work being done by various organizations to clean up Cambodia's landmine-affected regions.  Home-stay and group service projects in a village north of Phnom Penh, along a tributary of the mighty Mekong River.    

Weeks Four-Five:

Return to the Cambodian countryside: Travel along rough roads by truck to reach the start-point of our trek in the remote wilderness of Mondulkiri Province in northeast Cambodia; watch for endangered wildlife; learn about ethnic minority issues and discuss the effects of tourism and development in those areas.

Week Six:
Student-directed portion of the itinerary.  Options include visits to pepper plantations, a visit to the caves of Kompong Trach, or travel to the Cambodia coast to explore fishing villages and discuss the environmental and other effects of tourism and development.  Independent Study Project presentations.  Return to Phnom Penh for last-minute visits to our favorite markets and streetside vendors, and prepare for flight home.