Alternative Tourism Program with Cambodia YMCA & Taichung YMCA

Alternative Tourism Program with Cambodia YMCA & Taichung YMCA

Overview

Tourism is recognized as a key factor of socio-economic development and poverty alleviation. This is to some extent true in rural destinations; hence, it is important to change the local community's attitude and perception toward tourism development.

Cambodia YMCA is working hard to promoting community-based tourism. We have undertaken numerous community initiatives as part of our project, including school renovations, house construction, road repairs, toilet installations, educating children, facilitating youth exchanges, and providing support for women and the elderly. We also focus on raising awareness about climate change and sharing experiences and culture with local residents.

Our primary goal is to improve socioeconomic factors that enhance the quality of life, particularly in areas where mass tourism predominantly benefits wealthier individuals. Through our activities, we strive to mobilize resources that directly benefit the communities we serve. Home stays in rural areas allow tourists to share and contribute to local communities, improving their quality of life and providing equitable benefits.

Although Cambodia may not be the primary destination for tourists, we are actively working to promote potential alternative forms of tourism. The Cambodia YMCA collaborates closely with both tourists and local communities, acting as a bridge between local residents and international volunteers.

Objectives of the Program

The objective of an alternative tourism program is to promote a more sustainable, responsible, and community-oriented form of travel that contrasts with mass tourism.

Description of the Program

A unique and impactful alternative tourism program took place in June 2025 in Siem Reap, Cambodia, where a group of young volunteers from the Taichung YMCA in Taiwan participated in a ten-day service and cultural exchange program. This initiative, organized in collaboration with the Cambodia YMCA, aimed to promote youth development, cultural understanding, and community engagement through hands-on volunteer work and heritage exploration.

The highlight of the program was the school beautification project, where volunteers spent ten full days painting classrooms and improving the learning environment of a local secondary school in a rural community in Siem Reap. The project involved cleaning, painting, and decorating several classrooms with colorful educational murals, aimed at creating a more welcoming and stimulating space for the students.

Participants worked side-by-side with local youth and YMCA staff, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and teamwork. The effort brought smiles and gratitude from teachers, students, and community members, who warmly welcomed the volunteers and even shared traditional Cambodian meals with them.

Participant Overview

The program brought together 18 volunteers from Taichung YMCA, aged 16 to 22, accompanied by two youth leaders and one YMCA coordinator. All participants were part of a youth leadership program in Taiwan focused on global citizenship, volunteering, and sustainable tourism.

In total, the initiative included more than 25 participants, with support from the Cambodia YMCA staff and local community volunteers. This alternative tourism program is part of a broader network of YMCA international youth exchange activities, promoting service learning and regional cooperation across Asia.

Visit to Angkor Wat: Experiencing Cambodia’s Cultural Heritage

After days of hard work, the group enjoyed a guided visit to Angkor Wat, the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of Cambodia’s rich history and architecture. The visit allowed the young volunteers to deepen their understanding of Cambodian culture, religion, and history. The tour also included stops at Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm, where participants reflected on the spiritual and historical significance of the ancient temples.

Reflections and Outcomes

For many participants, this was their first time traveling abroad for service. During group reflections at the end of the program, volunteers shared how the experience deepened their appreciation for community engagement and broadened their worldview.

"I came to help, but I received more than I gave," said Fay, one of the youth volunteers. "Working with the Cambodian students and seeing their smiles made me realize the power of small actions." YMCA leaders from both countries emphasized the importance of such programs in shaping socially responsible youth and promoting peace through mutual understanding.

This alternative tourism program reflects the YMCA’s mission of empowering young people through service, solidarity, and cultural exchange, turning travel into a transformative journey for both volunteers and host communities.

Proceedings, Outputs & Outcomes

In a heartfelt initiative blending service and cultural immersion, a group of enthusiastic volunteers from Taichung participated in a meaningful volunteering program in Siem Reap, Cambodia. This program focused on repainting a local secondary school and exploring the historic site of Angkor Wat. The initiative not only left a visual mark on the school but also fostered intercultural understanding and lifelong memories among participants.

Proceedings of the Program

1. 1. Orientation & Preparation

The volunteering journey began with a comprehensive orientation session in Siem Reap, where volunteers were briefed on:

• Cambodian culture and local etiquette
• The significance of the repainting project
• Safety protocols and teamwork assignments

Materials such as brushes, rollers, paint, and protective gear were prepared in collaboration with local partners and school officials.

2. Repainting the Secondary School

Over ten days, volunteers dedicated their time to revitalizing the school’s exterior and selected classrooms. Key activities included:

• Scraping off old paint and cleaning the walls
• Applying base coats followed by vibrant, bright-colored paints
• Designing simple educational murals in collaboration with local students
• Painting window frames, doors, and fences

The effort was made under hot, humid conditions, requiring physical stamina, coordination, and community spirit.

3. Cultural Exchange Activities

To deepen engagement with the local community, the group participated in:

• Teaching short English lessons or games with students
• Sharing songs, dances, and local crafts
• Learning basic Khmer greetings and customs

These activities bridged the cultural gap and built trust between the volunteers and the community.

4. Angkor Wat Exploration

Following the service portion, the volunteers spent a day exploring Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples. Guided by a local historian, they visited:

• Angkor Wat
• Bayon Temple (famous for its smiling faces)
• Ta Prohm (the jungle temple made famous by Tomb Raider)

This segment offered volunteers the chance to connect with Cambodia’s rich history, spirituality, and artistic grandeur.

Outputs of the Program

• Repainted Infrastructure: One secondary school was visibly rejuvenated, covering approximately 8 classrooms, outer corridors, and the main gate.
• Educational Murals: Three inspirational and educational murals were completed, promoting positive messages about education, hygiene, and global friendship.
• Donated Supplies: Volunteers donated school supplies, including notebooks, pencils, and chalkboards.
• Community Engagement: Over 150 students and teachers interacted directly with the volunteers, creating bonds that may inspire future partnerships.

Outcomes and Impact

For the Community:

• Improved Learning Environment: The refreshed walls and colorful murals created a more inviting, motivating space for students.
• Boosted Morale: Teachers and students expressed increased pride in their school, with improved attitudes toward cleanliness and care.
• International Solidarity: The project strengthened the sense of global community and solidarity, reinforcing the idea that education is a universal value.

For the Volunteers:

• Cultural Awareness: Volunteers gained first-hand experience in Cambodian customs, lifestyle, and educational challenges.
• Personal Growth: Many participants reported enhanced confidence, teamwork skills, and a sense of global responsibility.
• Deepened Global Perspective: Witnessing both the historical grandeur of Angkor Wat and the modest needs of a rural school led to a deeper appreciation of global diversity and inequality.

New Insights Gained

The recent alternative tourism program—centered around community service (such as school painting) and cultural exploration (including a visit to Angkor Wat)—provided participants and organizers with a unique opportunity to gain fresh insights into sustainable tourism, community engagement, and cross-cultural exchange. The program brought together volunteers from Taichung YMCA in Taiwan and local partners in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Participants realized that tourism can be more than sightseeing—it can be a meaningful act of contribution. Instead of merely visiting places, volunteers became part of the local community by engaging in impactful service work such as painting school buildings.

Participant Quote: "This experience made me see that we can give back while traveling. I felt more fulfilled painting a school than just taking pictures at landmarks." Participant from Taichung YMCA.

The interaction between Taiwanese volunteers and Cambodian locals created valuable cross-cultural learning. Both groups gained a deeper understanding of each other's traditions, languages, and worldviews.

Organizer Comment: "The cultural exploration activities allowed for genuine human connection. Our volunteers didn't just observe Cambodia—they connected with it." Empowerment Through Community Involvement, the program highlighted how engaging tourists in community development projects can empower local people and instill a sense of pride. Students, teachers, and residents felt supported and valued through the volunteers’ contributions.

Local School Teacher: "The school looks brighter, and the students are more excited to come. It shows them that others care." Participants reported a growing sense of global responsibility and awareness of global inequalities. Many expressed motivation to stay involved in service-oriented activities beyond the program. "I used to think tourism was about relaxing. Now I see it as a chance to understand the world better and take action." Participation reflection.

Organizers acknowledged the power of alternative tourism to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of quality education, reduced inequalities, and sustainable communities. However, Participants faced challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and unfamiliar working conditions. These were seen not as setbacks but as valuable learning experiences that enhanced their adaptability, communication, and teamwork skills. The alternative tourism program in Siem Reap proved to be a transformative experience for both volunteers and local stakeholders. The blend of community service and cultural immersion enabled participants to develop a more profound and socially responsible understanding of travel. The insights gained highlight the growing potential of alternative tourism as a vehicle for education, empathy, and sustainable impact across borders.

Feedback and Quotes from the Participants

The alternative tourism program, which combined community service through school painting with cultural exploration in Siem Reap—including visits to the majestic Angkor Wat—left a strong impression on both the volunteers from Taiwan and the local hosts.

Feedback from Participants

The volunteers from Taichung YMCA expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to contribute meaningfully while engaging with Cambodia’s culture and people.

Ms. Lin Yu-Chen, volunteer from Taichung YMCA, shared:

“This program gave us more than just the chance to help—it gave us a deep connection with the local community. Painting the school felt symbolic—we were not only coloring walls, but also brightening futures.”

Mr. Hsu Wei-Ting, another participant, commented:

“Seeing the smiles of the children and the appreciation from teachers made every drop of sweat worth it. It was powerful to learn how culture, community, and compassion can come together.”

Feedback from Local Hosts and Organizers

Mr. Hem Thel, local program coordinator at the Siem Reap YMCA, reflected:

“Hosting the youth volunteers from Taiwan was a joy. Their energy and sincerity brought warmth to the school and inspiration to the children. The cultural exchange also opened minds on both sides.”

School Principal, Mr. Sok Somnang, noted:

“We thank the volunteers for their hard work and friendship. Our school looks more welcoming now, and the experience also taught our students the value of international friendship.”

A representative from the organizing team said:

“Alternative tourism is not just about sightseeing—it’s about seeing with purpose. The collaboration between Taichung YMCA and Siem Reap showed how youth can serve, learn, and lead in global citizenship.”

Participant’s Reflection

Hello, this is Polly. I came from Taiwan. I joined the volunteering program between the Taichung YMCA and the Cambodia YMCA in Siem Reap for ten days. This volunteer trip to Cambodia was a fulfilling and touching experience. At first, I signed up immediately upon seeing the invitation from Angela, as I needed to step out of my comfort zone after an unsatisfactory first half of 2025. During the preparation period, I felt quite anxious because of my poor social skills. My biggest worry was whether I would fit into the team. However, when I met everyone, I found them to be very friendly, and everything went more smoothly than I had anticipated.

A few days before departure, I realized many details were still unprepared, which increased my worries. Although I initially encountered issues like forgetting to bring a jacket and having a broken shoe, I still started trusting that everything would be resolved. Upon arriving in Cambodia, we were first greeted by the sweltering weather and the energetic, handsome Charlie, who gave each of us a scarf with the Cambodian flag and took a super cute group photo at the airport. This friendly reception helped me relax further. On the bus, we curiously looked at the scenery and discovered that it was different from what we had imagined—more advanced.

In the early days in Cambodia, we served in school with local volunteers. Although language barriers made communication somewhat difficult, the children ‘s obedience and enthusiasm deeply moved me. I realized that the language gap wasn’t as wide as I had thought; it seemed that too many words were unnecessary. We returned to the most basic form of communication, using simple gestures to convey genuine goodwill. In the following days, we mainly engaged in teaching, painting projects, and cooking activities with the villagers. Every day presented new challenges and rewards, especially interacting with the children, connecting with the villagers, and participating in cultural nights around the campfire, singing and dancing. As we grew closer, the farewell became more poignant. These experiences gave me a deeper understanding of Cambodia.

On the last day of service, we held a simple yet meaningful ribbon-cutting ceremony and organized a game fair. Despite the busyness, it was full of fun, and the children’s smiles were the best way to cool down in the hot weather. At the moment of farewell, we all felt a deep sense of reluctance. Seeing the children and villagers ‘concern and kindness filled me with gratitude. We walked a short part of the road together before parting ways, and it’s possible we may never meet each other again. We would only be passing through each other’s lives, not knowing if we truly made a difference. I hope to remember the happiness and warmth this place brought me and carry that blessing forward.

Upon returning to Taiwan, I found that I had a more comprehensive understanding of Cambodia and experienced the precious meanings of cross-border friendships and cultural exchange. This experience was immensely rewarding, not only for the new knowledge of Cambodia but also for the personal growth and changes I underwent during this journey.

Prepared by Nimey Rin, General Secretary, YMCA Cambodia