Cambodia is a small country with a wealth of history and blessed with some of the world’s most enigmatic temples.
When studying here you will get to meet the happiest and friendliest people in the world, and hear about their country’s horrific past. Explore bustling markets, relax with a cocktail by one of the bluest oceans you’ve ever seen and enjoy a sunset river cruise. Visit Angor Wat, watch orange monks drift by and taste some pretty interesting spiders.
Cambodia will make you think twice about everything you see.
Cambodia Fast Facts
Languages Spoken
The official language of Cambodia is Khmer.
Currency
Name: Cambodian Riel (Also use USD)
Code: KHR
Symbol: ៛
Time Zones
Time Zone: Cambodia Standard Time (UTC +07:00)
Languages Spoken in Cambodia
Cambodians primarily speak Khmer, which unlike most languages in the region is not tonal, but makes up for it with a large assortment of consonant and vowel clusters.
Cambodian students prefer to learn English over other European languages and you will find people who speak anywhere from basic to fluent English in major towns and cities. In market situations, most Khmers will know enough English to complete a basic transaction, though many vendors carry calculators into which they punch numbers and show you the screen to demonstrate the price.
Some elder Khmers speak French from the colonial days, but partly because of the Khmer Rouge era (in which those speaking foreign languages were targeted for extermination), to actually encounter anyone fluent in French is rare in most parts of the country. German and other European tongues can be found in the tourist centres (but are even rarer than French) and Japanese is also a popular language for tourist industry workers.
Popular Places to Study
- Siem Reap
- Phnom Penh
Basic Khmer Words and Phrases
- Sour S’dei! – Hi!
- Sok Sabay? – How are you?
- K’nhom Sabay! – Im Happy!
Activities and Free Time
Weave through colourful Cambodia, witnessing the magnificent Angkor Wat temple, the historic yet sombre site of the Killing Fields, Sihanoukville’s glittering turquoise waters, the incredible Mekong Delta and rounds it all off with the charm and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.
Feedback and Reviews
If you have studied in Cambodia get in touch to share your experience with us.