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# Traveling abroad brings new perspective on life
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/traveling-abroad-brings-new-perspective-on-life/
- Published: 2008-08-12T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-25T00:39:23.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

I HAVE BEEN TEACHING 8TH GRADE English at Lincoln Middle School for the past 8 years and this summer I was blessed to have been selected to participate in an intense, four-week educator program in Cambodia.

I was chosen by the U.S. East-West Foundation to study the history, culture, and religion of Cambodia. The foundation is a nonprofit organization looking to bridge the gap between Asian cultures and communities with western societies. A chief objective is to garner more understanding and tolerance between diverse nations all the while having a deep respect for valuing multiple perspectives, ethnicities, and cultures on a global level.

I was absolutely thrilled and honored to be selected and represent my middle school, Santa Monica, and California. The program is called “Cambodia: Past and Present” and the main purpose is for teachers to study not only Cambodia’s turbulent recent history and politics, but compare and contrast that with Cambodia’s current state — social, political, and religious. Our next step is to then synthesize our learning and translate that into our classrooms for our students.

In my voyage, I have been able to witness the urban decay and decadence of Phnom Penh, see the lingering effects of French colonialism, visit remote Cambodian orphanages and AIDS hospitals, meet and interview Khmer Rouge survivors, walk through the eerie devastation of Cheong Euk (a.k.a. “The Killing Fields”), feel the tragedy of Tuol Sleng prison, come to terms with the rampant corruption of society on every social level, and see the damaging environmental effects of deep exploitation of natural resources.

With all the deprivation, poverty, and obvious corruption, I still believe there is much hope for the future. The optimism lies within the kindness, dedication, and perseverance of the Cambodian people. I have come to learn the amazing strength and resilience of children, parents, and families.

One thing that Cambodians value is education, however, equal access to education remains a monumental problem. One of the most authentic experiences was when we lived with a host family for a week in a remote village. This was the most difficult yet worthwhile component of our travels as we left behind all modern conveniences.

My homestay family had 10 children (9 girls and 1 boy) and the most memorable moments of my trip were when I had the chance to experience daily village life with my family members. Struggling with communication and language barriers, going to temples and pagodas, helping with the collection of rice in the paddy fields, pumping water out from the well, riding broken bicycles to school with the children, collecting fruits and vegetables in the garden, playing soccer with the local boys, learning basic Khmer vocabulary, and teaching English at the local school were daily activities that I came to appreciate and enjoy.

I really pushed my boundaries and feel that I came away more enlightened and respectful of how other communities live. Moreover, I realized that although my homestay family was poor in money and material wealth, they are immensely rich in happiness and love for each other. What we would deem as tangible necessities were inconsequential to their lives. We ate every meal together as a family, talked and told stories, played games, took plenty of walks, and enjoyed being free with nature, oblivious to any distractions.

Another unforgettable experience was when we practiced Buddhist meditation, religion, and philosophy with monks for a week at a monastery called Wat Damnak. We would wake up every day at 3:30 a.m. to begin our chanting rituals, go collect alms in the neighborhood, clean the temple grounds, go to school, listen to dharma talks, and help teach English to the monks. It was truly enlightening as I came away with a healthier appreciation for simplicity and minimalism in life. I also discovered refreshing it is to t shed all of my superficial layers — consumerism, capitalism, vanity, and ego. I think I came away a more understanding, compassionate person and a better observer of life.

I can say that this voyage helped expand my appreciation for diverse cultures and I have much to share with my students and colleagues at Lincoln.

I am still haunted by two essential questions: How can the Cambodian government help narrow the gap between rich and poor? Will the trials of the former Khmer Rouge leaders help bring any closure for the Cambodian people?

The director of our trip encouraged us to spread the word about this experience, hence this column. I hope this is worthy of your time. If you are at all interested to know more, please feel free to contact me as I have much more stories to tell and plenty of awesome photos too. I look forward to hearing from you.

Editor’s note: David Pisarra is on vacation. Look for a new “What’s the point?” on Aug. 19.

CHON LEE is an English teacher at Lincoln Middle School. He

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 12, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/081208.pdf?ref=smdp.com)