Cambodia Elephant & Bear Conservation for Schools
Elephant conservation, bear rehabilitation, and cultural immersion
What’s included
Projects Abroad T-shirt
Transportation
Reflective Journals – Upon Request
Flights – Upon Request
Trip Overview
Interact with rescued elephants
Hike through the lush Mondulkiri jungle to track and observe rescued Asian elephants in their natural habitat while learning about animal welfare.
Support bear rehabilitation
Gain hands-on experience at a world-class sanctuary, assisting with food preparation, enrichment, and rehabilitation for Sun and Moon bears.
Discover ancient Angkor Wat
Experience the magic of a sunrise at Angkor Wat and explore the mysterious “Tomb Raider” temple, Ta Prohm, with your new friends.
Immerse yourself in culture
Engage in meditation with Buddhist monks, explore traditional floating villages on the Mekong, and discover local markets and social enterprises.
Develop conservation skills
Build your confidence and practical skills in reforestation, animal tracking, and environmental protection in a safe and supervised setting.
What you can expect
You will be based between the remote jungles of Sen Monorom and the vibrant capital of Phnom Penh, where you’ll contribute directly to vital wildlife conservation efforts while immersing yourself in the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Elephant welfare and tracking
At the jungle reserve, you’ll support daily conservation tasks such as tracking rescued Asian elephants, observing their natural behaviours, performing basic health checks, and safely hiking alongside them in their natural habitat.
You will also engage in community-led reforestation initiatives, assisting with park maintenance tasks such as clearing trails, planting trees, and contributing to small building projects to strengthen the local ecosystem and protect the elephants’ habitat.
At the end of your first week, embark on a jungle hike to a peaceful waterfall, and learn about different wildlife and plants along the way. You’ll also discover traditional sustainable farming practices by visiting the Bunong community
Bear rehabilitation
In your second week, you’ll join a vital rehabilitation initiative at a wildlife sanctuary to support rescued Sun Bears, Moon Bears, and Asiatic Black Bears.
Assist with preparing specialised diets and hiding treats within their enclosures to support natural behaviours. These activities combine hands-on tasks with insightful workshops, giving you the chance to understand the challenges of animal trafficking and the importance of rehabilitation projects.
Forest restoration
Conservation isn’t just about the animals; it’s about their home too. You’ll participate in community reforestation projects, planting native trees and maintaining jungle trails to ensure the ecosystem remains healthy for generations to come.
Cultural discoveries
Beyond your conservation work, become fully immersed in Cambodia’s landscapes and traditions. From a sunrise visit to the world-famous Angkor Wat and a boat trip through traditional floating villages to exploring Buddhist temples and meditation sessions with monks, you’ll gain a deep appreciation of the country’s history and culture.
By the end of the program, you’ll leave with new conservation skills, lasting friendships, and a greater awareness of the vital work being done to protect Cambodia’s wildlife and heritage.
Why choose Cambodia for your school trip?
This program is uniquely designed to give students direct experience with two distinct conservation efforts: monitoring rescued elephants in their jungle habitat and supporting the rehabilitation of vulnerable bears. Students will work firsthand with local conservationists tackling critical issues like habitat loss and animal trafficking whilst seeing how hands-on fieldwork and community-led initiatives can make a measurable difference.
Beyond the fieldwork, the program offers a powerful cultural dimension. From visiting ancient monuments to meeting local people in traditional villages, students experience how culture, history, and the natural environment are deeply interwoven in Cambodia. This balance of conservation service and immersive cultural discovery provides a structured and curriculum-relevant platform to enhance learning in biology, geography, sustainability, and global citizenship.
Start planning your trip today
Call +1 (917) 810 4744 to connect with your Project Expert for free personal advice and support.
