Itinerary draft for 2024

Food and Water 

The group will be eating breakfast, lunch and dinner at a good local restaurants in Kampot. Tap water is NOT drinkable in Cambodia so you will be provided with bottled water for drinking during your stay. You will need to take a drink bottle with you to refill during your stay.

In the instance that students may be unsupervised (such as getting lunch at a café close to our hotel, shopping in a market, etc), students will need to stay in groups of 3. Students will have staff contact phone numbers, and ID card, meeting times, places and boundaries will be set. 

Transport

You will be transported in two vans during the trip. This is from a reputable company and they will have seatbelts.

Tuk Tuks will only be used for short trips and students will be accompanied by a staff member. Students are not permitted to use Tuk Tuks independently.

Insurance

All students are covered by the school policy (full details can be sent to you on request) and your child will be registered with International SOS, a medical and travel security service. Their services include planning and preventative programs, in country expertise and emergency response. 

Visas

We will purchase visas on arrival. Students are asked to provide 2 passport size recent photographs for their visas. The cost of the visa is included in the budget.

Phones

Students will be asked to relinquish their phones during the trip to help immerse them into Khmer life and culture. Previously, students who have remained connected to friends in Australia via Facebook etc. don’t engage fully with the program. Teachers will still be contactable via Gareth Bolch. We appreciate your support with this.

CAMP REGULATIONS

·       Normal school rules apply.

·       Students are expected to adhere to SunSmart policy.

·       Appropriate footwear and clothing must be worn.

·       In the instance that students may be unsupervised (such as getting lunch at a café close to our hotel, shopping in a market, etc), students will need to stay in groups of 3. Students will have staff contact phone numbers, and ID card, meeting times, places and boundaries will be set. 

·       Students will need to be punctual and adhere to all meeting times and locations.

·       Students are expected to follow Woodleigh School’s code of conduct and conduct themselves in an appropriate manner when outside the school and visiting public places.

·       Students should be mindful of the sensitive nature and topics that many Khmer people have experienced and are reminded to be considerate of these experiences. 

Risks

Woodleigh has completed a careful risk assessment, based on international practices and our school’s experience of overseas travel for several years. Risks were rated from low to high and contingency plans created.

Risks identified included (but were not limited to):

·       Injury to a participant, staff member or next of kin,

·       Major illness and/or disease outbreak within group,

·       Contaminated food and water,

·       Allergic reactions, Malaria & Dengue Fever,

·       Change in social or political stability,   

·       Extreme natural events & weather conditions, 

·       Transport delays, vehicle breakdowns, accidents & unacceptable quality, 

·       Theft of money, valuables, or travel documentation,

·       Harassment from strangers,

·       Security & Safety: accommodation and school

·       Movement along streets, markets, etc

Code of Conduct

Our daughter/son understands the expectations with respect to behaviour, and specifically: 

• The need to pay attention to his/her personal safety and health at all times

• The need to liaise regularly with the supervising teacher and to accept appropriate supervision at all times

• Involvement with sex, drugs or alcohol is prohibited

• A respectful attitude to our hosts the Khmer people 

• A preparedness to participate wherever appropriate and to represent Woodleigh School well

• The need to travel only in any vehicles approved by the Teacher-in-charge (the riding of motorbikes is prohibited on all Woodleigh School trips)

• Receiving any form of tattoos or piercings is prohibited on all Woodleigh School trips

We understand that all normal school policies – and especially those specified above – are designed to maximise safety of all participants.  Infringement of these policies could result in a participant being sent home, suspension or expulsion. We understand that any extra costs associated would be at our expense.

When you are in Cambodia, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. Penalties for drug offences, including those involving "soft drugs", are severe and include lengthy jail sentences. 

Cambodian authorities are committed to protecting their cultural heritage. A permit is required to purchase or possess cultural and archaeological artefacts. The penalty under Cambodian law for an unintentional act concerning cultural heritage property is a minimum of six months’ imprisonment. An intentional act attracts a minimum of two to eight years' imprisonment and a fine equal to double the value of the cultural object. 

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In the event of an emergency or if you need to contact your child or the school during the Tour please contact Mr Gareth Bolch during school hours or after hours on 0407 091 483.   

We believe it is important to acknowledge that some of these activities have inherent risks, and therefore the potential for injury due to its adventure based nature. However, we also believe it is a worthwhile activity as it provides students with the opportunity of experiencing a sense of achievement through participating in a variety of challenging situations.