The CKS Khmer Language and Culture Program (KLCP) provides an opportunity for faculty, post-graduate researchers and undergraduates from U.S. universities to participate in an intensive eight-week study abroad program in Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap Cambodia.
This program is administered in collaboration with the University of Hawaii, Mānoa. The program is designed for those who wish to develop Khmer language skills and understanding of contemporary Cambodian society for academic and professional purposes, but who have not completed two years of formal language training.
KLCP welcomes those who have some basic or no prior Khmer language learning experience.
The program is intended to complement Hawaii’s Advanced Study in Khmer (ASK) program and is structured along similar lines.
There is a demand among academic researchers for appropriate high quality in-country immersive Khmer language training. However, not all have completed the two years of academic training in Khmer required for Advance Study in Khmer (ASK).
The CKS Khmer Language and Culture Program aims to meet that demand and provide the opportunity for those with less Khmer language experience to benefit from study in-country. Like their ASK counterparts, participants in the CKS program will receive four hours of intensive language training during morning sessions. In the afternoon, they will take part, alongside the ASK program participants, in fieldtrips and other cultural activities, including visits to local governmental and non-governmental institutions, where their language skills can be used in real-time situations.
Click here for information about the ASK program.
The program goals reflect CKS’s broader agenda of promoting research and international scholarly exchange through programs that increase understanding of Cambodia and its region:
To ensure the quality of the program, the group will restrict to 8 individuals.
Instruction is given by trained Cambodian instructors and linguists and follows the ASK curriculum at the appropriate level for the group.
Generally, an applicant may be among the following:
Who is not eligible?
CKS will cover the costs of tuition, administration, and local travel on field visits for participants. Participants are responsible for their international travel and living expenses including accommodations and food during the program.
Participants must have health insurance and will be responsible for any entry fees into Cambodia that are imposed by the Cambodian Government including visa fees, Covid-tests, quarantine, etc. if applicable.
*You can keep up with the updates of the Covid-19 situation and travel requirements in Cambodia via:
Download 2021 Application form
Summit your completed application with the subject, “Application for KLCP 2021” to: [email protected].
If you do not have access to email, you may mail the completed application form and all required documents to:
Center for Khmer Studies (CKS)
PO Box 9380 Wat Damnak
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Sign-up and we’ll share information on current and future programs.
Hello = suos-tei (in formal way, Jum Reab Sour)
Thank you = saum arkoun
VISA INFORMATION
If you are Cambodian-French or Cambodian-American, and your passport shows that you were born in Cambodia, then you will not be charged for your visa.
Otherwise your Business Visa will cost US$35 for your first month. If you plan to stay in Cambodia longer than a month, we strongly recommend that you purchase your Business Visa upon arrival at Siem Reap or Phnom Penh International Airport. The process is quick and straightforward. Be certain to have two spare passport photos with you and US$35 cash. Remember that there is no visa needed for those of you who carry a Cambodian passport with them.
For American fellows, please visit: https://www.embassyofcambodiadc.org/how-to-get-a-visa.html
For French Fellows, please visit: https://www.embassy-paris.com/France/Cambodia-in-Paris
(Cambodian Government E-Visa). Note You could not apply the Business Visa via online.
Otherwise your Business Visa will cost US$35 for your first month. If you plan to stay in Cambodia longer than a month, we strongly recommend that you purchase your Business Visa upon arrival at Siem Reap or Phnom Penh International Airport. The process is quick and straightforward. Be certain to have two spare passport photos with you and $35 cash.
**Remember that there is no visa needed for those of you who carry a Cambodian passport with them.
If you wish, another possible option to apply for your Tourist visa using the online application: https://www.evisa.gov.kh (Cambodian Government E-Visa). Note You could not apply the Business Visa via online.
ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION
You will be asked to fill in the blank in the application business visa application form, “business” section. Please fill in: “Research”. Please make sure to keep track of the renewal date, and mark it somewhere in your personal calendar, so that you renew your visa on time; otherwise you will be charged a penalty of US$ for each day spent in the country without a valid visa.
Guide books about Cambodia, such as the Lonely Planet, are a good source of information on history, culture and local norms and will give an idea of what types of food and services are available in Siem Reap.
The list below is furnished as a general outline and should not be seen as a hard and fast rule. And remember, all of the things on this list can be found in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh without a problem.
Cambodians tend to cover up more than one would think and they do tend to dress more on the conservative side of things, usually wearing long trousers and shirts even when very hot. Foreigners can and do get away with more relaxed dress but when doing research in villages, it’s best not to offend.
US dollars are the common currency with smaller change given in the local currency, riel. The exchange rate is approximately 4,100R to 1 US Dollar. You can find Currency Exchange stores in towns.
There are ATMs in Siem Reap that accept international cards; cash, traveller’s checks and credit card cash advances are all possibilities. Many restaurants and supermarkets accept credit cards, but not American Express. Notes that are ripped or torn, or even taped, will not be accepted.
Electricity is 220-240 V, power cuts and surges are not uncommon. You may need a voltage converter. For most electric outlets, the two pronged plug can fit (three prong is more problematic). Laptop computers may be dual voltage; look at the a/c adaptor. Plug adapters and voltage converters can be purchased in Siem Reap. Electricity is expensive as well and you are cautioned to take care to turn off lights, computers and especially air conditioning units when not using them.
Please look at the CDC Travel website (http://www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.htm) for indications for immunizations and medications before traveling.
Siem Reap is 11 hours ahead of EST, 14 hours ahead of PST, and 6 hours ahead of Paris, something to keep in mind when calling home. International calling is easiest and most convenient through the various internet cafes in town or through Skype.
CKS has a fast wireless internet connection that you are free to use. Wireless internet connections can also be found for free all over town including: the café shops, restaurants, and hotels and in Phnom Penh, you can find the free Wi-Fi at the public park such as Hun Sen park.
Mail can be received at the Center for Khmer Studies using the following addresses:
Your name, c/o Center for Khmer Studies, PO Box 9380 – Wat Damnak, Siem Reap, Cambodia
OR
Your name, c/o Center for Khmer Studies, 234 Street 450 Tuol Tumpung II, Chamkamorn, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Tel: (855) 023 991 937.
Mail can take anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks to arrive in Siem Reap. You can also send mail from this location.
US taxes will have to be paid on the fellowships for American students. CKS will furnish you with a 1099 at the end of the calendar year. Again, if you have any questions, feel free to ask. However, if you wish to get started with some reading, the History of Cambodia by David Chandler is a good place to start.
PO Box 9380
Wat Damnak, Siem Reap
Cambodia
Tel: (855) 063 964 385
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