“It has made me realize that many of us in Western countries take our education for granted, and that education really can be a way to uplift an entire population.” — Gavi, Northeastern University
When Gavi arrived in Cambodia, he stepped into a world where education, community, and personal growth intertwined. Through lesson planning, classroom support, and collaborative projects, he gained practical skills and significant insights. Each day challenged and inspired him, offering a deeper understanding of the impact one can make through dedication and collaboration.
Step into Cambodia with Gavi and follow his journey of mentorship, challenges, and moments that shaped him.
Key Facts about this Education Internship in Cambodia
Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Academic Focus: Education & Pedagogy
Length: Min. 12 weeks
The Internship
The Education Program Development Internship in Cambodia is designed for interns who want to contribute meaningfully to education. Rather than leading classrooms independently, interns work closely with local educators to develop curriculum, lesson plans, and teaching resources, particularly for English language programs.
Alongside program development work, interns gain exposure to the inner workings of a grassroots NGO, from planning and evaluation to community partnerships. This behind-the-scenes role ensures teachers are supported and classrooms remain consistent, even in resource-limited settings. Education interns leave with a deeper understanding of how thoughtful, locally-led education initiatives can drive long-term change.
The Organization
Founded in 2020, REACH Siem Reap is a grassroots social impact nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in Thlok Andoung Village, Cambodia. The organization provides children with access to quality education alongside well-rounded support that helps them build confidence, life skills, and a sense of belonging. The ultimate goal is to enable young people to secure fair employment and break free from cycles of poverty. By ensuring students grow up in a safe, stable, and supportive environment, they help remove barriers that often prevent children from reaching their full potential.
As Gavi says, “The grassroots work is truly holistic, and simply labeling it ‘a school’ doesn’t begin to capture the impact the organization has in the community.”
Learn more about REACH
About Gavi
Get to know Gavi, a dedicated Northeastern University student with a clear vision for his future in the field of education. Currently studying in the United States, he chose to take his learning beyond the classroom and into the heart of Cambodia, where he contributed to meaningful education initiatives in Siem Reap. He is passionate about lesson planning, recognizing that strong preparation leads to confident teaching and supports both teachers and students in achieving their goals. Throughout the internship, he played an active role in strengthening classroom delivery by refining teaching materials, designing 160+ lesson plans, and proposing new approaches to student engagement which helped his internship become a hands-on experience in how sustainable education is built.
Check out more Internships with Nonprofits in Cambodia
“I’m Interning at a School” But It’s So Much More
Teaching Without Taking Over
“What drew me to this specific program was its model. Instead of placing me directly in front of a classroom where students might not connect with a short-term foreign teacher, I would be providing more long-lasting support from behind the scenes,” Gavi shares.
From the start of this Education Internship, Gavi understood that his role was not just to step in as the expert, but to make sure that he provided all the support needed from behind the scenes. When contributing to curriculum development and program documentation, he ensured changes reflected real classroom needs. He recognized the importance of sustainable impact that comes from collaboration rather than taking over.
Creating Lessons That Matter
Developing lesson plans went beyond theory. It was about creating a structure that any teacher could actually use. Each plan included exercises, assessment tools, and supporting resources designed to improve learning, giving students clear pathways to improve and teachers the confidence to guide them.
“Most of my day is spent creating detailed lesson plans that teachers can use to deliver each unit of the curriculum,” he continues. Through this approach, Gavi made a lasting contribution to the classroom, giving both teachers and students the resources to achieve real progress.
The Teachers Who Taught Me
When asked about his experience and the lessons he learned so far, Gavi answers, “I spend a few hours each day helping out in the classrooms, and just by watching the seasoned teachers work, I’ve picked up so many small tips and tricks that I know I’ll carry with me.”
Gavi spent much of his internship in education shadowing the local teachers, taking note of how they designed activities, managed time, and connected with students. These daily observations taught him small, practical strategies which were precise yet adaptable to the classroom atmosphere.
“As I prepare to head back to my university classes in the U.S. promptly after my time here, I feel a lot more motivated and inspired to mirror the level of commitment students bring to their education here,” he continues.
Adventure Beyond the Internship
More Than an Education Internship Abroad
While Gavi’s days were spent supporting teachers and refining educational materials, his experience also included exploring local culture, history, and landscapes.
“I’ve done so many things I never imagined, and amongst it all, I’ve met so many cool people hailing from every corner of the world,” he narrates.
Gavi joined staff in volleyball, soccer, cycling, and even the annual staff party, forming connections and creating memories that went far beyond the classroom. Cycling particularly became a memorable part of his experience as he trained alongside students for a two-day, 200 km ride through the Cambodian countryside, a key fundraising event that empowers students while supporting the organization’s programs.
“The travel adventures I’ve been on have brought some of the most memorable moments of my life.”
Outside of this education program development internship, Gavi explored Cambodia and beyond. He visited the temples of Angkor Wat, ventured to the island of Koh Rong, and took two weeks-long holidays to Thailand and Vietnam. From surfing and snorkeling to trekking mountains and riding world-famous motorcycle loops, these adventures shaped not only his professional journey but also his perspective on life, making the internship a truly transformative experience.
Riding Toward Something Bigger
Gavi’s participation in the Side by Side ride highlighted the broader impact of his internship. Training with students for a 200 km, two-day journey through Cambodia, he was inspired by their determination to succeed academically while pushing themselves physically.
“Seeing how hard students are training on top of their studies has motivated me to join this year’s ride.”
By the end, Gavi saw that the event was more than just a ride, it was the core lesson of his internship to make a tangible difference in the lives of the students and the community.
From Outsider to Teammate
When Gavi first arrived, he was the only intern and an outsider to the local staff. But that quickly changed as colleagues welcomed him warmly and included him in daily activities.
“Everyone was excited to have me join and get to know me, which was such a comforting feeling in a new country where I didn’t know anyone,” he said.
Through shared work, meals, and extracurricular activities, he gradually became a trusted member of the team. Volleyball games, cycling sessions, and the annual staff party helped strengthen these connections beyond professional collaboration.
By the end of his teaching internship, Gavi was no longer just an intern. He had become an integral part of the community, contributing meaningfully while building lasting friendships.
Read More On How To Prepare For The First Day Of Your Internship
The Beginning of Something Bigger
From developing lesson plans and supporting teachers to joining students in cycling challenges, he contributed while learning valuable lessons about dedication, collaboration, and impact. Every lesson plan, classroom interaction, and training session with students was a step toward understanding the bigger picture of education and community development.
“I’ve observed how teachers here are incredible role models for students, and their impact is clear,” he expresses.
As Gavi looks ahead, Cambodia’s lessons and memories will continue to inspire him, marking this internship as the beginning of a lifelong pursuit to educate, empower, and make a difference.
This experience became more than a chapter abroad. It became a defining moment in shaping Gavi’s outlook on education and his role within it. By stepping into a new country, new systems, and new responsibilities, he strengthened skills that will shape his academic and professional future for years to come. More importantly, he gained clarity and a deeper sense of purpose.
Your own transformative experience could be closer than you think. Take the next step and discover Education Internship opportunities with Roots Interns.
Apply today to start your international education career!
This blog was written by Juwairiah Ishaq.
