In July 2025, a group of 26 senior students from All Saints’ College, Maitland, embarked on a life-changing journey across Cambodia and Vietnam as part of the College’s inaugural Immersion experience. Led by four dedicated staff, the group spent ten unforgettable days engaging with communities, contributing to hands-on service projects, and deepening their understanding of global cultures and histories.
After a year of planning and fundraising, the team enjoyed an extraordinary experience of learning, compassion and solidarity. From building a home for a family in need in Kampong Kleang to supporting local artists, orphanages and schools, students were immersed in acts of service and stories of resilience that will stay with them for life.
Below, Year 11 students Oscar, Macyn, Helena, and Noah share their heartfelt reflections on the immersion, offering insight into the lessons they learned and the personal growth they experienced along the way.
On the 1st of July, 26 students and four teachers embarked the first Cambodian Immersion tour. After nearly 12 months of planning and the efforts students went to raise nearly $15,000 in our monster raffle.
After rushing through two airports, we all arrived in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Our first day was spent touring around the most divine temples of Angkor Wat. Everyone ended up sweating half their body weight from riding between the three temples in 35 degree heat, although a few of us ditched the sweaty life and enjoyed the sweet relief of the air-conditioned bus. Our energy was rewarded with ice cream sticks but keeping away from ice cream stealing monkeys was definitely a challenge. Overall, Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm were truly amazing to see and magical places that won’t be forgotten.
We visited an artisan workshop, where the most intricate paints, carvings and weaving were made and also enjoyed visit the Phare Circus; both ventures support the local community of artists and artisans.
Our second day was started at APOPO, where giant African pouch rats are trained to sniff out land mines and many of us had a cuddle with these heroes. To top it all off, we had a go at cooking a traditional Cambodian meal. Somehow, nobody set anything on fire, and everyone actually liked what they made.
After lunch, we took an hour-long bus ride to Kampong Kleang, a small fishing village that transforms during the rainy season – the homes appear to float as the water rises. When we arrived, we met the family we’d be helping – nine people living in a leaky hut that couldn’t withstand the floods. During the wet season, they were forced out, essentially becoming homeless. Meeting them in person made everything feel very real.
Building day was no walk in the park – the heat was intense, we were drenched in sweat, and emotions were high. But everyone pushed through with so much determination. We sawed, hammered, drilled, painted – all hands on deck. It was hard work, but there was such a strong sense of purpose behind it that made it all worthwhile.
Our last day in the village was incredibly emotional. We handed over the finished home, along with supplies to help the family in the months ahead, and toys for the seven children – their excitement and smiles were unforgettable. We also donated 100 bags of rice to some of the poorest families in the village and returned to the school to drop off stationery and more toys. It was a simple gesture, but you could see just how much it meant to them.
Leaving Kampong Kleang wasn’t easy – the experience left a deep impact on all of us. We didn’t just build a house; we helped give a family stability, and shared moments with a community that showed us true resilience and warmth.
After our village stay, we headed to Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. On the way we had an encounter with some friendly and tasty tarantulas and, yes, some of us did eat them along with fried crickets.
Once in Phnom Penh we immersed ourselves in Cambodian culture, learning about its history. We visited the ancient capital U-dong and then learnt about the recent genocide at the Tuol Sleng (S21) Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields. This was very a confronting experience. To lighten the mood, we did have a fun ride around the city in a Tuk-Tuk on our second night.
Lastly, we gave a donation of rice and personal care items to the Branch Centre, an NGO, which cares for abandoned children. Then it was off to our last stop, Vietnam.
Vietnam was unlike anything we had ever experienced before, vibrant, energetic, and filled with history. Our first stop was a donation of nappies, rice, toys and schools supplies to a Buddhist monastery who looks after orphaned children.
We then embarked on a two-hour bus ride to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels where we learnt the ins and outs of the strategies and tactics the Viet Cong used during the Vietnam war. Some of us, slightly more eager than others, ventured into the tunnels immersing ourselves in the claustrophobic conditions the soldiers lived through.
Later that afternoon, we found ourselves meandering through the waterways of the Mekong Delta to our Family run homestay where we spent our final night. We were again immersed in the Vietnamese culture, cooking part of our meal using traditional methods and ingredients.
Upon our arrival back into Ho Chi Minh City we had a quick visit to the war Remnants Museum which gave us a deeper understanding of the devasting impacts the Vietnam War had on the people of Vietnam. The images and stories that we encountered throughout the museum will leave a lasting impression on all of us. As our unforgettable adventure came to an end, we were sad to leave, but grateful for the opportunities we were given throughout our time in Vietnam.
We have had an amazing time, met wonderful people and have seen how truly fortunate we are. To build a house for a family with very little and to see their raw emotion and gratitude is something we will never forget. Growing closer with peers and teachers is something to always take back home. Thank you to our teachers for giving up their time and joining us on this amazing experience and to everyone who has supported us along the way.
