Sharing and Learning: Alexiane’s Volunteer Work in Cambodia
« I have always been attracted by humanitarian work and volunteering »
At 23, Alexiane, a corporate finance student at EM Lyon, decided to take a break from her academic studies to live an experience she has been thinking about for years. After two years of preparatory classes and first experiences in volunteering—at Café Joyeux in Lyon, then in the northern neighborhoods of Marseille—she took the plunge: a gap year, a six-month mission in Cambodia with PSE.
« I was appealed by the proximity with students and the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone. »
PSE, an obvious choice
“I was 14 when I discovered PSE. The film, Little Gems, which was realeased in 2016, had a great impact on me. Actually, I wrote my very first Facebook post about it, saying the film was incredible!”
Years later, it was the story of a friend, Philippine, who was a volunteer at PSE, that finally convinced her. “When I was looking for an organization focused on education and children, PSE naturally came to mind. ”
An immersive experience, a new environment and deep emotions
“It was my first time in Asia, so far from home. Everything was new: the climate, the landscapes, the traffic… I was completely blown away!” Despite the culture shock, Alexiane immediately felt at home. “I’d been told that Cambodians were smiling and welcoming, but I was surprised by their kindness. I felt right at home right away. ”
“At PSE, the young people are very open, not shy at all. Even if we don’t always speak the same language, we manage to communicate. They love teaching us Khmer, and we laugh a lot trying to pronounce their words!”
A typical day in a volunteers' life : between teaching and sharing
“In the morning, I stop by the Lotus, the hospitality school’s training restaurant. I chat with the students in the front desk and food service programs so they can practice their English and French. ”
As a French teaching assistant, Alexiane supports local teachers in preparing their lessons and with the projects they develop. “I help the head of the French team organize the French Olympiad, for example. During class, I assist the teachers with the oral exercices, as well as the practical application of the lessons.”
After her workday, Alexiane gets so spend more time with PSE students.“What I love most about my role are the moments after class, when I give private lessons to students who ask for it. We talk about their daily lives and their future. Sharing knowledge is what I’m passionate about. For example, I work with a student who studies to become a receptionist. We practice dialogues and role-play scenarios between the receptionist and the client. He’s passionate about his job. Despite a difficult life, he never complains and works hard, taking pleasure in doing something he loves.”
Evenings are filled with the English club, the karaoke club, private lessons, and moments of camaraderie with the other volunteers. “We play badminton, eat meals together… It’s a great atmosphere.”
PSE summer camps: a special moment
“In September, I took part in the PSE camps.” Alexiane participated in the summer camps organized every year by PSE during the school break.
“It was a very different experience from my regular work; all the volunteers were living together in dorms, waking up early, and spending the day playing, dancing…I loved it—it was short, but very intense! We built deep connections with the children. They were always cheerful, though you can tell they are going through difficult times by the way they are dressed, the condition of their teeth, and the scars on their bodies. They never complain. ”
“I was with children aged 5 to 12, along with other Spanish, French, and Khmer counselors. Many of the Cambodian counselors were PSE students—so the students I used to teach to! One of them couldn’t bring himself to call me by my first name and kept calling me ‘Madame’ out of habit!”
Would you like to be part of a meaningful and community-focused experience? Find out how you can get involved through the various volunteer opportunities at PSE.