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bonjour ~

Hey there! I just changed my blogskin :) It's a little user-unfriendly because you can't navigate my past posts by headings or hashtags. So i'm gonna update the codings, stay tuned! (The font's kinda hard to read too..other than these 3 peeves, i'm quite satisfied) Follow me on the links below! :) 29/4/2015.

Started this blog during the last few weeks of SEM1(AY2014/15) cos' i regained interest in blogging. I blog about anything - news, social issues, music - but mostly about my university life :) Hope my posts will help you to make better life (and module) choices! Currently a Sociology Major. Still fresh. xD

: Amelia Lim, 20 October.
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Throwback: Year 3 | Uncertainties.

written on Wednesday, 9 August 2017 @ 08:23 ✈

If I were to sum up my third year in Uni so far (which is technically, just 2 months LOL) , it would be uncertainty. I used to really dislike uncertainty. The nagging sense of insecurity. I tend to worry about what’s gonna happen. And well I happen to be a pretty impatient person (working on it), and I like to get things done, fast. I want to reduce uncertainties, to the extent which I might have been too absorbed in doing so. But it isn’t something I can achieve by myself. I don’t always get the results I want. That’s life, isn’t it?

Life’s a journey full of many uncertainties, risks, sacrifices. We need to make decisions everyday. And it just came to a point for me where I don’t know where I’m headed. I didn’t know what kind of decision I should make. It’s like the uni life crisis when you become jaded (like omggahhh imma senior now), and you don’t know what to do with your life. Maybe cos I was too attached to certain things that I wasn’t too ready to let go off.

Anyway, nowadays, I think I’ve become to come to terms with it, and learning to live with uncertainties.

Today I went for a jog around my neigbourhood. It was in the evening, around 6pm. As I ran, many thoughts came into my head. (Warning, incoherent thoughts!)

I thought about my life as an Arts Student. (well my aunt came to visit today, my mum was telling her about what I’m studying… and yea well, actually I think my parents also don’t know what I’m studying LOL) I concluded that the beauty of social sciences lies in being able to be critical in the world we live in. We can all look at the same social phenomenon, object, but we strive to think deeper – constantly questioning about social forces that shape things the way they are now. Interwined with culture, practices, experiences, institutions. But the root of why we question at all, is because we want to try to understand, without assuming. Thus, I feel that at the core of Sociology, is empathy. (I’ve gotten this idea from somewhere years ago, and it reasonates with me till now.)

I thought about how my neighbourhood was built, how communities are maintained. How the paths I’m running on, the buildings I’m looking at – all serve a social purpose. We often take this accessibility for granted. I look up at the homes, thinking about how everyone was as self-absorbed as I was, living their own lives in their own humble enclave. There was something cold about my neighbourhood. I wondered a little about the stories behind each door. Somehow that thought struck me when I ran past the rental flats. Maybe I should do something?

I thought about volunteering, about SOCIP and my OCIP. Volunteering was my Year 2 goal in university. Taking up OCIP wasn’t easy for me, because of social pressure and self-expectations. Nevertheless, one of the best decisions I’ve made. Because I found out more about myself and what I like to do. And the experience there helped me a lot in structuring SOCIP. Without my OCIP I think I’d feel pretty lost. The word ‘volunteering’ is very much loaded with complicated meanings.

Hmm, what does Volunteering mean to me? I just feel like helping people, and I want to know more about people who live outside my circle. I don’t have causes I particularly feel for, because I think they are all pretty important. I feel that I have the capacity to help, so why not? Their smiles and “thank yous” brighten up my day, it makes me believe that what I’m doing does help them a little.

There’s one thing I’m most worried when I help people. Am I really helping? Because sometimes you don’t know if you’re blinded by certain misconceptions, or just forcing your way in to help cos you feel like helping, and you might just unintentionally impose yourself on other people. I’m extremely cautious of that and it worries me, I question myself alot if I’m actually helping, or am I doing something that’s just “feeding my ego”. How did I address this worry? I think the core of it is building relationships. In trying to know a person. Establishing a sincere, trusting relationship where both of us feel safe to share and help one another. So you believe in them, and through that you believe in yourself. And eye smiles don’t lie hahaha. ;)

Sometimes it isn’t easy to give. And you might even be surprised - that it’s even harder to receive. There was once I didn’t know what to feel when I received a “thank you” from the ED of BSS (Beyond Social Services, and organisation which helps children and families living in rental households). It was more like, I felt like I’m not deserving enough? I don’t know. I could accept it easier when it came from the kids and the parents. Idk, like it felt awkward to be appreciated too (?). That’s what I meant by sometimes, its also hard to receive. But my case is just a small thing. I think about what parents may think..i think about what are their perceptions towards us. I mean, our presence does kind of affirm their status, that they need help. Cos it’s not “normal” to have a social worker, or a volunteer in your life :/ So how diginified do they feel to receive our help? I don’t know la, but that doesn’t mean we should stop helping anyway. And that comes back to the point in building relationships, listening to them, and hopefully enabling people to reach their fullest potential :)

I thought about my religion, how I’ve been avoiding church pretty much cos.. Sociology kinda made me a little cynical about religion haha. (oh yes, I stopped by the church near my house in my jog) Everyone has their own personal motivation of going to church, bad or good – I’m not the judge. (thought I used to judge a lot. hehe) I’m a cradle catholic who went through confirmation without really knowing what I was getting into. For the past few years I’ve always felt like I should be a Catholic, because that’s what my parents want. But yea they can’t force me to do the things I don’t wanna do and I eventually stopped going to church. But cognitive dissonance still kicks in pretty strong haha. It’s reinforced when I fill in my religion in the forms. Cos I can’t possible fill in free thinker right..later my parents tio shock (but I think they will expect that la) And it’s also cos I’m used to filling the blank as “Roman Catholic”. As I distance myself away from church, these words start to lose meaning. Church was a part of me, and a part of my moral compass.

I’ve come to terms with it (better than before), at least it doesn’t feel so dissonant so step into church now. Haha I’m still thinking about my religion. But anyway, not my priority now.

I thought about times when I walked past NUS High School of Math and Science when I was a kiddo (yesh it’s just beside the church) and I’d be like, the people here must be hella smart. Then opposite the street was Nan Hua High School, which I missed by a few points, but it’s a blessing in disguise la cos I like Fairfield a lot :3 Yep so when I was a kiddo going to church everyday Sunday, I’d be walking across the street and looking at schools thinking how smart these kids are, must be doing damn well in studies but imma just an average kid haha all the inferiority complex shit.

Now as I look at the NUS High Competition posters hung at the gates, I remembered how much value and self-worth that grade was for me, for students today too. How much stress we impose on ourselves to keep ourselves at the top of the class. (or just, avoid being at the bottom of the class) And if you didn’t score as well as you expected you’d plunge into despaiirrrr. Dear kiddos, you are worth much more than numbers you had for your PSLE score, wdv O’s A’s IB/IP, and CAP. It’s kinda sad we attach so much self-worth to it because life is really much more than just CAP. University helped me understand that abit better. But still, we are going to be stuck in this structure for quite some time, by the insitutions that reduces individuals as numbers. And the way we move up is to live by the system. I guess its slowly changing. I hopeee. Haha, what advice would you give to your younger self?

I thought about where my old flat used to be – now that’s its been demolished, I found difficulty in locating where it was. Then it struck me how important the visual triggers my memories. Physical spaces are always more than what they seem..we have to look at the social practices that happen within them to find out what’s meaningful.

And I’m back home, to the coffeeshop and the sheng shiong which satisfies my snack cravings. The familiar clinks of coffee cups, beer bottles, occasional chatter with the TV playing Channel 8 drama serials in the background, whiffs of zi char..

Here I am..in my third year of university.

Still a little lost, but I know I’m heading towards the right direction. J

Imma go sleep lers zzz yas I finished typing this! XD

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written on Friday, 14 April 2017 @ 07:07 ✈

Hitting the 2 month mark of my exchange so soon. In 4 days to be exact!

After travelling out for the past few weekends i've decided to stay in (more) this weekend to revise and finish all my future assignments. Nah, its cos my roomie is tired of long rides hahaha. I'm feeling a little restless lately, not quite myself baha. Probably need more exercise and sleep.

So far, the workload has been really light. I'm taking 6 modules here but it's not very intensive per se, maybe because it's information that i'm familiar with. Or i just can't be bothered HAHA probably

I figured out that it's a good time to reflect about my time in Korea in this juncture. What do I want to do here, and what should i work towards?

1. Use more Korean!
2. Learn Japanese. Go download that eggbun jap app. (I feel so insecure if i don't know the first language of the country i'm going to visit)
3. Go for more hiking! What about this sunday! Inwangsan. With my playlist and a sketchbook maybe haha.
4. Visit the National Museum of Korea!
5. Honestly not a clubbing person but i want to go to a korean club and a lesbian/gay bar.
6. Invest in a good handbag/sling bag
7. And a pair of sport shoes!
8. Visit Ikseon-dong and eat BBQ there cos the korean producer i met recommended this place haha
9. Ice skating in summer
10. Do my best to commit for TKNR even though i'm going jeju
11. And yes buy postcards and mail to my friends...sorry guys i asked for your some of your addresses but i haven't got the postcards hahaha
12. Read a book a week..starting THIS WEEK

My book list:
1. The Element - Ken Robinson. (April)
2. Paper Towns - John Green (May)
3. My Life on the Road - Gloria Steinem (May)
4. Why Nations Fail - Daren Acemoglu and James Robinson (May)
5. Portfilos of the Poor - Daryl Collins (May)
6. The Better Angels of our Nature - Steven Pinker (June)
7. The End of Power - Moises Naim (June)
8. Gang Leader for a Day - Sudhir Venkatesh (June)
9. Shoe Dog - Phil Knight
10. Rational Ritual - Michael Suk
11. Life is what you make of it - Peter Buffett
12. Where good ideas come from - Steven Johnson
13. Moonwalking with Einstein - Joshua Foer
14. Crush it! - Gary Vaynerchuk
15. The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho

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Korea

written on Sunday, 12 March 2017 @ 08:49 ✈

It's gonna be big. Nothing is going to hold me down, i'm gonna work my hardest!

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SkinCare Review

written on Saturday, 4 February 2017 @ 04:10 ✈

BACKGROUND

I have eczema since birth. Your skin is the first layer of defense to foreign objects. People who suffer from eczema have dry skin, which causes it to be easily inflammed and itchy as bacteria easily enters these cracks. It feels really sore and terrible, especially if it's at the joint areas. It's hereditary, and my sis has it too. I'd hate to have my kid to suffer from this. My parents have slightly dry skin, but it isn't as serious as my sis and mine's. I guess it's cos my mum gave birth to me at 40, and the sperm and egg's of a lower quality LOL.

Nowadays, I have been trying out different products to see which one suits me best. Figured out that i should start recording the effects of each product, if not i'll forget. SO here it is: -

I don't trust doctors. My doctor at Novena Skin Center has been giving me steroids for years. Those oral pills work well, but it has pretty bad side effects. I couldn't donate blood because it contains steroids which is harmful for the receiver. My cream contains steroids too. It's called Clobetasol, and you can read about it here: http://patient.info/medicine/clobetasol-propionate-for-severe-inflammatory-skin-conditions

As a user of Clobetasol for years, my skin has dry stretch marks (thinning of the skin caused by steroids) on the previosly inflammed areas, slightly discoloured, and it takes quite some time (months?) for it to grow back to normal skin. It also causes abnormal hair growth. My itchy areas are usually the neck, shoulders, and joints.

Which sucks. I realised how serious these side effects were when i was unable to donate blood. I started to question the effectiveness, and thus i don't trust any skin doctors or those healthcare practitioners at guardian/watson or polyclinics. I decide to become a doctor myself, where I will test these products. Also, because i'm going Korea soon (it's wintertime), I am desperately trying to find the best product - anti-inflammatory and moisturising - for my skin.

Here i will keep track of the products i use, and i hope it can help people who suffer from eczema.

What products am i currently using?

These are the products i've use for a long time and it works for me.

1. Simple Facial Wash

It does not irritate my skin and it's the first facial cleanser i used, and i've been using it since then. It's pretty cheap too, around $12 i think.

2. White Formula自白肌 Super Moist Toner With Hyaluronic Acid 290ml

Following, i apply this toner. It's around $16 if i'm not wrong. It's the first toner i used and i've stuck to it for years. It helps to moisturise my face!

3. QV

QV products are generally affordable and are in the cheaper range of sensitive skin care products.

QV Gentle Wash

I have been using this for years, and it does not irritate my skin. It's the default soap i go back to after trying different products. However, in times where my skin was inflammed, QV does not really reduce the inflammation. I relied more on cream medication to reduce the inflammation.

QV cream

I have to apply cream several times a day, and it's the default cream i use as well. It does its job in the normal skin areas, but for the really dry and inflammed areas, it does not work. My skin still cracks up easily after a few hours. So i have to keep applying it.

Product Reviews

Caveat - what works for me, may not work for you. What works for you, may not work for me.

Because your eczema may be caused by different kinds of irritants - allergies, dust, sun, cold weather etc. Aside from these, your diet and lifestyle affects it as well. Do you drink enough water? Do you get enough sleep?

Price (based on SGD)
Cheap: $ - $$ (below $25)
Middle Range: $$$ ($26~$35)
Expensive: $$$$ - $$$$$ ($40 and up)

For quick reference, you can look at the price marking and my rating for the moisturising and anti-inflammatory factor. For quick search, ctrl + F to find the brand you're looking for.

Aesop

Price: $$$$$

All Aesop products are paraben free. This means that it's less prone to irritating my skin. Some contain sodium laureth sulfate. Overall, they offer really good customer service, and gave me alot of samples and advised me on how to use it. They didn't pressure me to buy or anything. I would advise you to walk in and get samples to try it for yourself.

But, it's really expensive T.T So it's not a really sustainable choice IMO.

1. Parsely Seed Facial Cleansing Oil

$79 for 200ml
$53 for 100ml

When I came back from Cambodia, my thighs were really dry and inflammed for the first time. I don't why, but i suspect it's the dust and dirt. My whole thigh was itchy. I used their sample and it really help to reduce the inflammation. Yes, it's for the face but i used it for other parts of my body and it helped alot. I saw the difference after one to two uses. My skin became less red and itchy and recovered faster. (:

Reducing Inflammation: Excellent!

Moisturising factor: Very Good

2. Fabulous Face Cleanser

$65 for 200ml

$43 for 100ml

I was also given this sample, and because it's not oil based, so it's less moisturising. It felt like a normal cleanser to me so i don't really recommend this.

Reducing Inflammation: Good

Moisturising factor: Good

3. B & Tea Balancing Toner

$75 for 200ml

$45 for 100ml

It was a little stinging when i applied this toner - it's moisturising but i don't see it differing alot from the normal toner i use so i don't think its worth the price.

Reducing Inflammation: Good

Moisturising factor: Very Good

4. Elemental Facial Barrier Cream

Reducing Inflammation:Very Good

Moisturising factor: Good

Aveeno

Price: $$

1. Daily Moisturising Lotion

$18 for 354ml

I just bought this today! Review will be posted at a later date.

Reducing Inflammation:

Moisturising factor:

Avene

Price: $$$ ~ $$$$

Avene has ALOT of products!! So much so i get confused. But it's a brand worth trying out!
I think all, or most of their products are paraben free.

1. Avene Thermal Spring Water

Bioderma

Price: $$$$

Bioderma Gel Moussant

It's not widely sold you might not be able to find it. It's around $45 for 500ml.

Reducing Inflammation: Very Good

Moisturising factor: Very Good

Botaneco Garden

Price: $$

Reducing Inflammation: Not Good

Moisturising factor: Not Good

Cetaphil

Price: $

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cetaphil irritates my skin. It makes my skin drier and more itchy, and after i switch back to my default QV it was much better.

Reducing Inflammation: Not Good

Moisturising factor: Not Good

Eucerin

Price: $$

Eucerin Shower Oil

It worked very well at first, it was very moisturising - my skin didn't crack for the first time when i wake up in the morning. But it's not really anti-inflammatory. It mositurises for my dry skin, but if it's inflammed this product does not really help. My shoulder area was smooth after i used it for a few days, and once i switched back to QV, its rough again. During that period, my thighs were inflammed and it did nothing to reduce the inflammation, in fact it got worse. (Which was then i found out about Aesop's parsely seed and it helped alot)

There were many possible variables (maybe it was my diet too that caused the inflammation, may not be eucerin). Due to its high moisturising factor i'm going to try it out again.

Reducing Inflammation: Not really

Moisturising factor: Very Good - Excellent

Nuxe

Price: $$$$$

Physiogel

Price: $$

Sebamed

Price: $$

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Stuck

written on Thursday, 2 February 2017 @ 22:55 ✈

I'm feeling stuck again haha. Stuck because i don't know how to go from here. It's a different kinda 'stuck' from last sem. Last sem was the hopeless kinda 'stuck'. Haha now's the kinda 'stuck' where i want to do something but can't seem to be able to do it. I'll be able to do it soon, i will find something.

I've been really lazy since i came back from Cambodia and eczema flaring up now and then doesn't help at all. I just feel sore at my neck and arms. I don't feel like moving, its so painful it really sucks. Recently i tried Aesop's products and it's really good. The parsely seed oil cleanser works for me. But it's like $77 for 200ml zz. $53 for 100ml. I'm gonna get it later for Korea.

Anyway I really wanted to do reflections for human library and my Cambodia internship but haven't found the time to do it. The first 2 weeks when i came back was spent on meeting up with friends, doing ad-hoc jobs to earn money (1our.today/IVLE HAHA), and yea went back to SOCIP for a while. I feel really homely there hahaha.

-

Okay human library 1st. I had conversations with many books. There's this 18 years old girl (Annabelle) who follows her mum to central vietnam to help the poor. They're abandoned by North and South Vietnam (after the Vietnam War, i think), both governments refuse to help them. They also restrict outsiders from coming in and only her mum's friend who operates an NGO there has the permit to enter and help these people. They travel around vietnam and help people, they rarely go back to the same place. When i told her about my internship, she was afraid that it would be voluntourism, harming instead of helping. She seemed skeptical about OCIPs. If we were only going to go there once, wouldn't it hurt when we leave.

You knew you were going to leave, so why did you even bother to start something.

So even if i know i will not return to Cambodia, should i not go?

But it's those happy memories you bring to them, and they really appreciate it. The look in their eyes tell you, thank you, and that's enough. Haha that's what her mum told her. Just another perspective.

My friends have also told me, why are you spending money to go overseas and help others when there's so many people who need help in Singapore?

There's this other book I met, and she (Wan Fong) gave another perspective to this question. She studied in cambridge, and when she asked her professor where should she do her autism research, her prof told her - Over here, autism awareness is high. There are policies and structures that help people understand what's autism and how to handle it. But in Ghana, there are no such systems. Which country will you be able to value add more with your knowledge and skills?

So she went Ghana, and on the way she met a woman who taught sewing to women who were abandoned or sexually exploited. She came back to Singapore and raised funds for her, and now they've got more sewing machines and are pretty sustainable, selling the textiles they make.

Another cool thing about her is that she wanted to study in North Korea. Haha, although she didn't get in, she managed to visit NK. Makes me think if i should visit NK instead of Japan after my exchange. Isn't it more cool. And cheaper. HAHAHA

Those were the more memorable conversations. I had one with a bikepacker and another guy who started something like HONY, but it asks you, who or what had the greatest influence on the person you are today. Haha when he asked me, I was thinking of JJ Lin's song twilight -

There's just so many people and things that made me who I am today. But the biggest things were probably those times where I felt the lowest. SOCIP was one hella ride, and.. relationships haha.

Why did i go Cambodia?

I don't know. I just know if i stayed in Singapore i would've felt worst. I just wanted time to fly faster. Ironically i went to a country with a much slower pace of life.

But whatever, change of environment helps. I really hated it when I was left here with all the memories.

That was the main reason. So selfish right haha

And to make myself feel better I'd tell people i go there to learn more about sustainable community building through teaching. I did la, but that was like 30% of the reason.

I was still depressed there. I was like, shit what have i done. I wasn't in the best form to interact with people, but I had to put myself there for everything to pass. I can't possible dao the teachers and people who're so nice to host me just because i am sad. Though i felt that the interactions with them would be better if i wasn't depressed and lost, so it's a little regretful. Then I felt so selfish, but i was so desperate i didn't care. I hated the feeling, when i felt happy and wondered how long it'll last. I wasn't truly happy at all. And i don't know what i was feeling. It was just confusing. I felt like i've lost the chance to be a good friend to someone who helped me so much last semester, because i was just depressed and confused. But he's doing well. I hope, and i pray for that friend. (though i don't technically pray lol)

Yea, sounds like mild depression probably but i don't need medication, i'm catalysing the process myself and time will heal.

Sucks how much it hurts but it's over.

I learnt most from the conversations i had with the people there. Here in Singapore, we care alot about success, earning money, the 5Cs and all, but in Cambodia, people are struggling to survive. Just to earn enough money to survive. Mr Raksa is planning to reach out to the people living in the outskirts, educate them, realise their human potential and so that they can have hopes and dreams too. Bigger hopes and dreams.

Recently I went to this eminence focus group discussion, it's by prudential. Cos me despo to earn money and they pay $30 for 2hrs. The average they earn is 5k for a fresh grad. Seriously? I'm really struggling with what i want to do. Going into financial planning (aka insurance) for a few years, slog my guts out and earn lots of money even thought i don't like it, and then use these financial planning skills to help NGOs in future? Or just go into NGOs/Social sector directly? I need money lei, my dad retire liao. I can't just think about myself. I want my parents to live comfortably, go on a family trip that's outside malaysia and i can't do that if i pursue what i like. Is it impossible to bridge these two? I'm sure there's some way but i just haven't figure it out yet.

I'm someone who gets bored by things i don't like. Really, when i was young, i was so bored till i cried...bored till the verge of frustration. Can i get through that? See, we spent 7 hours sleeping, and 8 hours at work, and around 2 hours commuting. That's 17 hours gone, and my career shapes my life. It will shape who I am.

Honestly, i'm afraid of going into insurance. I might just stay in that career for life because it earns. But i don't wanna be that kind of person. After doing it for a few years, i might just stay there. Cos you will feel comfortable at a place once you've stayed long enough.

And forgot why I wanted it in the first place..to just earn and repay my debts, and use these skills to help others.

Money or passion.

Which brings me to the next point, I want to start/participate in the planning of a community service project but i just can't find one that suits me. Maybe i'm too comfortable in SOCIP. And also cos i'm flying to Korea for exchange soon so i'm unable to commit for many things. I regret not signing up for anything last sem just because i was depressed but I could apply for a volunteering programme in Korea. I tried World Vision but the guy hasn't replied me. AIESEC's global volunteer programme needs at least 1k for countries in the asian region. I wanna try europe so its probably around 3k. I was thinking of applying for NOC, but i've posted about this before on why i just can't seem to do it. I wish they had more focus on social entrepreneurship, instead of just entrepreneurships. I know i can learn alot if i really manage to get in, but making me intern 6 months at a company which vision contrasts with mine..I can't do it. It's just not important to me. Why would I care if it's not important, i'd get bored and unmotivated.

I like travelling and volunteering but you need so much money for that.

I can't do anything without money, and i need it.

I'm still open to these opportunities though. Do i have much of a choice anyway. Seriously, insurance? I'm still considering, because with the financial planning skills i gain there it could really help many NGOs manage their resources better. It would be a very helpful skill to have. That's the only reason i'm considering.

Yesterday I went for this OCIP talk, and met this social entrepreneur called Zhi Han, who started Bagosphere, a non-profit organisation dedication to teach jobless youths/dropouts in Philipines computing skills so that they can get a job. Learn first, pay later when you've gotten your job. He wanted to design a programme where people can learn the most relevant skills in the shortest amount of time. It's a 2months programme, 350USD, pretty expensive but it has helped many people find higher paying jobs to support their family (:

Haha, it's so nice. It warms your heart hahaha.

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Happy CNY!

written on Saturday, 28 January 2017 @ 04:23 ✈

Wow how long has it been since i posted?

Anyway, if you guys have emailed me regarding my blogposts, i'm sorry for taking so long to reply because i've been overseas, and busy preparing for my exchange.

Here's an article about my cambodia internship - just to revive this blog haha:

Selfie with Yufei!

Introduction

I embarked on my first ever overseas internship last December. I taught English and helped with curriculum planning for 5 weeks at a Learning Center in Kampong Speu, Cambodia. I chose this internship for 3 main reasons – First, it fit my schedule; Second, I was interested in learning more about sustainable community building in overseas non-government organisations; and lastly, I wanted to head out of Singapore for a quick breather, and if I can value-add to a community in the process – why not?

My concerns

Of course, when I told my parents I wanted to go for this internship, they vehemently protested. They weren’t exactly very supportive, and that made me worried too. They told me stories about people getting raped, things getting stolen…as if people living in third world countries are all baddies. As much as I disliked stereotyping, its these kind of images the media has been feeding us, and I just wanted to expereience it for myself. It was a decision I never regretted!

Other concerns include if my help was really value adding to the community – or was it increasing their dependence on outsiders, or fuelling voluntourism. That’s something that is hard to verify online, so I took abit of a risk and went for it. I looked up the organisation and found that they had a subtantial web presence, and also a detailed documentation of their activities. Also, FCC signed a memorandum of understanding with the Cambodian Government, and hence I trusted the organisation.

Market

Class selfie!

The trip!

Kampong Speu was an hour and thirty minutes drive away from the city center Phnom Penh. Ann, one of the founders of FCC, picked me up from the Phnom Penh International Airport. She shared with me more about what she does and how it all started, which made me less nervous. She knew what she wanted to do since she was 11, which was to help the poor and needy. After completing her studies in early childhood education in US, she volunteered her services in Thailand for 23 years, before heading to Cambodia for another 10 years! Over here, she set up a few learning centers in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Learning Center

Snack Shop!

Soccer!

The Learning Center in Kampong Speu had a room specially for international volunteeers to stay in. Hence, the community here was used to outsiders who come and go. I was pretty impressed by the facilities – they had a proper bathroom (though the flush does not work and there’s no heater but I was satisfied), and also a cupboard, small dressing table, 3 beds and we had our own water tank. The facilities were much better than those of a previous Overseas Community Involvement Programmed I embarked on, where we slept on the floors of a classroom and bathed in bathrooms which didn’t have showerheads. Hence, I didn’t have much difficulty adjusting. It was abit dusty and dry though, we had to sweep the floor everyday.

Teaching experience

As the local school teachers are underpaid, the lessons are not as structured compared to Singapore. Students would have morning class on one week, and afternoon class on the following week. The timetable changes weekly and hence, we have morning and afternoon sessions everyday to cater to all the students.

I was glad to see that the Cambodian teachers here all had a basic command of english and I was able to converse with them! This is a sign of sustainable community building, where the Learning Center can function by itself without relying too much on volunteers. The students here speak pretty good english as well, and this helped a lot in communication.

It was my first time teaching in a class setting, and most of the students are pretty cooperative. The morning class was good because I taught with a cambodian teacher and he had his own curriculum. For the evening class, I only had a textbook as a teaching material and thus, I would use powerpoint, and also some grammar exercises I found online to teach as well. There are a naughty few who always play soccer, but attendance improved after I introduced some games along with prizes I bought from their bookshop. I struggled with those students for awhile – they are really fun-loving, but they just can’t sit down and study – but no regrets because I have tried my best to engage them. The evening class was only forty five minutes and I had to make the best out of it by teaching those who want to study.

Favourite Part

I enjoyed teaching the students, and also having conversations with the people here, about their way of life, culture and aspirations. It made me realise we’re more similar than different. Those are really precious moments, where we talk about the things we hope to achieve, and the challenges that we face and how have overcome, or are trying to overcome it. Mr Raksa, a local cambodian who started the Learning Center, shared with me stories about the beginnings of the Learning Center, how it grew, and his hopes to expand and help children who live in the outskirts. We helped him to draft up a curriculum for pre-school kids as he hopes to standardise it, educate them, and hope that they will help others in future as well.

At the Royal Palace, Phnom Penh

Ta Phrom, Siem Reap

During the weekends, we will travel out to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap! I enjoyed travelling out because there’s not much to do in the learning center during the weekends, as the markets are mostly closed. Together with another NUS intern, we spent a night at Phnom Penh. I also travelled with her family to Siem Reap, and we visited the Angkor Wat and Pubstreet!

Advice!

If you’re thinking if you should embark on an overseas internship, here are some tips and pointers for you:

1. Think about what you really want out of this internship – How will it help you in figuring out what you want to pursue in future?

2. Research about the organisation you’re applying for – Read up the news related to the organisation, and what they have been doing, and what people say about them to help you assess if the organisation suits you

3. Money-wise – I paid 150USD/week to stay at the learning center, and all meals were provided. All excess funds goes to the maintenance and improvement of the learning center. It’s a little expensive, but NUS helped to offset half my expenses (750SGD). I applied for IE-YTP and NUS International Internships Award – do check out the financial aid portal for available fundings! Also, if you’re paying to stay, remember to ask where those excess funds go to, to makes sure it’s accounted for. Check out the local currency too – in Cambodia, they use USD and Riel interchangeably. By default, 1USD = 4000 Riel and you’ll get change in both currencies.

4. Location – if it’s a little out of the way, you can request for the host organisation to pick you up!

5. It’s helpful to always keep in touch with the news in the country – the political happenings and natural disasters that may affect your trip.

6. Make friends and be open, and if possible you can ask the locals to bring you around too! And also, booking.com is a great website for cheap accomodation!

I hope this post helps anyone who's looking to intern/volunteer overseas (: