Stanford students experience life-changing internships in Cambodia

TL;DR

Stanford students participate in global studies internships in Cambodia to learn about human rights and justice by working at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] I absolutely love Phnom Penh. It's one of my favorite cities. There are tuk tuks and motos and cars and trucks going every which way. The second you get off the plane, you're just hit by how vibrant the city is. It's hectic and busy and bustling and just everything I love about the city. It has amazing food. [MUSIC PLAYING] One of t... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌐 Stanford students participate in global studies internships to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems.
• 🍗 The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia is a unique hybrid tribunal responsible for trying senior members of the Khmer Rouge.
• 🧚 Trial monitoring programs ensure fair trial standards and contribute to an educational historical record.
• ❓ The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum provides a factual account of the Khmer Rouge genocide.
• 💦 Working in Cambodia offers students a deep cultural experience and the opportunity to learn from other contexts.
• ❓ The internships contribute to the development of personal relationships and a broader understanding of humanity.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the purpose of the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia?

The tribunal aims to try the senior members of the Khmer Rouge responsible for the crimes committed in Cambodia from 1975 to 1979. It is a hybrid tribunal, with both UN and domestic courts involved.

Q: What do the students do at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia?

The students participate in trial monitoring, transcribing proceedings, and summarizing them for the media. This helps ensure fair trial standards and creates a historical record for researchers and the community.

Q: What is the significance of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum?

The museum was formerly a high school that became Security Center 21 during the Khmer Rouge regime. Working at the museum, students learn the history of the genocide and help provide factual accounts of what happened.

Q: Why is it important for Stanford students to work alongside Cambodians?

Working together with Cambodians allows for a deeper cultural experience and helps students understand the country's political, social, and economic challenges. It also fosters personal relationships and enhances cross-cultural understanding.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The global studies internship program sends Stanford students to more than 20 countries each summer, including Cambodia.

• Students in Cambodia work at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, gaining hands-on experience in human rights and justice.

• The internships aim to ensure fair trial standards, create historical records, and contribute to the legacy of justice and education in Cambodia.