Trips - Cambodia - Maryknoll Lay Missioners

Mission Immersion Trip – January 20-30, 2026

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Welcome to Cambodia!
Soum sva-kum mok Kampuchea!
សូមស្វាគមន៍មកកម្ពុជា!

Join us for a transformative mission immersion trip to Cambodia, Southeast Asia.

Once the heart of the Khmer Empire (9th–15th century), Cambodia has a population of approximately 18.7 million people and is home to the iconic Angkor temples, the Toul Sleng Museum, and the Killing Fields Memorial.

Today, Cambodia is a constitutional monarchy working toward healing and rebuilding its economy and culture.

Maryknoll Lay Missioners has been actively working in Cambodia since 1989 to support, empower, and advocate for communities in areas such as health promotion, disability, mental health, justice and peace, child protection, land rights, migration, and education.

Maryknoll Lay Missioner Julie leads a team building activity by signing to a large group of people expressing happiness.

We invite you to join us for a 10-day immersion journey where you will learn firsthand how Maryknoll Lay Missioners and the local communities are responding to current challenges in Cambodia.

LEARN the history, culture, and faith of the Cambodian people through visits to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields Memorial, Angkor Wat Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the Tonle Sap River Floating Village, and a traditional family-owned silk farm and weaving business.

MEET with individuals experiencing extreme poverty and vulnerable communities that are caught in a cycle of hardship by visiting Maryknoll Lay Missioners’ initiatives and collaborations including the Deaf Development Program, LaValla School for Children with Disabilities, Home of Hope and Missionaries of Charity, as well as St. Michael Parish and its development of the new Stella Maris Apostolic of the Sea program.

PRAY for awareness and change.

REFLECT on daily experiences and on effective responses to the issues faced.

ACT as a catalyst for transformative change by standing in solidarity, amplifying the voices of Cambodian communities, and advocating for a more just and equitable society.

The itinerary promises a rich exchange of experiences, inviting participants to share their personal journeys while engaging in inspiring conversations with Maryknoll lay missioners. These enlightening interactions will provide deep insights into the meaningful work of the missioners and their influence on communities. Additionally, we will visit a local community in Siem Reap. Each day will include community prayer and reflection.

Our guides will be Maryknoll lay missioner T.T. Hoang and our Asia area director Steve Veryser.

Prior to leaving, Friends Across Borders will provide an orientation that includes important cultural information and guidelines to follow during the trip.

TOTAL COST: $3,298 (includes ground cost plus registration fee).

This covers the program registration fee, all lodging, meals, local transportation, medical insurance with medical evacuation, guides who speak English and Khmer, and cultural activities. Please note that airfare and visa fees are not included.

Please make sure your passport is valid through July 2026!

Have questions? Contact [email protected].

Learn more about our missioners in Cambodia:

REGISTER BY OCTOBER 31.

Friends Across Borders Registration

Maryknoll Missioners Immersion Experience Participant Registration. Please complete the form to secure your spot in our immersion encounters. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Friends Across Borders is a program of Maryknoll Lay Missioners.

Part One
Personal Information
Name*
First Last
Date of Birth*
MM
DD
YYYY
Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country
Phone*
Email*
Emergency contact*
In case of Emergency please contact:
First Last
Relationship*
Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country
Phone
Email*
Part Two
Information and Preparation
Please select the trip you are registering for.*
In a paragraph or two, please let us know why you are interested in this immersion experience:*
What previous experiences may have prepared you for this trip? (Residing in or visiting a foreign country, cross cultural experiences, etc.)*
What are your expectations and how do you envision this experience will help you in your work, studies, or life in general?*
Language Skills*
You will be accompanied by bilingual Maryknoll missioner guide. Help us learn your language skills based on the country you are visiting.
From the option selected above select your fluency level*
Maryknoll Missioners Guidelines*
I will follow Maryknoll Missioner guidelines
While all of our trips are planned in order to provide a safe and meaningful experience for you, we would like to remind you that you will be in settings very different from those found in the United States. We ask that you remain flexible, willing to adapt to a simple lifestyle, ready to follow the safety guidelines provided, and open to experiencing and learning about another culture. Please click the checkbox to indicate you will follow Maryknoll Missioners guidelines.
In-country safety*
I will review the indicated information through Travel.State.Gov
Maryknoll Missioners will do our best to make sure your experience meets your objectives. However, there are risks and realities that are not always within our control. We count on the experience of our local hosts, Maryknoll Missioners and others, to provide you with a support system during your trip. Travel.State.Gov provides some important information regarding safety by country/state. Please click the checkbox to indicate that you will review the link and information provided.
Valid Overseas Health Insurance*
I will secure medical overseas insurance and will provide MKLM a copy.
You will need valid overseas medical insurance. If you have overseas insurance, please send us a copy. Please click the checkbox to indicate you will have valid overseas medical insurance and will provide a copy. If you need assistance with medical insurance we provide resources for you to purchase.
Medications*
I will obtain and pack a supply of all medications and will have all the required immunizations.
We ask that you bring with you sufficient amounts of any medications you may need, as well as a copy of the prescription(s) or letter from your healthcare provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you. We can’t guarantee that you will be able to purchase them in the host country.
For vaccinations and health recommendations we ask you to consult with your physician and visit the CDC webpage: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations and get the needed vaccinations. Click the checkbox to indicate that you will be obtaining and packing a supply of all your medications and you will have all the required immunizations.
Medical/Health concerns and requirements*
I am healthy and mobile to meet the criteria and demands of the trip
Our experiences overseas may entail time spent in stressful and/or polluted environments. While our itinerary is not physically rigorous, at times it will be physically taxing as we engage in community led projects and visit the different areas in the host country. Each participant must be healthy and mobile enough to meet these demands. Please click the check box to let us know you meet the medical and health criteria.
Please answer the following questions:*
How do you appraise your present health?
*
Do you have any chronic ailments?
*
Any physical disability?
Dietary Needs*
- All foods
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
Food Allergies*
- Yes
- No
Please let us know if you have any allergies to food, medicines, insects, or environmental substances*
If you do not have any allergies please indicate N/A.
If allergic reaction is severe, do you carry epinephrine (an epipen)?*
- Yes
- No
- Not applicable
Do you wear glasses or contact lenses?*
- Yes
- No
Do you wear hearing aids?*
- Yes
- No
Please list any other current medical problems you are experiencing.*
If none, please type NONE.
Please click the checkbox to indicate you have provided all needed information.*
How did you hear about Friends Across Borders opportunities?*
- Maryknoll Lay Missioners
- Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers
- Maryknoll Sisters
- Maryknoll Affiliates
- Parish
- Other
Friends Across Borders is a program of the Maryknoll Lay Missioners.
Questions and Comments
Please list any questions or comments for us here.
Thank you for completing the registration form.*
Please, click the checkbox to confirm you will move to the next phase.
We will be in touch with you as soon as we receive your registration. The next step is to secure your spot by making a payment for the immersion experience.

Mission Immersion Trip – January 20-30, 2026

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Welcome to Cambodia!Soum sva-kum mok Kampuchea!សូមស្វាគមន៍មកកម្ពុជា!