Bun Von Scholarship

When I began solo traveling internationally, I was convinced that along the way I would find pieces of my twenty-something year old self that I longed for, or had yet to even dream of. While spending this summer past summer in Cambodia, that same idea was burning inside of me and it made me eager to talk to every single stranger I possibly could.


Meeting Bun, was something different.

Bun was gracious enough to give me free accommodation during my stay in Cambodia. He quickly became my host, my translator, my teacher, my tour guide and most importantly one of the dearest friends I have ever had the privilege of having.

Giving someone free accommodation, especially in an impoverished, unstained economy where any chance of making a dollar could be the difference between having your next meal and going to bed hungry, this was a huge deal. Even for myself, who hadn’t explored this part of the world and knew very little about it, this was a big deal.

For Bun, it was no fuss at all. Because that is the type of person he is.

One morning Bun and I went for breakfast and he began to tell me a little bit about his story. At age five his mother had passed away and at age seven he ran away from an abusive father. Running away, in search of a better and healthier life would begin the trend of days overcome by hard work. At eight years old, Bun was already working for food, schooling or even money. Finally at fifteen he got a more stable job where he earned 75 cents, worked half days and went to school.

After graduating high school, Bun began his degree in International Relations. Just after two years of formal university education, Bun dropped out of school in order to financially support his younger brother and sister through their university degrees.

Bun Von, has been an invaluable asset to the country of Cambodia as he serves his people and his community. He welcomes volunteers and tourists with open arms and a warm smile. There is no one I know more deserving than to have his dream of getting his university degree become a reality more than Bun.

Bun is the perfect example of the positive change in which the world and humanity needs.

“Education can change our lives [here in Cambodia].” –Bun Von