Hi, my name is Alex, and in the summer of 2027 I’ll be travelling to Cambodia with Camps International, along with other students from The King’s School in Pontefract. This isn’t just a trip for me - it’s something I’ve dreamed about for years. It’s a chance to help communities, protect wildlife, and experience a culture I’ve admired for as long as I can remember.

If you know me, you’ll know I’ve always been the animal‑obsessed, nature‑loving, eco‑champion of the family. I’m vegan, I grew up glued to David Attenborough documentaries, and I’ve always been fascinated by geography, world flags, and learning about different cultures. I don’t want to just visit Cambodia - I want to live within the community, stay in traditional Khmer longhouses, learn from local people, and experience daily life in a way you never could in an all‑inclusive resort.

My dream is to become a zoologist, and I hope to study at Oxford University. This expedition will give me real‑world experience in conservation, community work, and cultural understanding - things that will shape me personally and academically. I’m hoping that everything I learn and contribute will help my university application stand out, not because it looks impressive, but because it reflects genuine passion and hands‑on experience.

During my month‑long expedition, I’ll be involved in projects that make a lasting difference, including:

Building wells and improving water security for rural families who currently face long dry seasons without a reliable water source.

Supporting sanitation projects, helping to build toilets so every household can live in safer, healthier conditions.

Improving local schools, from refurbishing classrooms to helping build libraries so more children can access education.

Environmental conservation, including reforestation and sustainable food‑production projects.

Teaching English to Cambodian children, something I’m incredibly excited about - I love sharing knowledge and learning from others.

I’m also hoping to learn Khmer, the local language. It’s not available on Duolingo, so I’ll be learning it directly from the people I meet - which feels even more meaningful.

And of course, as someone who wants to be a zoologist, I can’t wait to see Cambodian wildlife in its natural habitat - species I’ve only ever seen in books or documentaries. Being able to support conservation efforts while experiencing this biodiversity firsthand is something I’ll carry with me forever.

To make this possible, I need to raise at least £5,230, plus additional costs for kit, vaccinations, insurance, and my visa. Every donation, no matter the size, helps me take part in this life‑changing experience and directly supports the communities and environments I’ll be working with.

Thank you so much for reading and for supporting me - it truly means the world.