Lessons learnt: Education student finds connection and purpose in Cambodia

When University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) Education student Zoe Partridge boarded a plane bound for Cambodia, she had no idea the journey would forever change the way she viewed teaching, learning, and connection.

Over two and a half weeks, Zoe immersed herself in UniSQ’s EduTREAK study tour, working alongside passionate Cambodian teachers and students at Treak Community Centre in the city of Siem Reap.

The experience was as transformative as it was humbling, deepening Zoe’s appreciation for the power of education, the importance of global understanding, and the shared human connections that transcend language and culture.

We caught up with Zoe to ask her about her experience, studying education at UniSQ, and how it has influenced her dreams for the future.

How was your trip to Cambodia?

My experience going to Cambodia with UniSQ was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Along with nine other women and four amazing UniSQ staff members, I got to see a part of the world I never thought I would. Across two and a half weeks in Siem Reap, we worked closely with the incredible staff at Treak Community Centre, teaching young Cambodian students how to improve and enhance their English and life skills. We delivered lessons across Science, English, Mathematics, Physical Education, and Morality and Citizenship. Unlike Australian schools, Treak runs two sessions per day. This meant we were constantly meeting new students and adapting our teaching styles to meet their needs. It was challenging but so rewarding.

What was the highlight of the trip?

Choosing just one highlight is almost impossible! Every moment was special in its own way. But if I had to choose, I’d say the friendships I made were the true highlight. The people I travelled with, including my fellow students, UniSQ mentors, and the Treak Community Centre staff, made this experience unforgettable. From waiting at Brisbane Airport to exploring Singapore Airport and everything in between, we shared so many memories that I’ll cherish forever. I’m also incredibly grateful for the connections I built with the local teachers at Treak. They welcomed us with open arms and hearts full of love, making us feel part of their community.

And for anyone heading to Siem Reap, here are my must-do experiences:

• Kulen Elephant Forest
• Kompong Khleang Floating Village
• Cambodian Phare Acrobatic Circus
• A visit to a Government School

What did you learn from the trip – both about education and yourself?

This experience completely changed how I see learning and teaching.

In Australia, students often take education for granted. In Cambodia, students are genuinely excited to attend school – they never want to miss a day of learning or improving their English. Seeing that passion reminded me just how lucky we are to have access to quality education here. As a preservice teacher and teacher aide, witnessing that gratitude for learning inspired me to foster the same love for education in my own classroom. I want my future students to see school as a safe, supportive space where everyone is excited to grow and learn together.

What made this experience so transformative?

I would 100% recommend this trip to every education student. It was the most transformative experience of my life. Travelling overseas and teaching in a new cultural context pushed me out of my comfort zone – mentally, physically, and emotionally – but it also helped me grow in ways I never expected. My biggest advice to future students is simple: take the risk. You might be nervous at first, but the support from UniSQ staff and your peers will carry you through. The friendships and lessons you gain will stay with you long after you return home.

What inspired you to study education?

Looking back, the signs were always there! From playing “teachers” with my little sister to babysitting in my teens, I’ve always loved guiding younger kids. But it wasn’t until Year 11 that I realised the impact teachers have. I had so many incredible educators who shaped my life, and I wanted to be that person for someone else. I can name every teacher I’ve had and share a story about how they inspired me. Now, through my studies and my trip to Cambodia, that passion has only deepened. I’ve seen firsthand how teachers can change lives and that’s exactly what I want to do.

Why did you choose UniSQ?

I come from a small rural town about four hours from Toowoomba, so UniSQ was the perfect fit. It allowed me to stay close to family while studying, and I could easily travel between home and campus in my first trimester. UniSQ’s flexible online study options have also made it possible to balance work, study, and life and continue working as a teacher aide in a rural setting where I hope to teach after graduation.

How did UniSQ prepare you for hands-on experiences like the Cambodia trip?

UniSQ has been instrumental in helping me build practical skills and confidence for real-world teaching. The courses go beyond content knowledge; they prepare us to teach in diverse contexts and understand the different ways students learn. Our mentors on the EduTREAK program, Katie and Lisa, were phenomenal. They made the transition to teaching in Cambodia smooth, supportive, and inspiring.

How do you hope to use what you learned in Cambodia in your future classroom?

There’s one quote from Treak Community Centre that has stayed with me:

“Your visit reminds us that teachers inspire not only students, but also each other.”

That’s the kind of teacher I want to be – one who inspires others, makes a difference, and helps students become the best versions of themselves. I’ve been inspired by so many great teachers, and my goal is to pay that forward. I want to be the teacher my students remember long after they’ve left school.

What are your goals after graduation?

After graduating, I see myself teaching in a rural or remote community, continuing to make an impact where it’s needed most. I also dream of teaching overseas again one day, exploring how education connects people across cultures and continents. My Cambodia experience opened that door for me. It showed me how powerful education can be, no matter where you are in the world. I’ll always carry that connection with me; to the people, the place, and the purpose that brought us all together. ‘Connection’ became our word for the trip: Connection to Cambodia, to the students and staff at Treak, to our mentors, and most of all, to each other. That’s something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.

Learn more about education at UniSQ.