The Center for Khmer Studies (CKS) announces that applications are now open for the Junior Resident Fellows Program (JRFP). The deadline for submissions is March 1, 2026 — 11:59 pm (Cambodia) / 11:59 am (Eastern US) / 05:59 pm (France). The program will run from July 6 to August 14, 2026. This six-week summer program in Cambodia offers students from Cambodia, France, and the United States an immersive academic and cultural experience focused on contemporary Cambodian history and society. The program is generously funded by the Louisa Sarofim Foundation. Program Overview Each summer, CKS selects five Cambodian, five French, and five U.S. undergraduate students or recent graduates to participate in the JRFP. Fellows live and study on the CKS campus in Siem Reap, located on the historic grounds of Wat Damnak, one of the city’s major Buddhist pagodas. The campus is only minutes away from the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex. Fellows also spend time in Phnom Penh, gaining exposure to Cambodia’s vibrant political and cultural life. The Center for Khmer Studies (CKS) the program brings together students from diverse cultural backgrounds to examine Cambodia’s modern history, social dynamics, and regional relationships. Since its launch in 2004, the JRFP has received consistently enthusiastic feedback from participants. Eligibility Requirements Applicants must meet the following criteria: Citizenship in Cambodia, France, or the United States Enrollment as a Year 3 undergraduate student or recent graduate (priority is given to students in their final two years of study) Strong proficiency in spoken and written English Full vaccination status and good overall health for international travel What Participants Can Expect The JRFP is designed for individuals with a strong interest in Cambodia, Southeast Asia, and potential future academic or professional engagement with the region. The program balances academic rigor with experiential learning, including field visits that deepen students’ understanding of Cambodia’s contemporary landscape. Because Cambodia’s history is closely intertwined with neighboring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and China, as well as global actors including France, the United States, and the United Nations, the program explores both Cambodia’s internal developments and its international relationships. Program Requirements All Fellows are required to: Attend all classes and field trips Participate actively in discussions Produce a 10–15 page research paper on a topic of their choice Deliver a 10–15 minute presentation summarizing their findings Research topics may span archaeology, anthropology, economics, linguistics, political science, history, environmental studies, urban development, or sociology. Program Structure The program is led by an experienced instructor specializing in Cambodian and Southeast Asian Studies. Instruction is delivered through interactive classroom sessions held Monday through Friday for two hours daily. The curriculum begins with an overview of Cambodia’s ancient heritage and proceeds to major political, social, economic, and cultural transformations since independence from France in the 1950s. Special emphasis is placed on Cambodia’s post-Khmer Rouge recovery and its reintegration into regional and global communities. Outside the classroom, Fellows join field trips to historical and cultural sites and engage with organizations in and around Siem Reap involved in education, human rights, democracy promotion, journalism, and development. Language Instruction The program is conducted in English. U.S. and French Fellows receive daily Khmer language instruction. Cambodian Fellows attend daily English classes. Program Costs and Support CKS covers the cost of: Tuition Accommodation (bed and breakfast) Local transportation for program activities Books and study materials Selected field trip expenses (e.g., entrance fees) Small program grants of US$600–$800 are available to help offset international airfare, visa costs, and medical insurance. Fellows are responsible for: Personal living expenses Required health insurance Any Cambodian entry fees, visa charges, Covid-related testing, or quarantine measures if applicable Application Checklist Applicants must submit: Completed Application Form 1-page Personal Statement 1–2 page Topic of Interest Summary (Template provided) Two confidential references 2-page CV Academic transcripts or certificates Covid-19 vaccination card (scan) Proof of English proficiency (Cambodian applicants only) For questions, applicants may contact: juniorfellowships@khmerstudies.org. LEARN MORE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the funding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.