Connecting Classrooms. Expanding Opportunities.

Since 2013, EYC has been proud to partner with Riverview School in Australia—a relationship made possible through the vision and commitment of one of our board members. What began as a school exchange has grown into a deeply valued, longstanding international partnership.

Twice each year, Riverview students travel to Cambodia, with two groups of approximately 12 students participating in each visit. For one week, they live alongside the EYC community, teaching English, participating in activities with our students, and building genuine friendships that extend well beyond the classroom. Their warmth, thoughtful preparation, and willingness to fully immerse themselves in the experience foster confidence, curiosity, and meaningful cultural exchange.

The connection doesn’t end when the visits are over. Throughout the year, EYC and Riverview host two five-session virtual exchange programs, bringing together approximately 50 students from each school for one-on-one conversations. These sessions give EYC students the opportunity to practice their English with native speakers while students from both countries deepen their understanding of different cultures and build friendships across continents.

Over the years, Riverview’s support has extended far beyond volunteering. In addition to generous annual financial contributions to EYC, each visit has brought educational materials and laptops, opening new doors for our students.

More than a decade later, the partnership between EYC and Riverview continues to flourish. Built on mutual trust, shared values, and a belief in the power of education, it has grown into a lasting friendship. Through in-person visits, virtual exchanges, and years of unwavering support, the partnership has enriched the lives of students in both Cambodia and Australia.

The reflections that follow offer a glimpse of that impact through the eyes of a Riverview and an EYC student, whose experiences capture the relationships, learning, and shared purpose at the heart of this partnership.

Through the Eyes of a Riverview Student

“When we first arrived at EYC to teach, I was borderline scared. I had no experience teaching anyone, especially small children in a completely foreign country. Growing up as the youngest among my brothers and cousins, I had never had the chance to teach, entertain, or spend much time with someone so much younger than me. I am so grateful that the children at EYC were so welcoming, outgoing, and excited—not only to learn, but just to get to know us. Their joy immediately washed away any nerves my group and I had.

When it was my turn to read a book to the class and teach vocabulary, I was surprised at how natural it felt, considering I’m someone who usually struggles with public speaking. Looking around the classroom, I saw every student attentively listening and smiling at me, excited to hear what happened next in Harry the Dirty Dog. After reading together, we would practice the pronunciation of some of the words. A Riverview boy would say the word, and the students would repeat it back. Almost every child enthusiastically shouted out each word, as if there was money on the line. The ambition, gratitude, and love of learning the students showed is something every Riverview boy who visits EYC will take home and think about every day.

I would strongly recommend that anyone visit EYC. Even if you believe you would be of no help, your presence and support are so valued by the EYC staff and students and would contribute far more than you might realize. I can personally say that I learned more from my time at EYC than the students did from my teaching. Anyone who steps into one of those classrooms, even for just five minutes, will have one of the most rewarding and impactful experiences they could imagine.”

Through the Eyes of an EYC Student

“I really enjoy the lessons with the Riverview students because we get to practice English while playing games and learning at the same time. I remember one Riverview student named Lucas because he was very playful and helped explain new words so I could understand them.

When I first met the Riverview students, I felt a bit nervous about speaking English with them, but they were very friendly and helped me feel more confident. My favorite activities during the Riverview visits are reading books together and filling in the blanks on the whiteboard. I like the Riverview lessons because we get to meet students from Australia, practice English together, and learn from each other.”