Su Yingle plays with a local child. (Photo provided to China Daily)
During her stay in Cambodia, Su gradually got to know different NGOs, gained insight into the regional history and started to question larger issues involved in that poverty-stricken country.
She later described her international volunteer experience in detail in her college application package. She even asked the program leader to write her recommendation letters.
"My volunteer trips in Cambodia played a big role in my college application," Su says. "I had in-depth experience related to international affairs. I enjoyed it, and I want to apply for related areas."
Admitted by several U.S. universities, Su chose to go to Washington to study political science, where most U.S. NGO headquarters as well as numerous international agencies are located, to pursue her academic passion.
"Volunteering in Cambodia was the tipping point for me," Su says.
Most such programs function like small enterprises, which not only require teamwork, commitment and knowledge of how the organization works, but also provide a showcase for leadership talents.
Zhu Tingxuan, 19, a freshman of New York University Abu Dhabi, attended high school in the U.S., where many of her classmates already had the experience of international volunteering.
Interested in seeing social enterprise through international volunteering, Zhu took two separate trips to Cambodia. On her second visit, Zhu stepped from being a regular team member to a group leader.
"I see how an idea becomes reality that actually helps people somewhere," Zhu says. "We are making a difference."
Zhu also enjoys interacting with local people, especially young students. "They just have the most innocent smile on their faces," Zhu recalls. She played traditional Chinese games such as "the eagle catches the chickens" with them. In return, they helped with some volunteer projects.
