Students from Charles Sturt University (CSU) will be travelling to Cambodia later this week to help Non-Government Organisations improve quality of life of people in rural and remote areas.

Eight students from CSU's Faculty of Business will spend three weeks working on different projects with the Cambodian Rural Development Team (CRDT), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in rural towns and villages in Cambodia. Students will be living with the villagers in their homes for a part of their stay.

Associate Professor Parikshit Basu will accompany the business studies, accounting, management, marketing and applied finance students on the trip.

"During this program students will have hands-on experience of the operations and management of not-for-profit non-government organisations," Associate Professor Basu said.

"NGOs are becoming increasingly relevant in modern global business networks. To become a well-informed business professional in the future, students must understand and experience the operations of this unique type of organisation.

"Operating in a rural environment will have its own challenges and it is important for students to learn how organisations develop and implement effective programs, and overcome language, culture and climate barriers."

Second year Bachelor of Business (Management) student Mr Lachlan Esplin is hoping the trip will develop his cultural awareness and ability to manage in the workplace.

"In today's world it's likely that if you don't own an international business, you're working for one so I think it's really important to experience as many cultures as possible to develop effective relationships with your co-workers, customers and clients," Mr Esplin said.

"I'm hoping to further develop my cultural awareness so that one day, when I'm running my own business, I will be able to effectively manage people from a diverse range of religious and cultural backgrounds. I think it is important for students to leave their comfort zone and make as many professional connections as possible which is an opportunity this trip offers."

Second year Bachelor of Accounting student Mr David Matters admires the results NGOs are able to produce in challenging situations and is looking forward to learning more about their operations.

"I think it's crucial for business students to experience as many different business models and cultures as possible. Cross-cultural knowledge and understanding is very important in today's global business industry," Mr Matters said.

"I'm really looking forward to getting a better understanding of how NGOs operate in rural communities and balance their very tight budgets, and I'm also pretty excited to sleep in a hammock in the jungle!"

The students will depart on Sunday 21 June and return on Saturday 11 July. For more information about the Cambodia International Experience Program, visit the CSU Global website.