How many students will be chosen for the Sarus program?
10-12 students from each country will be chosen to participate.
Is Sarus a free program?
Sarus requires a $100 donation from each participant. Everything else during the trip is covered by Sarus. The student donation covers less than ten percent of each student’s total cost, and acts more as a symbol of commitment to the program.
Is there an age limit to participate in Sarus?
No, there is no age limit for Sarus. Preference, however, is given to university students. Exceptions can be made for recent graduates, and thus, Sarus encourages everyone to apply.
What if I cannot make the orientation and training sessions?
Sarus strongly encourages each of its participants to attend the orientation and its subsequent training sessions. The Sarus staff understands the logistical difficulties that may occur as well as potential deterrents such as school work, but asks for and recommends a commitment to the program in order to fully grasp its benefits. If one cannot attend the orientation, arrangements can be made so that everyone receives and understands the required information.
Am I allowed to apply if I haven’t taken the TOEFL and IELTS tests?
Yes! You are not required to have taken either of these tests to participate. If you have, though, a copy of your scores is appreciated. If you haven’t, it won’t affect whether you’re accepted are not.
Do I need to have a passport to participate?
No, a passport at the time that you apply is not required. If you are accepted and don’t have a passport, we’ll help you get one.
What if I don’t live in Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, or Can Tho, but I still really want to join the program?
If you can make it to Phnom Penh for the seminars twice a month, then you are eligible to apply. The same goes for Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho. However, if you can’t get to either of these cities for the seminars, you will not be admitted.
Does the letter of recommendation have to be sent at the time as the application?
No. The letter of recommendation can be sent any time before December 1.
Why are Sarus participants going to do construction work during the summer?
First, the language barrier makes work that involves a lot of communication difficult, if not impossible. Simple construction work requires limited communication. Second, university students do not have a lot of work experience, so there are limitations to what they can accomplish during a short volunteer program. Third, construction will be outside of most participants’ normal range of activities since they are students. Thus, it will be both challenging and rewarding and help the group bond with each other.
Which part(s) of the application are the most important?
All of the application is important to Sarus. However, we are particularly interested in your responses to the short answer questions and what your references say about you. For your references, choose people who know you well and can speak knowledgably about your experience and character, especially as they relate to successfully completing Sarus. With respect to the short answers, we are looking for thoughtful, original answers. This is an opportunity for us to get to know you as a person. You are encouraged to dedicate a significant amount of time to these questions.
What should I write in the subject line of the email when I submit my application?
- For Cambodian applicants, write “2012 Cambodia Application (NAME OF APPLICANT).”
- For Vietnamese applicants, write “2012 Vietnam Application (NAME OF APPLICANT).”
- For Cambodian letters of recommendation, write “2012 Cambodia Recommendation (NAME OF APPLICANT).”
- For Vietnamese letters of recommendation, write “2012 Vietnam Recommendation (NAME OF APPLICANT).”
