PGN: Experiencing Cambodian Culture

In May, Zeynep Yildiz, a rising senior majoring at The Ohio State University, took part in a two-week global consulting experience through the Fisher Global Non-Profit Consulting Program at Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business. Partnering with The Secret Garden Hotel and Restaurant—a mission-driven social enterprise in Cambodia—Zeynep and her team worked on strategic initiatives aimed at increasing revenue and expanding the hotel’s social impact.

Read more about her experience below!

Let’s here from Zeynep about her study-abroad experience:

“In May, I had the opportunity to participate in a two-week experience through the Fisher Global Non-Profit Consulting Program at Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business. Our team collaborated with The Secret Garden Hotel and Restaurant, a mission-driven social enterprise that provides job training and employment to Cambodian youth, with the goal of donating all surplus to the local NGOs it supports. Alongside five fellow consultants, I worked on strategic initiatives to help the hotel boost revenue and broaden its social reach - from developing a new outreach database for international volunteer groups to crafting social media materials and identifying grant opportunities for the NGOs the hotel supports.

Staying at The Secret Garden Hotel & Restaurant gave me a meaningful opportunity to connect with the very community the hotel supports. One of the highlights of my time in Siem Reap was getting to know the local people and learning from the dedicated staff and inspiring students at the NGOs the hotel supports. I also really enjoyed immersing myself in the local culture - visiting pagodas, observing daily traditions, and tasting some of the most delicious Cambodian dishes. Our visit to Angkor Wat was also very special. Looking back, every single day in Siem Reap brought something new to discover and appreciate.

Spending two weeks in Siem Reap was an unforgettable experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me grow both personally and professionally. From learning about the culture to engaging in meaningful project work, every moment was valuable. I am incredibly thankful to the PGN Scholars Foundation Grant for making this journey possible, and I look forward to applying everything I have gained as I head into my senior year at Ohio State.“