Leaving on March 11, she will be volunteering teaching English in Smiling Hearts Association for Children in Siem Reap, part of ABOUTAsia Schools. 

“Ever since I went [to Cambodia] with school I wanted to go back and volunteer,” Ms Jauncey said. 

“You make a really strong connection with the people there because they just want to learn, so much. 

“They’re the kind of people who will do anything for you.

“I want to help people who don’t have resources to be able to learn,” Ms Jauncey said.  

This is not the first time Ms Jauncey has gone to Cambodia, as she was part of the 2012 Bega High School Cambodian study trip where she also volunteered in ABOUTAsia Schools, and she later made a second trip back to the country with friends.

“The school excursion was really beneficial as I was able to get a feel of Cambodia with someone who knows it quite well,” she said. 

The person she was talking about is one of the study tour’s organising teachers, Denise Perry, who was extremely pleased with Ms Jauncey’s volunteering efforts.

“From a school perspective, we’re just very, very proud,” Ms Perry said. 

“Lauren is the first student we have had that’s gone back to do volunteer work, which we introduced her to, and it is really awesome as it feels our overseas study tour is achieving what we wanted it to achieve. 

“Hopefully she’ll be the first of many - we know a couple of others have been talking about it.” 

Working in classes comprised of a broad range of ages Ms Jauncey will give two two-hour English lessons per day, Monday to Friday, which gives her time to do some sightseeing on the weekends.

While her initial placement is for a month, Ms Jauncey has the option of extending her stay for longer, otherwise she will return again in the future. 

“I can certainly say this trip will be the first of many,” she said. 

Fundraising for Bega High’s 2015 overseas study trip has already begun, and organisers will have stalls at Bega High and Tathra Public School on NSW Election Day, March 28.