How long is the LCDI program and what is the curriculum?

The most popular reason students choose to study at LCDI is to get a quick grasp of English. English skills open up a whole new world of job opportunities if one can learn it to a reasonable standard. The LCDI program uses immersion English. Students are expected to study, converse and engage in school life using English, which can be quite difficult at the beginning. But it is the fastest way to learn a language, short of having immersion with foreign speakers. One of the reasons that foreign speakers are valued as visiting teachers, is because students get an opportunity to engage a foreigner in their own language and build the confidence to communicate in a language not their own.

Other elements of the curriculum include computer studies, accounting and optional activities such as Tae Kwon Do, facilitated by a visiting South Korean expert. By far the most important element of this teaching are the leadership and character development studies, which aim to increase students self confidence and offer a moral code based around respect for others. The code has a thread of spirituality, but is not based on any particular religion, being a result of Bahai involvement at one point. Students are permitted however, to study religion outside curriculum hours or at pre arranged times, during which those who are interested become involved with the BEC through the BEC Biker program or Sunday School program.

When students start studying at LCDI, they begin in one of the provincial centres. This period lasts for approximately 3 months while they learn basic English skills. After this initial period, they move to the Phnom Penh centre for more advanced study and the inclusion of other elements of the curriculum. Students usually stay in Phnom Penh to study for 1 year to 18 months depending on the student. After completing examinations, those who pass get sent back out to the provincial centres to be teachers for 6 months after which they have completed their certificate.

Once they have completed their certificate (and sometimes earlier), LCDI students start looking for jobs. Many prefer to look for work in Phnom Penh than go back to the province. LCDI students have a reputation for speaking reasonably good English and many get jobs in the hospitality industry. Those who have completed high school often try to get scholarships to study at University. Others get jobs teaching in local schools.