I see what you mean about a lawyer.

I still think you should send an article on spec to one of the western newspapers/magazines.

For writers in America/Europe, yes they do filter by college degree, but only because so many people want to cover that beat. For Cambodia, you have no competition apart from the BBC.

Try the Spectator (UK mag). The editor is famous for publishing unlikely people, because he's looking for something different. Your impressions of the bureaucracy in Suriname would make an interesting article. The stuff about the immigration lawyers in Ecuador would also make a great article. Especially as you are writing from the perspective of an American, who everyone assumes has an easy time of it - their readers will be surprised to learn it ain't so, and that's the unique perspective you'll bring to their publication.

Here's the link for submission to the Spectator. I think you need to email your stuff to the Features editor

https://www.spectator.co.uk/submit/