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Volunteering Projects in Cambodia
You can become involved in teaching conversational English to students in Cambodia. This unique project also provides funding for development initiatives in rural areas.
Volunteers are based in the vibrant capital city Phnom Penh. This program will allow you to help students improve their English skills while at the same time immersing yourself in urban Cambodian life.
The Projects
Teaching
Volunteers will be working as language teachers in a school project which provides affordable conversational English language courses for students.
The aim of this project is to raise money for a local NGO working to improve livelihoods in rural communities in Cambodia. Students pay a small fee to attend the classes.
In the past, the money raised by the language centre has been used to improve water and sanitation, for small livestock and agriculture production, and for community environmental awareness in rural Cambodia.
Volunteers teach conversational English classes which have around 10 students in each class. All students and teachers have books, from which to learn and teach. There is scope for volunteers to include their own exercises/games into each class. Most volunteers work up to 5 hours per day. Lesson plans and materials will be provided by the school to make preparation and teaching easier.
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About Cambodia
Cambodia (officially the Kingdom of Cambodia) is a South East Asian nation bordered by Vietnam to the east, Laos to the north, Thailand to the northwest, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. It has a population of 14,000,000 dispersed over 181,035 sq km. It has been plagued by recent history of war and genocide and still faces the challenge of rebuilding social, political and economic institutions. The country has sustained considerable peace and stability over the last decade.
Development in Cambodia
Cambodia, once a great Kingdom during its prosperous Angkor era, is one of the poorest countries in the World today. The Khmer Rouge, took control of the country from 1975 to 1979, shattering Cambodia’s society and economy and destroying almost everything - killing about 20% of the population (most of whom were well educated intellectuals), destroying physical infrastructure as well as educational systems etc. During the next period until the early 1990s, the country was under communist rule and was heavily sanctioned and isolated by the international communities.
Cambodia has emerged again with almost nothing. Cambodian people have strived to build their nation. Today Cambodia is open to free market policies and has become an important part of today’s global community. English has become so important for Cambodians for trade and international relations, education and research, employment opportunities, etc. in order to build the country. There has been strong GDP growth, thousands of its young people educated both locally and overseas, millions of tourists from across the globe visit the country, and critical infrastructure has been rebuilt.
However, the change has been centered around city centers or urban areas and we still see slow development for rural areas. To ensure well distribution of wealth across to the country and economy, rural development activities by NGOs supporting rural populations to be able to take advantage of development is critical to ensure that they can fulfill their basic needs so that they can release themselves from poverty and think about their future.
Volunteer Impact
Volunteers provide tuition by a native speaker which is valuable for correct pronunciation, conversation, comprehension and confidence, empowering students with English language skills needed to access the same opportunities as their peers around the world.
The secondary impact of volunteers is to improve livelihoods in rural communities in Cambodia as the school raises money for a local NGO through student tuition.
What else can I do in Cambodia?
Visitors in Cambodia will have no shortage of activities to fill up their free time.
Visit ancient temples and ruins, explore the capital and browse the local markets, and why not have your clothing tailor made. Get out of the city and discover a national park, or simply relax at the beach.
Costs
Application Fee – US $97
Your application fee is fully transferable and will secure your place on the Cambodia program, (or any other GVN program of your choice), at a placement date that is suitable to you.*
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*Your application fee provides you with access to any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years, as many times as you like without having to pay another application fee! |
Children under 18 are not required to pay the application fee when volunteering together with a parent/guardian. (Except for participants in our Youth Tour program who are required to pay a US$97 application fee.)
Program Fee – US $22 a day
- 13 weeks - US $1997
What’s included:
| Accommodation: | Volunteer house. |
| Meals: | 3 meals daily. |
| Airport pickup: | Included on arrival date. |
| Training: | In-country orientation and training. |
| Supervision: | In-country staff supervision. |
| Support: | Pre-departure personal support from your volunteer coordinator, 24/7 in-country support from partner, and 24hr emergency line. |
Additional Benefits:
- A Quality Volunteer Placement
Dedicated staff with the sole focus of facilitating the placement of volunteers, reviewing and improving programs and supporting the work of our partners. -
Program Guide
Your online resource guide that covers topics such as country information, details on your placement, travel links, visa application process, and much more! - Fundraising guide
Your Fundraising Guide and Software which provides you with proven fundraising strategies, letter generating software and other resources to help you raise up to 100% of the cost of your trip. - Personal online journal
Which help you to communicate effectively and easily with your family and friends back home. - Access to a non-profit:
Contribute to the ongoing support of the charitable + educational work of community organisations.
What’s not included:
Flights, insurance, visas, vaccinations, departure from the program.
We recommend you allow a weekly budget of up to US$ 20 for your other expenses like bottled water, personal items, beverages, and entertainment.
Schedule
Program Schedule
Arrival and Departure dates are pre-determined and are listed below. A new term begins every 13 weeks. Volunteers need to arrive in Phnom Penh on one of the following start dates and be ready to start the orientation program the next day.
- 30 May 2012 - 25 August 2012
- 29 August 2012 - 25 November 2012
- 05 December 2012 - 03 March 2013
- 06 March 2013 - 02 June 2013
- 05 June 2013 - 01 September 2013
- 04 September 2013 - 31 November 2013
Volunteers can attend the program for 13 weeks only. This includes 10 days of orientation, ten weeks teaching with some time off for a small break which will coincide with a Cambodian festival or holiday.
FAQ
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions which we receive at the GVN inbox. This is a great place to start if you have questions about Global Volunteer Network and our placement process. This information should answer the majority of questions you may have.
Tell me more about Cambodia
Tell me more about the partner organization?
What type of volunteer work is available?
What age do you have to be to volunteer in this program?
When will I know specific details on the placement?
What language do I need to know to participate in the program?
When do I need to arrive in Cambodia?
Volunteers need to arrive at set start dates throughout the year. These occur every 13 weeks. Upcoming dates we are accepting volunteers to begin their program on are :
- 25 May 2011
- 24 August 2011
- 23 November 2011
- 22 February 2012
- 23 May 2012
- 22 August 2012
These are the dates that volunteers need to arrive at the airport. A training and orientation program will begin the next day. If you are arriving early we can help arrange a hotel for you to stay in (at your own expense).
What are the living arrangements when volunteering?
Volunteers will be accommodated together in a rented house. Around 10 volunteers can be placed in the house at one time. Volunteers will share a secure bedroom (lockable) with another volunteer. There are fans in the house but no air conditioning.
Where will I be located?
How do I get to the project?
The volunteer accommodation is located approximately 15 minutes walk from the language centre.
How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
The project can place around 20 volunteers at a time.
Are we able to do any sightseeing?
What hours am I expected to take part in the program?
What resources are available for the program?
What is the course content of the training/orientation session?
The orientation covers an introduction to our partner organisation, teacher training, a tour of Phnom Penh, a trip to visit the rural projects as well as an introduction to Khmer culture and language lessons.
How do I pay my fees?
Your application fee secures your place on the program (remember this is fully transferable to a later date or different program if you decide not to take part in the program, subject to the terms of service). Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 12 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer’s expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. Eighty percent (80%) of your program fee is refundable until one calendar month before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program. Refer to GVN's legal terms of service for full details.
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
When teaching volunteers should be modestly dressed; clothing should cover the volunteer’s shoulders and knees.
Are there any more expenses once I arrive?
Volunteers will need to purchase a visa at the airport as well as have funds for snacks and other personal expenses. If on a tight budget volunteers can limit their entertainment spending and live simply but comfortably on US$100 per month (on top of the money paid for their in-country fee). During orientation you have the chance to participate in a trip to Kratie to see the Dolphins. This trip will be covered by your program fee, but snacks, entertainment and more expensive food options will be at your own expense.
Do I need an entry visa and how do I obtain this?
Is there any time of the year when I can’t volunteer?
What is the climate like in Cambodia?
What immunisations/vaccinations will I need?
Can I bring my family/children to this program with me?
How safe is it to volunteer in Cambodia?
It is important to be wary of street crime in Cambodia. It is not safe to be outside after dark, as your chances of being robbed are quite high. Furthermore, you should be aware of the traffic. Traffic accidents are quite common so please exercise caution when using the roads. Volunteers will be given further safety advice in the orientation session as well.
How does GVN choose volunteers for this program?
Each GVN program has different criteria depending on our partner's requirements. Every application is reviewed to ensure that the minimum requirements (as set out on the program page) are met. Next we look to see what skills or experience you have that relate specifically to the program. We are also interested in any previous volunteer experience you may have (either local or international), travel experience, and your particular interest in the program.
After reviewing your application, should we require any further information from you, we will email you to request this.
Do I have to be from New Zealand to volunteer through Global Volunteer Network?
Can vegetarians be catered for in this program?
Is there the opportunity to take classes such as language or more cultural activities while on the program?
Do I need travel insurance?
All GVN Volunteers must have insurance. You are free to take out insurance cover through any provider of your choice. However, as some policies do not cover volunteering, we recommend you check you are covered during your volunteer placement.
For your convenience we have arranged a comprehensive package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident coverage as well as “loss of deposits” cover which covers fees paid to GVN, airlines etc. If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/insurance/
Volunteer Diaries
Three weeks and counting!
Monday, May 04th, 2009
Wow, I can’t believe that at this time in three weeks I will be packing up my stuff and getting ready to head to the airport….. 21 sleeps until the adventure begins. It’s probably even harder to imagine because I am still sitting at work in a nice warm office with all the creature comforts [click here to read more]
Welcome to Paradise
Wednesday, October 29th, 2008
In talking with/writing to friends and relatives back home I have compared Sihanoukville to Queensland Australia?s Gold Coast, but actually I think it is more akin to Byron Bay in New South Wales. It has the same bohemian vibe. One long weekend, six of us volunteers headed down to Sihanoukville check out the beach scene. [click here to read more]
Packing for Cambodia: clothes
Saturday, October 25th, 2008
This was my biggest worry when packing for Cambodia – what on earth should I take to wear?! Here are my tips. Don’t bother bringing a jumper unless you need one for the plane. Don’t bother bringing more than two pairs of socks – thongs (by that I mean flip-flops) and sandals are the order [click here to read more]
Please visit journals.globalvolunteernetwork.org for more journals and feedback from past volunteers
How to Apply
Program Requirements
As a volunteer teacher in Cambodia you must:
- be a native speaker of English (fluent)
- be at least 18 years old
- have no health problems
- be enthusiastic
- have cultural sensitivity and respect
No formal qualifications or teaching experience is required, although Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualifications are an advantage. TEFL qualifications can be gained at any number of institutions, many of which offer online courses.
The Application Process
Your application process is free and seamless, and if you are successful we will provide you with a choice of application fee payment options that include a secure online service. We also are one of the few organisations that allow you to transfer your application fee to another program at no extra cost.
Communication & Support:
Throughout the process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going.
Volunteer Feedback
Christina
"Things are going really well here in Phnom Penh . I'm teaching four classes a day: two level 5's, one level Advanced Discussion (9), and one level Advanced Communication (10). For the most part, the teaching is pretty interesting and the students are very enthusiastic. There are always a few speed bumps, but by now I've definitely gotten a routine down for each level, so it comes much easier.
The city is very fascinating. I've already been to the National Museum , the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum , the Killing Fields, and Wat Phnom. All of which were definitely worth the visits. A few of us volunteers also went down to Sihanoukville a couple of weekends ago. It was very beautiful and relaxing, except for our bus breaking down on the way back! We also went to a wonderful traditional Khmer dance and music performance last weekend, which included large shadow puppets. We're going to a traditional drum performance this weekend at the same theater.
I've still to see the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, and we're planning on going to Siem Reap in a few weeks, so there are just a few major things left to do. I suppose this is a good thing, seeing as I'm winding my time down here. I've really enjoyed my stay here in Cambodia ; what an experience! GVN's partner is a great organization; the staff are very friendly and helpful, and I think what they're doing [...] is very worthwhile. It has definitely been worth the time and energy to get here."
Jacob
"The conversational English format makes the classes a lot of fun, and I love my students. I spend a lot of my teaching time laughing and so do my students.
I really enjoy the volunteers at the house, all very cool people. The management staff are completely dedicated to the success of the school and the happiness of the volunteers. The staff and the teachers are like one big family and anytime I have needed help with anything they have always assisted me quickly and effectively."
Kate
"A typical day involves up to 5 hours teaching. There is a housekeeper who brings breakfast and then cooks delicious lunches and dinners. It was a very sociable house. In my free time I would either go to the markets, use the internet or relax at home and prepare for my classes.
I went out to see some of the villages and the work that GVN's partner has been doing which was an amazing experience and further proved what a good cause I was working for. We were able to see a lot of the projects such as fish ponds, pig pens, biodigesters etc that they had worked on and meet the people that had benefited and I really felt like I had made a direct and extremely valuable contribution to Cambodia."
Articles
Helping out in Cambodia
A Takapuna resident is volunteering her skills in language for a three- month Cambodia trip. Fiona Whyte, a foreign exchange specialist, is looking forward to working with young Cambodian students through the Global Volunteer Network from November. "To live and work in Cambodia, to be able to offer my knowledge and skills, that’s the...
News From Cambodia
Update from our Cambodia partner
May 2011
Our mission is to provide conversational English language courses and support quality volunteer experiences whilst raising money for a local organisation working to improve livelihoods of rural communities in Cambodia. Our model is to operate as a socially ethical organisation committed to a sustainable model of learning and cultural exchange. There is a thirst for learning in Cambodia, especially among young people. We provide two distinct services; we provide affordable conversational English language courses for Cambodian students in a fun, informal learning environment. We also provide a volunteer program that allows foreign volunteers to learn about and experience life in Cambodia.
The inspiration for an English school with courses taught by foreign volunteers began in 2005 when two friends (one from Cambodia and the other from Australia) were brainstorming ideas for raising funds to contribute towards rural communities in Cambodia. A US$10,000 loan was taken out in 2006, registration of the school was underway and payments for the volunteer house were made along with the bond for the school. The first classes began in September 2006 with 3 volunteer teachers and 180 registered students. Gradually more teachers were recruited which enabled an increase in the number of classes available for students; the number of students rose to over 500 in 2008. With its initial success the school was able to pay back its start up loans, secure its future and make the first donation to the organisation supporting rural communities in Cambodia.
Our school has now seen over 200 international volunteers pass through, training more than 9000 local students over 17 semesters. Our greatest success is that we have now helped raise US$37,700 for rural communities in Cambodia.
The volunteer house is continually improved each semester. During the first semester we only had three volunteers living there. Now we house up to 12 volunteers and they are provided with almost everything they could possibly need for a comfortable three months. There is now a washing machine, mosquito nets, fans, a computer, a printer, improved bathroom facilities and the landlord has recently provided a new rooftop area. The volunteer experience is diverse and enriching; it involves excursions, picnics, traditional celebrations, wedding invitations and so much more.
Semester Marks 19th Volunteer Intake
18 March 2011
February 24th marked the 19th intake of volunteers and students ready to start their semester learning conversational English in the Phnom Penh language school. This semester international volunteers from the UK, USA, Australia and Canada will be giving conversational language lessons to 975 local students.
In total almost 300 volunteers from around the world have provided affordable conversational English courses to over 10,000 students. And as a result of their vision, our partner in Cambodia has been able to make donations of almost USD 40,000 to a local NGO working to improve livelihoods in rural communities in Cambodia, as well as successfully upgrading premises and improving the sustainability of the program itself. These are achievements to be proud of!
Each volunteer's experience has included social and cultural programs alongside their teaching experiences, such as making friends in Phnom Penh, being invited to weddings and other social occasions! Other examples include volunteers experiencing rural community life by visiting rural villages and staying over night.
Application Form
Why Volunteer
At GVN we align with the idea of 'local solutions to local problems', so we work with local community organisations in each country. What this means for our volunteers is that they receive a unique and genuine cultural experience whilst being immersed in a local community.
If you're
- Graduating from school and not sure which direction to take, or you're not ready to jump into full-time employment just yet;
- Ready for a Career Break;
- An 'empty nester';
- Retired;
- Or ready for a change or new adventure
Volunteering abroad could be the very thing for YOU!
If you're looking for something worthwhile to do volunteering will give you the opportunity to travel whilst making a difference in the community you are based in.
Did you know taking a Gap Year can improve your college admission chances and success rate during your studies?
"Harvard College encourages admitted students to defer enrolment for one year to travel, pursue a special project or activity, work, or spend time in another meaningful way" – Harvard College Office of Admissions, 2010.
International volunteering is a great way to gain experience living in a developing country, learning about another culture and experiencing a different way of life. It is a fantastic way to grow as a person, to develop life skills, self-confidence and self-esteem, and is a tool for self discovery and identity formation.
Other personal benefits include, developing international friendships and networks, social awareness, and building independence.
Volunteering can increase your employability, help you to gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV/resume.
"Going to a foreign country for a volunteer experience is a huge boost on a resume. Employers love to see a person that can think outside the box and work past their comfort zone. The added benefits of teamwork, foreign language knowledge, and plain old hard work also add polish to the volunteer candidate. Since business now happens on a global scale, the volunteer is armed with useful, and potentially actionable, information." – USA Today, 2010.
Reputable Charity
The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a New Zealand Charitable Trust (non-profit NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our Charitable incorporation number is: CC46460. GVN has been verified and approved by Idealist (the largest volunteer portal on the internet. GVN is also a member of the World Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (WANGO), and our ‘sister’ organization the GVN Foundation has been granted special consultative status on the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Prestigious web sites such as Lonely Planet and Goabroad.com have placed web links to us. Additionally, when you apply, we can provide you with contact information for previous volunteers if you wish. GVN is also an approved member of the Site Trust Network and you can view our verification page.
Recommended by Bill Gates
Bill Gates personally recommended GVN by stating "I'd love to see more young people taking action to help the poor and disadvantaged. Two places to get started are Network for Good and Global Volunteer Network." Newsweek Web
Proven Track Record
To give you peace of mind, GVN has over eight years experience and has placed 13,500+ volunteers since 2002. Read volunteer's journals and testimonials or speak to a returned volunteer directly about their experience abroad through GVN.
Volunteer Support
GVN’s specialist staff provide personal support to volunteers, assisting not only with preparation for your placement, but whilst in-country, and follow-up on return home. GVN provides comprehensive Program Guides, project resources (eg teaching resources).
Community Focussed
GVN aligns with the idea of 'local solutions to local problems', therefore we work with local community organisations in each country. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.
Recommended by CNN
CNN listed the Global Volunteer Network as one of 10 organizations that can help you to make a positive impact on the world around you. CNN encourages you to visit our website to get more details on how you too can Be The Change.
Personal Security
GVN offer an insurance package tailored specifically for volunteers. Partner’s staff are always available (24hr/7days), along with this GVN also has a 24hr/7day emergency hotline.
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