Volunteer in Cambodia with International Volunteer HQ today. IVHQ’s local staff in Cambodia require volunteers NOW! IVHQ  has a wide range of volunteering projects in Cambodia, including Teaching, Childcare/Orphanage Work, Computer Support and Working with NGOs.

LOCATION OF CAMBODIA VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

IVHQ has volunteer programs in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the Cambodian provinces of Kampong Chnang, Pursat, Battambang, and Kampong Speu. When choosing a volunteer placement and location we carefully consider the needs of the local institutions we work with whilst taking into account the volunteer's background, experience and skills. Therefore volunteers are placed where the most volunteer support is needed at the time and volunteers are ultimately assigned with the projects that will benefit both the volunteer and the local organisation.

START AND DURATION OF CAMBODIA VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Programs begin on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Volunteers can choose to volunteer for durations ranging from 2 weeks to 6 months.

CAMBODIA VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

Volunteers must be 18 years or older and have finished high school when starting the program. To communicate with the host families and people within your placement, volunteers should speak English fluently. Volunteers wishing to work on the Working with NGOs program should be 19 years or older and already have some experience in the field they wish to work. This can either be university studies (a degree is not necessary) or relevant working experience. Volunteers on the computer support program should have advanced computer knowledge. All volunteers must provide a criminal background check to IVHQ partner staff on arrival in Cambodia.

HOW MANY OTHER VOLUNTEERS WILL THERE BE?

Last year IVHQ placed over 400 volunteers into our Cambodia placements (this makes us one of the most popular volunteer placement organizations in Cambodia! Between 30 and 60 volunteers start on our programs in Cambdoia each month. What does this mean for you? More people to socialize with and travel with, more people to meet from different cultures, more people to volunteer with, more projects to work on, more staff support, better infrastructure for volunteers and lower fees! 

CAMBODIA VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIALS

"My volunteer experience was nothing short of amazing and I am so thankful for all the kindness and helpfulness from both IVHQ and the local staff. I look forward to returning to Cambodia as this experience greatly enriched my love for the country and volunteering. I felt most connected to the country through my in-office volunteer work and out of office bonding time with my colleagues and Cambodian friends that I met while I was there."  - Anna Jung (Working with NGOs) 

Click here to read more testimonials from IVHQ volunteers in Cambodia. 

CAMBODIA VOLUNTEER PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

TEACHING

The education level in Cambodia still is very low causing large amounts of poverty and unemployment. English skills are required for most jobs in Cambodia, yet not everyone gets the opportunity to learn the language. Many young Cambodians looking for jobs get rejected because they speak very little or no English due to the fact that most parents simply cannot afford this type of education for their children. Our volunteers are placed in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and the Cambodian provinces of Battambang, Pursat, Kampong Speu, Kampong Thom and Kampong Cham.  Many projects urgently need teachers who can help out with specific skills like English. Sometimes other skills (e.g. IT, mathematics or art) are also required. Volunteers will teach a whole class or small groups, working alone or alongside other teachers or volunteers. The longer you stay the more responsibilities you receive. The volunteer should invest some time each day on preparing lessons carefully.  A typical school year depends on the type of school. Orphanage and NGO schools run throughout the year and only have holidays during the public holidays. However, we work with a combination of schools (Orphanage and NGO) and for most of the year volunteers will be able to work in the schools without being affected by any long holidays. NB Volunteers DO NOT need to be a qualified or experienced teacher.

IVHQ PLACEMENT

One orphanage school is located in Phnom Penh. It has over 110 children aged between 6 and 17. The children have no adult guardians capable of looking after them. Some are orphans, others still have parents or other relatives who cannot take care of them due to illness or disability. Most of the children have previously worked as garbage pickers before coming to the centre. You may teach English, arts, mathematics or sports depending on the need at the time of volunteering. You will also play with the children and be there for them and you may also assist with other tasks inside the school. NB This is only an example placement which is one of many offered by IVHQ in Cambodia and not necessarily the one you will be working at.

ORPHANAGE/CHILDCARE

Cambodia has an incredibly high number of orphans comparative to population. Many children have lost their parents due to HIV, while other parents cannot provide food, accommodation and education for their children. However, many “orphans” still have parents or relatives they may visit sometimes. Orphanage work ranges from cooking, administration, cleaning, painting, singing and sports to assisting with homework, feeding, caring for children and teaching. Alongside teaching, volunteers help with general work and will normally work 4-8 hours a day depending on the placement. The 2 hour lunch break can be spent at the orphanage or at home gathering energy for the rest of the day. You may also work in an orphanage or Center for HIV infected or disabled children, where the focus is less on teaching and more on childcare. Volunteers help to dress, feed and wash the children who are always happy to simply get your attention as in Cambodian society, disabled people are often rejected. In all our placements the children are attending the relevant public schools. Most orphanages also have fixed weekly activities, focusing mainly on education such as Khmer literacy classes, English language classes or more general teaching. Topics such as morality, hygiene or Khmer traditions are also discussed with the children. Many orphanages support creative activities like painting, drawing, origami or Apsara dancing (Khmer Traditional dance), and some orphanages organize visits to the beach or villages. We have a number of orphanage placements available in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Pursat, Kampong Speu, Kampong Thom and Kampong Cham.

IVHQ PLACEMENT

One of the orphanages is situated in Phnom Penh. Currently there are around 80 "indoor" children and 30 "outdoor" children, i.e. staying with the family but coming regularly for medical checks. The children are aged from 2 to 18 years, and often abandoned and discriminated by their community because they are HIV-positive. They are helped with getting education in local public schools, vocational training on special skills and learning English at the centre. The centre also provides them with some "extra" skills in comparison to their HIV-negative Cambodian peers. NB This is only an example placement which is one of many offered by IVHQ in Cambodia and not necessarily the one you will be working at.

WORKING WITH NGOS

IVHQ’s local organization cooperates with a network organization including 30+ local NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and other Cambodian towns that focus on community and rural development, democracy development and gender issues. The organizations support the poorest of the poor and those who have become landless, offering capacity building opportunities and organizing advocacy for the reconstruction of the country. Local NGOs usually have very limited (if any) financial resources, and often struggle to run their programs and to raise funds from international donors. Many staff members are volunteers receiving no or a very small salary. All NGOs urgently need support in e.g. fundraising and proposal writing, organizational development, administration and research. For volunteers studying at a university it would be more of an internship experience as some professional development workers support some of our placements. Placements are offered in the following fields: Community development, Health/ HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention and rehabilitation, Women and Child issues, Advocacy and Working with NGOs Issues, Environmental issues, and Education. The responsibility of the intern depends on his/her skills and interests and especially the length of the stay. The volunteer will work 3 to 8 hours a day also depending on the length of the stay. If you only stay a few weeks you will mainly help out with your English skills for a few hours (no less important and necessary) or write proposals for fundraising, case studies and reports. You may also help with IT skills, teach English to the staff or conduct research on the success of the programs or future plans. You would also visit the field and projects in the countryside to get a firsthand idea of the problems people are facing. If you stay longer than two months you will have the chance to work within the Working with NGOs programs. Volunteers with more specific skills, knowledge or experience may assist e.g. in arranging campaigns, meetings or public forums or implementing new projects as well as developing the internal structures and new initiatives within the Working with NGOs programs. Volunteers also might develop a newsletter or a website.  NB Volunteers are assigned to the organization that has the most urgent need for volunteers and provides us with the best project to suit volunteer’s educational background, experience and interests. In order to do this program volunteers must be staying for a minimum of 5 weeks. If you are staying for less than 5 weeks you can do the teaching or orphanage program. Volunteers will work 4 – 8 hours a day and must bring their own laptops.

IVHQ PLACEMENT

Thi is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit and non-governmental organization. It has different levels of governance: a General Assembly which is convened every three years to elect a President and Secretary General, and a Board of Advisors which meet annually. They ares tasked to address the absence of basic rights, freedoms and liberties in Cambodia by providing people with knowledge and understanding of Working with NGOs, law and democracy and of how to defend these rights and freedoms themselves. The tasks of volunteers at PADV may include for example; proposal writing, and assistance in administrative duties as well as supporting the local staff by teaching English and joining field visits. NB This is only an example placement which is one of many offered by IVHQ in Cambodia and not necessarily the one you will be working at.

COMPUTER SUPPORT PROGRAM

Cambodian NGOs and orphanages rely on computer technology and the internet for communication, management of programs and to create a public presence. There is often a lack of resident and local expertise in this area and training opportunities are very limited and expensive. Computer support in orphanages and organizations is urgently needed to implement, maintain and improve these systems to maximize the effectiveness of the organization and to educate the local staff and children. Volunteers can use their passion for technology and support local NGOs and schools to develop their website and social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and similar online communities. Experience with Microsoft Office products, website development or basic Windows System Administration are strongly recommended. Knowledge of LAN and Printer Administration, Web Development or Security Practices is also very useful in this environment. Some projects also require volunteers who can develop a website, train their staff about different programs or teachers who can teach classes of adults/children basic tools in excel, website design, word and access. Alongside these tasks there may be the need to assist in report or proposal writing. Finally, there is also the possibility to teach children or staff computer skills which are needed to get a good job in the future. The volunteer should have studied in a related field or must have knowledge in some of the above mentioned areas above average level. The majority of placements are in Phnom Penh, however we also have a number of placements in Siem Reap, Battambang, Pursat, Kampong Speu, Kampong Thom and Kampong Cham. Volunteers will work 4 – 8 hours a day and must bring their own laptops.

EXTRA ACTIVITIES IN CAMBODIA

Occasionally, the permanent staff and long term volunteers will organize activities, such as boat trips or excursions to the province, activities during the Working with NGOs or women’s rights day or sessions about globalization development work and Cambodia. You are always more than welcome to join these activities as part of your "extra curricular" volunteer experience.

CAMBODIA PROGRAM COSTS

One of the strengths of IVHQ is our extremely affordable fees. Click here to see the program cost to volunteer in Cambodia and what you receive in exchange for your fees.

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS

Volunteers are accommodated in either the volunteer house or homestay depending on the project location. Typically you will be sharing a room with one or two other volunteers. Host families are located in Phnom Penh and the Cambodian provinces of Battambang and Pursat. Staying with a family is a great way to learn the Cambodian way of life, meet local people, eat local food and engage in local customs and traditions. We give that family money from your fee for support, food and board. Living is basic but all home stays have electricity and running water (some rural home stays may not have electricity or running water during times of drought). All home stays have been inspected thoroughly by local staff and chosen because of their safety and security. Most volunteers love their home stays and feel that they get a more authentic Cambodian experience.  Volunteer houses are located in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Most of the rooms have private bathrooms. There is a sitting area, TV, a restaurant, Internet access and other services that will help you organize and enjoy your stay.

Cambodian food is incredible and volunteers tend to miss this after they leave. Bottled water is available everywhere in Cambodia and volunteers should budget approximately US$5 per week for this (2 litres per day) - it is not safe to drink local tap water. Breakfast generally consists of fruits or rice, but baguette is widely available. A typical lunch will be rice or noodles with fried vegetables and meat. Soups are also very popular and fresh fruits such as mangos or pineapples are mostly served for dessert. If you have special needs relating to food, please let us know ahead of time so that we can make arrangements for you. However, you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. We will do our best to see that you are well taken care of, but as a volunteer, there is also a need for flexibility.

ORIENTATION

Two-day orientation will begin on the first and third Monday of each month. You can arrive the weekend or Friday before the orientation and your starting date to acclimatize to Cambodia but please note that accommodation is only covered in your program fees from the night before orientation (the Sunday). The orientation will be given by local and international staff, and you will also meet other current volunteers. We give you an introduction to Cambodia and its culture and will take you to explore Phnom Penh within a city tour and a visit of the local market. Furthermore, we will give you an introduction to globalization and development work, and equip you with basic Cambodian language. We will also give you some advice about working and living in Cambodia. On the second day volunteers focus on inter-cultural education and how to work effectively with Cambodians. It also has a guest speaker from a local NGO. After the orientation you will be introduced to your workplace.

VOLUNTEER WEEK

Introduction to the workplace: On the first day of the volunteering placement, the volunteers will be escorted to the project and introduced to the staff at the project they will be working with.
Weekdays: Depending on the workplace a working week might look different from the following example:

  • 7.00am: Breakfast with the host family or in the volunteer house
  • 7.45am: Volunteer leaves home, catches a Moto or Tuk Tuk, walks, or takes his/her bicycle to the project.
  • 8.00am: The volunteer joins the local staff and starts working.
  • 12.00pm-2.00pm: Lunch Break. In Cambodia all workplaces have a lunch break for about 2 hours. Some start earlier, some later. You are welcome to stay with the children in the orphanage or in the office. Some placements will offer you food.
  • 5.00pm: End of your work day, you will go/drive home (some placements do finish earlier than this).
  • 7:00pm: Dinner at the host family (if staying in a host family)

Weekends: During the weekend and on public holidays volunteers have free time. You can relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of your local town, meet other volunteers, go sightseeing or shopping or of course travel. There are many interesting and beautiful places around Cambodia, such as the Temples of Angkor Wat, a world culture heritages site, different National Parks, or the beaches in the South. Buses connect all major towns and beaches. During the long public holidays in April, September and November you can also discover the neighbouring countries: Laos, Vietnam or Thailand. If volunteers wish to volunteer over the weekends they can join local teams and visit other orphanages (or other organizations helping children) to spend time simply playing with and entertaining the children.

Cambodia Volunteer Fees

Volunteer Period

 

Program Fee US$

 

2 Weeks

 

350

 

3 Weeks

 

440

 

1 Month (4 weeks)

 

550

 

6 Weeks

 

720

 

2 Months (8 weeks)

 

940

 

10 Weeks

 

1130

 

3 Months (12 weeks)

 

1280

 

4 Months (16 weeks)

 

1670

 

5 Months (20 weeks)

 

1980

 

6 Months (24 weeks)

 

2360

 

To convert these prices to your local currency click here.
Please note: All programs attract a Registration Fee of $249 USD on top of the Program Fee.

What do my fees pay for?

Registration Fee (Refundable if you choose not to go*) – 24/7 support from IVHQ staff, program marketing costs, information pack, administration costs, travel costs to inspect programs and communication costs with volunteers.
Program Fee – Airport pick up, orientation, program supervision, accommodation and meals during volunteer placement period, In-country 24/7 support and In-country administration costs.

What additional costs will I have?

Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), transfer back to the airport at conclusion of program, vaccinations, souvenirs, spending money (volunteers in Cambodia generally find US$30 to be sufficient for basic weekly expenses).