Childcare Volunteer Program in Cambodia - Siem Reap
Purpose
Start dates
Duration
Volunteer hours
Age
Accommodation
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Perfect for those who enjoy high energy environments and want to contribute to a supportive early learning community.
Project details
Curious about Childcare volunteering in Cambodia? International Volunteer HQ’s Childcare project is based in Kindergartens and community centres in Siem Reap. These centres are often overcrowded, making it hard for local teachers to give children adequate education and attention. Volunteers can relieve this pressure on local staff by assisting with all kinds of daily duties and helping children get the care they need to grow and thrive.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Based in a local government school which starts at pre-school/kindergarten level, this program places you inside busy classrooms where young children aged 3 to 5 are developing their first literacy, language, and social skills. With large student numbers, teachers manage energetic groups each day and welcome additional guidance to help lessons run smoothly and keep children engaged.
You become an extra pair of hands in the room, helping guide activities, supporting small groups, and bringing clear English pronunciation into daily routines. From leading action songs and phonics games to assisting with crafts and storytelling, your involvement helps maintain structure while keeping learning playful and interactive.
Through this experience, you observe how early childhood education functions within the Cambodian system and gain practical insight into classroom management in high-energy environments. It is a hands-on introduction to grassroots education shaped by patience, adaptability, and cultural awareness.
Your tasks:
- Assist teachers with morning classroom setup, including arranging learning materials and preparing activity stations
- Lead small group English activities focused on colors, numbers, shapes, and basic greetings
- Teach action songs, phonics games, and simple vocabulary through repetition and movement
- Support children during art projects such as coloring, drawing, and craft activities
- Help manage classroom routines, including lining up, snack time transitions, and quiet time
- Provide one-on-one encouragement to shy learners or children who need extra support
- Read simple storybooks aloud to develop listening and pronunciation skills
- Organize interactive games that build confidence and teamwork
- Help maintain a safe and organized learning environment
- Collaborate with teachers on lesson preparation and share creative activity ideas
Why do Childcare volunteering in Siem Reap with IVHQ?
Volunteering on the Childcare project in Cambodia allows volunteers to add value within the local community while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Providing additional classroom support in large kindergarten classes to help create a more engaging and structured learning environment
- Strengthen early English exposure for young learners
- Support foundational literacy and communication development
- Support teachers with creative and structured activities that enhance classroom participation
- Contribute to the advancement of inclusive and equitable early learning opportunities
- Encourage positive intercultural exchange between volunteers, teachers, and students
- Develop practical skills in classroom management, communication, and adaptability within high energy learning environments
- Build confidence, patience, and cross-cultural awareness through hands-on teaching experience
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers need to be 16 or 17 years or over to participate on this project, unless volunteering with a parent or guardian, in which case the minimum age is 3.
Volunteers aged 16 or 17 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead, and provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
To respect the local culture and customs in Cambodia, volunteers should be aware that they’re unable to have anything obstructing their face while at their volunteer placement.
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
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Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Cambodia photo gallery
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditRecommended online TEFL course
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified onlineLocation
Location
In the heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia is a country full of beauty and tragedy. As well as an abundance of beautiful beaches and temples, there are many reminders of the history of genocide and civil war that left Cambodia one of the least developed countries in the world. In Phnom Penh, there are numerous places where you can learn about what happened, including the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre. It is important to be informed about these poignant events in order to gain a better understanding and deeper respect for the Cambodian people and their culture.
As an IVHQ volunteer in Cambodia, we currently have volunteer placements in Siem Reap and the surrounding areas. In addition to its awe-inspiring temples, colorful cafes, and placid waterways, Siem Reap is considered as a cheerful city that embraces travelers like old friends.
Arrival and orientation
Upon registering for the program, book your flight to arrive at Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI) on Sunday between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm. Airport pickup within these hours is included in the Program Fee.
A member of the Local Team will meet you at the airport and will assist you in taking the airport bus to Siem Reap. The transfer time is approximately 1 hour. The bus will drop you at Siem Reap Bus Station, and then our local team will pick you up from the station and take you to the volunteer accommodation (a short tuk-tuk ride away).
Your accommodation, covered by the Program Fee, includes the Sunday night before the program orientation.
There are two options for orientation in Cambodia: a One-Day Orientation and a 5-day Culture Week.
The One-Day Orientation: This begins on your selected start date and all volunteers will attend. It covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Cambodia, including an introduction to the IVHQ Cambodia program, the local team, general rules, health and safety, travel opportunities, project/placement overview, and a class on the local culture and language. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Culture Week: The 5-day Culture Week begins every Monday and your volunteer program will commence the following week. The Culture Week is very popular among IVHQ volunteers. We recommend all volunteers take advantage of this week to gain a deeper understanding of the Khmer culture, a true appreciation of life in Cambodia and bond with fellow volunteers.
You will take part in a cooking class, participate in outdoor adventures, gain insight into Buddhism through a Q&A session with local monks, explore Angkor Wat and other iconic temples, engage in hands-on art and craft workshops and tour local attractions. It’s also a great way to help settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in Cambodia.
The Culture Week in Cambodia does incur an additional cost. If you wish to participate in the Culture Week, you can indicate your interest on your application form when you apply for the program or you can add it to your itinerary via the ‘tours’ section of your pre-departure checklist you will gain access to once registered.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On the first day of your program, you will join an orientation which includes a customs and culture lesson, a tour around the local area, and a visit to your project site. You will be escorted to the project by our local staff and introduced to the staff at the placement you will be working with.
Weekdays - A typical day would be as follows:
| 7:30 AM | Breakfast at the accommodation |
| 8:30 AM | Volunteers travel to their placement |
| 9:00 AM | Arrive into the classroom and begin morning songs |
| 9:30 AM | Begin English lessons |
| 11:45 AM | Assist with lunch in the Kindergarten |
| 12:30 PM | Return to the volunteer house and break for lunch |
| 2:00 PM | Prepare lessons for the following day |
| 3:30 PM | Free time |
| 6:00 - 7:00 PM | Dinner at the volunteer house |
Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.
Weekends
Cambodia is packed with a vast range of things to do and see in your free time. In the modern capital city of Phnom Penh, you can visit the king’s official residence, the Royal Palace, and the famous Silver Pagoda, check out the huge art-deco market, cruise along the Mekong, or learn about Cambodia’s devastating history at one of the many museums.
The tourist hub of Siem Reap is home to Angkor Wat, a collection of temples that together form the largest religious monument in the world. There are many hotels, resorts, markets, and museums, and nearby is a lake with floating villages, a national park featuring waterfalls, rivers, and Cambodia’s largest reclining Buddha.
During the long public holidays in April, September, and November, you may also wish to travel further afield to Laos, Vietnam, or Thailand.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers in Siem Reap, Cambodia, stay in shared volunteer accommodation located conveniently, only a 15-minute walk from the central tourist area of Siem Reap. The volunteer house is a traditional Cambodian-style guesthouse and provides a safe, social, and comfortable environment for our volunteers.
What is the volunteer accommodation like in Siem Reap?
The volunteer house offers dorm-style living with shared facilities and communal spaces. Amenities include:
- Bedrooms with A/C
- Shared bathrooms
- Hot water showers
- Western-style toilets
- A living room and two outside terraces
- WiFi
The outdoor common areas create a relaxed atmosphere where volunteers can connect and enjoy time together after their placements.
How are rooms arranged?
Bedrooms are shared with 4-6 volunteers of the same gender. Living arrangements are simple, comfortable, and designed for community-style living.
Is WiFi available?
Yes. WiFi is available at the volunteer accommodation. Several internet cafés in central Siem Reap also offer higher-speed connections if needed.
Is the accommodation secure?
Yes. A local staff member is on site overnight, and there are security cameras in place. There is also a 10:00 pm curfew at the volunteer house. Volunteers are expected to respect others and keep noise to a minimum after this time.
Can I arrive early or stay longer?
Additional nights of accommodation in Siem Reap can be arranged if you plan to arrive early or extend your stay after your program ends, subject to availability. Extra nights can be booked through your volunteer profile after registration.
Are private rooms available?
Private room upgrades are available, subject to availability. After completing your registration, you may request a private room. Upgrade accommodations are located within the volunteer house, and there are also hotel upgrades available for volunteers who would prefer this option.
Meals
As a volunteer in Cambodia, you’ll have the chance to experience traditional Cambodian-style cuisine. You can expect plenty of rice and noodle dishes along with a few Western dishes twice a week.
For breakfast, volunteers can expect options like bread, fried rice, fried noodles, noodle soup, and fruit. Coffee and tea are available throughout the day, as well as purified drinking water, as tap water is not suitable for drinking. Bottled water is also easy to purchase and inexpensive throughout Cambodia.
Meals are provided three times a day on weekdays, and breakfast and dinner on weekends. If you feel like exploring the local culinary scene, there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance that offer affordable and delicious options.
If you have any dietary requirements, including vegan, vegetarian, lactose, or gluten intolerance, please let us know ahead of time so that we can make appropriate arrangements for you. However, it’s essential to remain flexible as your meals may not be your typical eating habits at home.
Pricing
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately AU$498) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
|
Duration
|
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $305 Equivalent to $51/day |
| 2 weeks | $440 Equivalent to $37/day |
| 3 weeks | $575 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 4 weeks | $690 Equivalent to $29/day |
| 5 weeks | $805 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 6 weeks | $920 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,150 Equivalent to $24/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,380 Equivalent to $23/day |
| 12 weeks | $1,610 Equivalent to $22/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$498) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Transport to and from your volunteer placement each day
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular tours & experiences in Siem Reap
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular tours and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Siem Reap program.
Spend a dynamic week discovering the culture, traditions and everyday life of Siem Reap. From cycling through local villages and learning Khmer phrases to cooking traditional dishes and visiting sacred temples, this program introduces you to Cambodia through hands-on experiences. Explore lively markets, connect with local customs and gain a meaningful understanding of community life in Northern Cambodia.
Enjoy a stress free ride back to Siem Reap International Airport arranged by our local team
If you’re arriving outside of the airport pick up times, book this add on now!
Check what's required to visit Cambodia
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Phnom Penh |
| Population | 16.49 million |
| Languages | Khmer |
| Currency | Cambodian Riel (KHR) |
| Time zone | UTC+07:00 |
Weather and climate
Cambodia has two distinct seasons. The rainy season, which runs from May to October, can see temperatures drop to 22°C (71.6°F) and is generally accompanied by high humidity. The dry season lasts from November to April and temperatures can rise up to 40°C (104°F ) around April.
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