Volunteer in Cambodia

It was the best thing I could have done. I can't even begin to describe what it taught me and how enriching it was. I was super excited to go, but somehow this experience exceeded my expectations. I think it really depends on each person, but for me, being in a completely new environment, so far from home, not knowing anyone, not speaking the language, and without the comfort I’m used to, was surprisingly refreshing. I found kindness, openness, and peace. The most important thing I learned was how to be adaptable, and that I can be incredibly happy, even without the things I always thought I needed. My only advice is: don’t arrive thinking you have to understand or explain everything. Take time to observe, how people live, what they talk about, what matters to them. You’re not there to judge or correct anything. I answered questions, joked about differences, shared how things work back home, but always with respect.

The local team were incredibly friendly, responded very promptly when we contacted them and frequently checked in to ensure we were enjoying the experience.

Being able to visit a country and immerse myself in a local community and develop relationships with those I was working with is invaluable to develop my understanding and truly leave a lasting mark on me.

The accommodation was frequently cleaned and kept tidy, and I felt very comfortable living there. The house had good levels of security with locks on each door and a large gate out the front of the house, which made me feel very safe. The food was always prepared on time and we were offered a variety of meals throughout my time volunteering. It was always healthy and tasty with very generous portions. They also checked with us a few times throughout our stay that we were enjoying the food and were very attentive.

I gained a lot from this program, firstly it provided some incredible hands on experience to supplement my studies, it also allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture and way of life. I made some incredible friends, both with other volunteers and permanent staff members and I feel incredibly privileged to have crossed paths with each of them. Being part of an organisation that was making a difference was also amazing and I couldn't have prepared myself enough for how much I would enjoy learning about the work.

IVHQ provided us with the opportunity to volunteer with an NGO, which we don't think we would be able to find on our own. We spent our days preparing funding applications and donor updates. All in all, the work was challenging, rewarding, insightful, and worthy.

Overall, I found the guidance and preparation resources provided by IVHQ very organized and supportive. Whenever I had questions or encountered any issues, I received prompt assistance.

I was very satisfied with the support from the local team. The organization was good, and even when I was placed in a different city, they regularly checked in to make sure everything was going well. I felt well taken care of throughout my stay. I had a wonderful experience with my accommodation. My host was an amazing and attentive person, and I felt very well looked after. The accommodation itself was great – I could eat directly at the restaurant, and the food was delicious.

I am grateful that I was able to make a small contribution and, even more importantly, build a lasting connection with the local community. This bond means more to me than anything else. It also touched me deeply to see how happy they were that I could carry their stories out into the world. I gained a lot from this experience. I learned more about another culture and about myself. It made me feel more grateful and happy about the small things in life. If someone is unsure about joining the program, I would say: just do it! You don’t have to be perfect. If you come with an open heart, you will have a wonderful time and make real connections.