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Teaching English Volunteer Program in Cambodia - Siem Reap

Teaching English Volunteer Program in Cambodia - Siem Reap

Purpose
Improves access to quality education
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 2-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
Volunteer house
Apply for free
On this page:
  • Overview
  • Requirements
  • Gallery
  • Arrival & Orientation
  • Volunteer Schedule
  • Accommodation & Meals
  • Pricing
  • Add-ons & Experiences
  • Entry & Visa Requirements
  • Reviews
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    'Who is going' users image
    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.

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    This program is ideal for:

    Creative, self-motivated volunteers who are native or fluent speakers of English and want to help children learn the language. No teaching experience is needed, but completing some relevant training, like a TEFL certificate, is encouraged.

    Project details

    Keen to Teach English in Cambodia and explore the incredible temples of Siem Reap? International Volunteer HQ’s Teaching English project empowers volunteers to assist in elementary schools or at after school programs, gain experience as a teacher and share their English language skills. Learning English gives local students the opportunity to continue with further education and opens up a wider range of job possibilities, especially in Cambodia’s growing tourism and hospitality industries.

    What to expect and how you'll make an impact

    The general level of education in Cambodia is considerably lower than other countries, leading to a high level of poverty and unemployment, and many families not being able to afford an education. For Cambodians, being able to speak English is a valued skill which especially helps widen their range of employment options in the thriving tourism industry.

    As a volunteer English teacher with IVHQ you’ll be teaching young people aged between 5 and 12 years old who have a basic understanding of the English language, at elementary schools or in after-school programs.

    Volunteers will be required to invest some time each day preparing lessons for their next class and the longer a volunteer participates on this project, the more responsibility they will be given. Volunteers will typically run their own classes independently and a syllabus/curriculum will be provided.

    Teaching volunteer work can vary but generally includes:

    • Teaching English language classes independently
    • Lesson planning
    • Helping with language skills and pronunciation
    • Talking and connecting with students
    • Helping with IT, Mathematics and art if required

    COVID-19 requirements for Cambodia: COVID-19 requirements for Cambodia: There is a requirement for Teaching English volunteers on the Cambodia program to be have had at least 1 x COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days before flying to Cambodia. These measures are in place until further notice so please do keep this in mind for your planning.

    Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

    Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

    More than half of all children and teens do not meet minimum proficiency standards in reading and mathematics. Quality education provides an opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment and is key to preventing poverty, securing long-term employment and improving quality of life.

    Why do Teaching English volunteering in Siem Reap with IVHQ?

    While volunteering on the Teaching English project in Cambodia you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

    • Helping improve access to education in Siem Reap
    • Enabling students to talk with a fluent English speaker
    • Developing your communication skills
    • Gaining teaching experience
    • Immersing yourself fully in the Khmer culture
    • Learning about Cambodia’s history

    Volunteer requirements

    Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program, provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, obtain a criminal background check or two character reference letters (this requirement is only for 16 or 17 year olds), and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.

    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.

    Apply for free

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    'Who is going' users image
    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.

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    Academic course credit

    Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

    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 credit

    Location

    Volunteer Abroad in Cambodia with IVHQ

    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 you could be based at placements in the capital city of Phnom Penh, the remote city of Battambang, or by the impressive temples of Siem Reap.

    Arrival and orientation

    The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of the month and volunteers need to arrive in Siem Reap on the Sunday before orientation. There are two airport pick-ups times available: one at 10:00am and the other at 4:00pm. Arriving later than the Sunday before your start date is not allowed, as volunteers need to be ready for orientation early on Monday morning.

    After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI). Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee when utilizing the 10:00am and 4:00pm pick-ups.

    When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation in Siem Reap. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the Sunday night before your program orientation.

    If you are traveling in Cambodia prior to your volunteer program, the local team can pick you up on Sunday from any hostel or hotel in Siem Reap.

    Orientation is hosted by our Cambodia team at the volunteer house in Siem Reap. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Cambodia – an introduction to Cambodia, its culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.

    Although you are expected to fly into Siem Reap, as this is where the program orientation is held, your placement may be based elsewhere; either Siem Reap, Phnom Penh or Battambang. After your orientation has ended, you will then be transported to your placement location (if it is outside of Siem Reap) - this cost is included in your Program Fee.

    After your time on the program ends, you can either fly out of Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, although please note that your transportation back to the relevant airport is at your own expense.

    Volunteer schedule example

    First Day

    On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.

    Weekdays - A typical volunteer day might be:

    7:00 AM Breakfast in the volunteer house or with your host family
    9:00 AM Volunteer leaves home and travels to the project to begin work
    12:00 - 2:00 PM Lunch break. In Cambodia all workplaces have a lunch break for about 2 hours. Some start earlier, some later. During this lunch break you are welcome to stay at your placement. Some placements will offer you food.
    2:00 - 5:00 PM Work at the placement commences, if you have been assigned an afternoon shift. Alternatively, if the work at the project has ended then you are free to travel home, sightsee or do some shopping.
    7:00 PM Dinner in the volunteer house or with the host family.

    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

    You will be accommodated in either a volunteer house or guesthouse, and you can expect to share a room with four other IVHQ volunteers who are of the same gender. Bedrooms are comprised of bunk beds with bedding provided, which includes a bottom sheet, blanket and pillow. Although there is no air conditioning, electric fans are provided in each room and if volunteers require additional cooling, they are able to request an additional fan via the local team.

    If you’re volunteering in Siem Reap, you’ll be accommodated in a volunteer house. Volunteer houses have electricity and running water and the majority of rooms have private bathrooms. In each volunteer house, there is a sitting area, dining area, TV and Wi-Fi.

    For those volunteers placed in Phnom Penh, you will be accommodated in a local guesthouse. The guesthouse also has electricity and running water.

    If your placement is in the province of Battambang, you will stay on-site in the school compound. You will have a separate room which you will share with up to one other volunteer. Electricity, running water, western bathrooms and Wi-Fi are provided.

    Private room upgrades (air conditioned or non-air conditioned) may be available for your duration if this was a preference. These start from $42 per week and can be added to your file once you have applied + registered.

    Meals

    Volunteers in Cambodia are provided with three meals a day which are served in the volunteer house. Breakfast generally consists of seasonal fruit and bread with a variety of spreads such as; peanut butter and jam.

    Lunch and dinner is usually rice or noodles with fried vegetables and meat. These meals include a wide range of dishes consisting of rice, vegetables and meat with sweet, salty, bitter and sour flavors. Volunteers on the Animal Care project should expect a packed vegan lunch.

    If you have any special dietary requirements, please let the team know when you apply for the program so arrangements can be made.

    Pricing

    • USD
      • United States Dollars - $
      • Australian Dollars - AU$
      • Brazilian Reals - R$
      • British Pound Sterling - £
      • Canadian Dollars - CA$
      • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
      • Euros - €
      • Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
      • Mexican Pesos - MX$
      • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
      • Singapore Dollars - SG$
      • Swiss Francs - CHF
      • UAE Dirhams - AED

    Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately $299) 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.
    • USD
      • United States Dollars - $
      • Australian Dollars - AU$
      • Brazilian Reals - R$
      • British Pound Sterling - £
      • Canadian Dollars - CA$
      • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
      • Euros - €
      • Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
      • Mexican Pesos - MX$
      • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
      • Singapore Dollars - SG$
      • Swiss Francs - CHF
      • UAE Dirhams - AED
    2 weeks $440 Equivalent to $31/day
    3 weeks $575 Equivalent to $27/day
    4 weeks $690 Equivalent to $25/day
    5 weeks $805 Equivalent to $23/day
    6 weeks $920 Equivalent to $22/day
    8 weeks $1,150 Equivalent to $21/day
    10 weeks $1,380 Equivalent to $20/day
    12 weeks $1,605 Equivalent to $19/day
    16 weeks $2,045 Equivalent to $18/day
    20 weeks $2,485 Equivalent to $18/day
    24 weeks $2,925 Equivalent to $17/day
    • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately $299) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
    • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
    • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Cambodia generally find US$80-100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner
    • Airport pick-up
    • Accommodation
    • 24/7 in-country emergency support
    • In-country program orientation
    • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
    • Personalized 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.

    • Transport to and from your placement each day
    • 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 add-ons & experiences in Siem Reap

    Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Siem Reap program.

    Private Room
    Private Room

    Want your own private room while volunteering in Cambodia? Enjoy your own private space in comfort and style during your volunteer experience.

    From $42

    Private Room

    Private Room
    To ensure you have your own private space within the accommodation, be sure to add this private room upgrade to your file. This private room has a fan provided only, not air-conditioning. If air-conditioning was preferred, please be sure to add the 'Private Room (air-conditioned)' to your file instead.

    Note: although the price will reflect as 'per person,' this private room is designed for up to two people (2 x twin beds). If there are two of you wanting to book this, only one of you will need to add + pay for this via your MyIVHQ profile. Please confirm the name of the other volunteer you'll be sharing this with, if you are volunteering with another individual. 
    ...
    From $42
    • USD
      • United States Dollars - $
      • Australian Dollars - AU$
      • Brazilian Reals - R$
      • British Pound Sterling - £
      • Canadian Dollars - CA$
      • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
      • Euros - €
      • Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
      • Mexican Pesos - MX$
      • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
      • Singapore Dollars - SG$
      • Swiss Francs - CHF
      • UAE Dirhams - AED
    What's included
    • Private room with a fan
    • Private bathroom
    How to book?
    1. Apply and register for an IVHQ volunteer program.
    2. Once you have paid your Registration Fee to secure your place on your chosen IVHQ volunteer program, you'll be able to book your add-ons, experiences, and tours in your MyIVHQ account.
    Apply to volunteer Log in
    Private Room (air-conditioned)
    Private Room (air-conditioned)

    Want your own private, air-conditioned, room while volunteering in Cambodia? Enjoy your own private space in comfort and style during your volunteer experience.

    From $77

    Private Room (air-conditioned)

    Private Room (air-conditioned)
    To ensure you have your own private, air-conditioned, space within the accommodation, be sure to add this private room upgrade to your file.

    Note: although the price will reflect as 'per person,' this private room is designed for up to two people (2 x twin beds). If there are two of you wanting to book this, only one of you will need to add + pay for this via your MyIVHQ profile. Please confirm the name of the other volunteer you'll be sharing this with, if you are volunteering with another individual. 
    ...
    From $77
    • USD
      • United States Dollars - $
      • Australian Dollars - AU$
      • Brazilian Reals - R$
      • British Pound Sterling - £
      • Canadian Dollars - CA$
      • Chinese Yuan - CN¥
      • Euros - €
      • Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
      • Mexican Pesos - MX$
      • New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
      • Singapore Dollars - SG$
      • Swiss Francs - CHF
      • UAE Dirhams - AED
    What's included
    • Private, air-conditioned room
    • Private bathroom
    How to book?
    1. Apply and register for an IVHQ volunteer program.
    2. Once you have paid your Registration Fee to secure your place on your chosen IVHQ volunteer program, you'll be able to book your add-ons, experiences, and tours in your MyIVHQ account.
    Apply to volunteer Log in
    View all add-ons & experiences

    Check what's required to visit Cambodia

    Safety and support

    A smiling volunteer traveller wearing a traditional Andean poncho stands in front of the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain in Peru. The landscape features vibrant red, yellow, and green hues across the mountains, with a small lake visible in the background.

    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.
    Learn more about IVHQ's safety

    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.

    What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

    ML
    Mark Lünnemann

    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.

    ...
    Profile: German, 34 Volunteer trip: Teaching English - Siem Reap in Cambodia
    TC
    Tünde Csepelyi

    I was able to contribute to a local NGO in a meaningful way and discover/experience a new country. Win-win. :-)

    ...
    Profile: American, 56 Volunteer trip: Teaching English - Siem Reap in Cambodia
    LR
    Laura Rakauskaitė

    The IVHQ Program Manager was very helpful and answered all the questions I had. It was very helpful online meeting with the other volunteers.

    My experience of 3 weeks volunteering in Cambodia has a big impact on my personal life, growth and confidence as a person and a teacher. Living in the different part of the world, learning new Asian culture has left incredible memories for the rest of my life. I had an amazing experience as a volunteer. The Local Team took great care of me. I felt like at home. The organisation where I was teaching English is fantastic. Nice dedicated teachers and management team. I enjoyed every day interacting with warm hearted students. I left thinking that I'll definitely come back one day.

    I'm extremely happy that I joined this program, not a slight regret, only positive emotions, exceptional experience and wonderful memories for the rest of my life, new friends, self growth. Highly recommended everone who is ready for it and many more what is difficult to express in words.

    ...
    Profile: Lithuanian, 45 Volunteer trip: Teaching English - Siem Reap in Cambodia
    EP
    Erin Pedler

    Volunteering in Cambodia has allowed me to be completely immersed in a new culture, and provide support to a very deserving community. I would recommend this opportunity to anyone. Not only did I have the opportunity to teach English to children, but I was also able to utilise my teaching experience from my home country to provide valuable teacher training to the teachers at the school. A truly unforgettable experience.

    ...
    Profile: Australian, 26 Volunteer trip: Teaching English - Siem Reap in Cambodia

    To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

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