CAMBODIA

• Population 13,607,100
• Capital City Phnom Penh (1.75 million)
• Currency Riel (KHR)
• Languages Khmer (official) (95%), French, English
• National Day November 11
• Religions Theravada Buddhist (95%)
• Climate Tropical; May to November is the rainy, monsoon season; December to April is the dry season. There is little temperature variation between seasons
• Highlights Phnom Penh - The temples of Angkor including Angkor Wat - Ream National Park - Tropical beaches of Sihanoukville.

Cambodia, long overshadowed by Thailand and Vietnam, is now becoming increasingly popular as people are drawn to its spectacular geographical features and fascinating history.

IEP’s Volunteer Cambodia program gives you the unique chance to explore the richness of South East Asian culture by living and working in a country as yet unspoilt by hordes of tourists. Volunteers in Cambodia live and work within exploring distance of the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat, the centre of the ancient Khmer civilization. With three-month placements, you have plenty of time to see the remaining monuments of this turbulent time, and hear all the intriguing stories of bloody battles for kingship.

Download the full placement notes for Volunteer Cambodia
Apply for Volunteer Cambodia

VOLUNTEER CAMBODIA
2 MONTH PLACEMENT $1749
3 MONTH PLACEMENT $2101

Volunteers in Cambodia work on a project in or around Siem Reap, a popular town which serves as the gateway for visits to the temples of Angkor. The program includes three days orientation on arrival, and pre-arranged accommodation at our purpose-built volunteer house is included as part of placement. Before leaving Australia, you will have the full pre-departure support of IEP, in addition to the local support of our partner, Interweave, while in Cambodia.

Placements are influenced by your skills and experience, and range from working in an orphanage, teaching English, to supervising children at a local school. Volunteer Cambodia is designed to give you the rare opportunity to immerse yourself in this unique and lively country, while gaining personal satisfaction and valuable life skills.

Eligibility

• Applications should be lodged at least 3 months prior to departure.
• VISA: Participants need a business visa to enter Cambodia which is valid for 1 month, but extendable once in Cambodia - arranged on arrival by IEP.
• Able to arrive on the 3rd Wednesday of the month as this is when orientations begin. Departures in December are discouraged as placements often close down over the Christmas/New Year period.

INCLUSIONS

Before you go:

• Personal support and advice from experienced IEP staff to help organise your trip (inc interview to determine suitability)
• Placement at a volunteer project appropriate to your skills and preferences
• Three months comprehensive travel insurance, extendable up to two years (worth $590)
• IEP can direct you to our travel partner for discounted flights (airfare and taxes extra)
• Discounted Lonely planet Guide to Cambodia
• Phone card with US$5 credit
• Brochures and maps to familiarise yourself with Cambodia
• Volunteer Cambodia Handbook

While you’re there:

• Meet and greet by Interweave at Siem Reap airport
• Airport transfer to guesthouse
• Accommodation with breakfast included. (Budget for lunch and meals approx US$85 per week)
• Comprehensive arrival orientation
• Processing of extending your business visa

PROJECTS AVAILABLE - Download the full placement notes for Cambodia

Placements are influenced by your skills and experience, and range from working in an orphanage, teaching English, to supervising children at a local school. Volunteer Cambodia is designed to give you the rare opportunity to immerse yourself in this unique and lively country, while gaining personal satisfaction and valuable life skills.

All projects are based in and around Siem Reap, the gateway for visits to the temples of Angkor just 3km away. This large town is approximately eight hours north of the capital city Phnom Penh. 

Below is a summary table of what is involved in each type of placement. Scroll below for more detailed information about each of these and examples of the projects available.

Schools in Cambodia
Description: Free English classes for young adults and children who would otherwise not be able to afford them.
Work: Volunteers’ main tasks will be to either teach on their own or to act as teaching assistants for the local teacher- depending on the preferences of both the volunteers and the teachers. Other tasks may include working on small projects within the school, such as creating vocabulary books, lesson planning and ideas, organising non-classroom activities and entertainment or setting up a library.
Skill requirements: A TEFL qualification (or similar), previous experience of teaching or working with children are all desirable but not requirements.

Salariin Kampuchea
Description: The main aim of Salariin Kampuchea is to give more Cambodian children and adults the opportunity to study English by providing free classes to those who would otherwise be unable to afford them.
Work: The main role of foreign volunteers at Salariin Kampuchea is to teach English to the pupils, acting as a Teaching Assistant to the Cambodian teachers. They also help the teachers with lesson preparation and improving their pronunciation and vocabulary. Volunteers will be expected to help with administration tasks in the office and the library.
Skill Requirements: A TEFL qualification and teaching experience is preferred but not essential, although volunteers should have previous experience of working with children and previous work abroad and/or travel experience.

Please email us for more information about these Cambodian placements, or for information about others that are available.

Download the full placement notes for Volunteer Cambodia
Apply for Volunteer Cambodia