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Volunteer in Cambodia – It Will Change You Forever...

  • World's most affordable fees guaranteed
  • Pay your program fees directly to your host families and projects
  • Experienced local staffs to attend to your every need
  • Flexible schedule that leaves evenings and weekends free for fun, travel and exploration

Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia's enchanting land boasts mystical temples, rich culture and picturesque landscapes. Tourist possibilities are endless and include sites such as the Angkor Complex, Phnom Penh City, forests, beaches, waterfalls and cultural heritages.

Cambodia is blessed with an elaborate biodiversity, natural resources, and a growing economy, but sadly, lack of education, civil war and internal conflict has left the country as one of the poorest in the world.

Helping Abroad volunteers in Cambodia work in a variety of community development projects such as assisting orphanage homes, teaching English in schools, and addressing local issues concerning women, children, conservation, community health and sanitation.

With a plethora of problems facing citizens of Cambodia such as homelessness, food shortages, disease, poor education and lack of resources, help from motivated volunteers is greatly needed.

Cambodia volunteers serve to change local communities for the better, make lasting relationships with locals and other volunteers and explore a new region of the world. By volunteering in Cambodia, you will have a meaningful and safe experience that will stay with you and those you help for a lifetime.

Are you ready to go beyond your boundaries? Begin your Cambodian journey today! Email us now and we will gladly send you more information. You won't regret it!

Program Fee

Helping Abroad volunteers Program starts every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.

Are you looking for a safe and affordable volunteer abroad experience? Do you want to see the fees you pay, being utilized towards the welfare of the project and host families? Helping abroad, a 501 c 3, offer volunteer programs at unbeatable, low prices. At Helping Abroad, we maintain a level of transparency of funds, especially for volunteers who want to know where and how the fee they pay are being channelized. The volunteer fee is paid directly to the families that host volunteers and the project that volunteers work on. The program fee is divided as registration fee ($299) and weekly fee. The registration fee is used to cover our expenses like advertisement and office expenses. The weekly fee is divided between room/local food (3 times a day, 50–70%) and project donation/ support to local project staff (30-50%) and local coordination fee (10%). The allocation may differ according to location and project type. Therefore, our coordinator will explain these issues before you pay the fees. Please find the breakdown of the cost in a weekly basis.

Weeks Teaching
Orphanage
HIV/AIDS
NGO/
Community Development
Medical project
  2 Weeks   $380   N/A   $580
  3 Weeks   $489   N/A   $689
  4 Weeks   $595   $595   $795
  5 Weeks   N/A   N/A   N/A
  6 Weeks   $810   $810   $1,110
  7 Weeks   N/A   N/A   N/A
  8 Weeks   $1,060   $1,060   $1,360
  9 Weeks   N/A   N/A   N/A
  10 Weeks   $1,280   $1,280   $1,680
  11 Weeks   N/A   N/A   N/A
  12 Weeks   $1,460   $1,460   $1,860
Additional Fee
  • Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day
Program Fees Cover:
  • Accommodation (volunteer house or host family)
  • Food (local food 3 times a day)
  • Airport pick up (arrival)
  • Program Orientation
  • In-country support
  • Personalized project
  • Pre-departure information
  • Certificate of completion
  • Fundraising ideas and letters
  • Discount for returning volunteers
Program Fees Exclude:
  • Visas
  • Airfare
  • Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
  • Daily transportation
  • Airport return transfer

Volunteer Programs

Working in Orphanages/Children homes

Volunteers with orphanage children

Every child deserves love, basic necessities and a chance for a better future. Internal conflict, war, poverty, disease and lack of opportunity have increased the number of orphans in Cambodia, leaving multiple children without parents and essential care. It is now estimated that more than 350,000 children in Cambodia have lost one or both parents and more than 100,000 orphans live in the country. In many cases, extreme poverty and sickness are disabling parents to care for their children.

Helping Abroad partners with multiple orphanage homes and nonprofit organizations to provide these children with safe environments, basic necessities, education, love and support. Unfortunately, orphanages in Cambodia are lacking funds, staff, amenities and governmental support. As a volunteer in Cambodia working in an orphanage, you can carry out a wide range of activities, providing orphan children with opportunities, smiles, hope and support.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific qualifications or prior experiences are required to volunteer in an orphanage in Cambodia. You're expected to have a basic knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and local people. You should have qualities such as love & passion for children, genuine interest, patience, compassion, endurance and so on. You should also be flexible and have the desire to learn and serve people of a new culture and religion.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

As a volunteer in an orphanage in Cambodia, you can help children educationally, socially, and physically as you work as a leader, friend and caregiver for those who need it the most. Volunteers will work on a variety of activities depending on individual skills and interests such as:

  • Teaching English for 3-4 hours a day
  • Helping students successfully finish their homework
  • Singing songs and playing music/instruments
  • Helping the children learn traditional Cambodian dances and/or dances from your home
  • Helping children with art projects and drawing
  • Playing games and sports
  • Teaching children personal hygiene
  • Reinforcing life skills and chores such as cleaning and cooking
  • Teaching children to how to garden
  • Working on maintenance such as painting, building, and other activities to improve the facilities
  • Assisting with orphanage administrative tasks such as fundraising, organization, etc.

Please Note: The work is very flexible. You will get your work schedule from the local orphanage staff. You're expected to work 3 to 4 hours daily from Monday to Friday. If you have a desire to work on weekends, you are more than welcome. Remember, the activities mentioned above are just an outline, the project coordinator might also ask for help with other projects as well.

Community Development Project (Phnom Phen, Pursat)

Community Development Project

Cambodia has a rich cultural heritage, booming tourist industry, abundance of natural resources, and an economy that is growing rapidly. Nevertheless, extreme poverty is still rampant from the effects of civil war, poor education, corrupt politics, and insufficient healthcare. In order to break the cycle of poverty, community projects are needed to improve communal environments, social wellbeing, and opportunities for growth. Helping Abroad (Helping Abroad) has constructed a unique program allowing volunteers to coordinate with local NGOs and contribute to developmental community projects.

Helping Abroad serves to improve, assist and unite development organizations that already exist in Cambodia and donated time and efforts from volunteers will increase development results, directly benefit local communities. As a volunteer working in the community development program in Cambodia, you will work in a variety of projects, depending on previous experiences and skills. Each community has different needs and priorities, so volunteers work will vary depending on location as well. The community development project is perfect for volunteers looking for field experience related to specific interests and abilities and projects can be tailored toward personal or career-related goals.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific qualifications or prior experiences are required to volunteer in the community development project in Cambodia. You're expected to have a basic knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and local people. You should have qualities such as love & passion for helping others, a genuine interest in community development, patience, compassion, endurance and so on. You should also be flexible and have the desire to learn and serve people of a new culture and religion.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

As a volunteer in Cambodia working in the community development project, you will work with Helping Abroad to customize your project according to your skills and interests and the needs of local organizations. For example, an engineer could help with an infrastructure project such as building water tanks and construction; a law student could help communities fight local issues such as conservation and land rights; a business or English student can help organizations with administrative tasks and write proposals for fundraising. There are many options available, but volunteers must be very open-minded and flexible for this project. Activities may include:

  • Working with community members to create income-generating activities
  • Working with a library
  • Organizing small development projects
  • Fundraising: writing grant proposals and reports
  • Teaching small business development
  • Helping locals with farming, gardening, seed varieties, etc.
  • Teaching a variety of subjects depending on your interests such as English, specific skills, information technology, sewing, painting, health, etc.
  • Assisting with administrative tasks of projects
  • Planning extracurricular activities such as sports, games, music, art, dancing, competitions, theatre, etc. for community members and children.
  • Helping communities in the Pursat province with land use and fisheries
  • Organizing and executing community events, workshops and trainings
  • Improving local healthcare programs and promoting disease prevention
  • Assisting local municipalities
  • Helping with community water supply and sanitation

Please Note: The work is very flexible. You will receive your work schedule from the local project staff or NGO coordinator in charge of your project. You are expected to work 3 to 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. You will always have time for tourism and holidays. Your work schedule can always be adjusted to suit your needs. Remember, the activities mentioned above are just an outline. Your project coordinator might also request your assistance in other projects or related activities.

Teaching English in Schools (Phnom Penh and Pursat) in Cambodia

Teaching in Cambodia

The demand of English is very high in Cambodia. English is used widely in international communication in Cambodia and its fluency has a direct relationship with employment success. As international tourism, trade and relations increase, so does the importance of English as a second language. Unfortunately, poorer children are left without the opportunity to learn English and as a result, many poor and rural Cambodians are left jobless. Those who speak only Khmer or the Cambodian language are at a great disadvantage for their future. For this reason, Helping Abroad is currently partnering with educational agencies and local schools to provide volunteers to expand educational opportunities. Many schools lack funding and qualified teachers for English instruction and therefore greatly appreciate every volunteer teaching English in Cambodia. Teaching English provides Cambodian students with an opportunity to study a subject that will enhance their future and at the same time, you will experience Cambodia, its people and its culture.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific qualifications or prior experiences are required to volunteer in an orphanage in the teaching English project in Cambodia. You're expected to have a solid knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and teach local people. You should have qualities such as love & passion for children, genuine interest, patience, compassion, endurance and so on. You should also be flexible and have the desire to learn and serve people of a new culture and religion.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

As a volunteer teaching English in Cambodia, your experience will be valuable for both you and your students. Depending on skills and interests, volunteers teaching English in Cambodia work in an orphanage, public school, university or with local nonprofit organizations. Daily activities may include:

  • Teaching basic English
  • Aiding local teachers with lessons and activities
  • Teaching other subjects such as math or science
  • Organizing extracurricular activities such as music, dancing, sports, art, games, etc.
  • Teaching life skills such as basic business, painting, sewing, cooking, etc.
  • Teaching basic health and sanitation
  • Fundraising for educational programs
  • Assisting with local curriculum development
  • Maintaining the schools
  • Playing with the children
  • Assisting school/organization staff with local projects

Please Note: The teaching schedule is very flexible. You will receive direction from local school/organization staff. You’re expected to work 3 to 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. You will have enough time to go on holidays and explore Cambodia’s tourism.

Healthcare/Medical Project (Phnom Phen, Pursat)

Volunteer playing with children during healthcare project

Are you interested in the healthcare/medical field and want international field experience? Volunteer in Cambodia in the Healthcare and Medical Project for the opportunity to acquire professional medical experience, discover Cambodia's colorful culture and above all, increase the quality of life for Cambodians. This is a great program to merge community service, travel and professional experience all into one. Helping Abroad works closely with local organizations, hospitals and clinics that lack staff, funding and support. As a volunteer in Cambodia working in the Healthcare and Medical Project, you will work alongside local professionals and educate locals about basic health, sanitation, disease prevention, family planning, etc. By working in this project you will help to provide the gift of health to poor Cambodians who have difficulties accessing healthcare. Your time and dedication will help to provide people with vital treatment and education to live enhanced, healthier and fruitful lives.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

To be a medical volunteer in Cambodia and work in clinics and hospitals, you must submit proof of a medical certification such as a medical ID, EMT, paramedic, nursing, etc. Due to liabilities, volunteers must be healthcare professionals and those who lack medical credentials may not participate in this project. You must be flexible when dealing with organizations, doctors, curses and patients. For this project volunteers must be open minded, patient, enthusiastic, hardworking, resourceful, and willing to learn. Helping Abroad will require a copy of volunteer’s credentials, resume and qualifications. Depending on your host organization, additional application materials may be required.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

As a medical and healthcare volunteer in Cambodia, you will act as an assistant to local doctors and nurses. Activities will vary greatly depending on volunteer qualification and experience. Volunteer duties may include:

  • Providing basic care
  • Assisting doctors and nurses with patients
  • Administering medicines
  • Learning from doctors and nurses
  • Recording patient details
  • Taking vital details such as height, weight, blood pressure, etc.
  • Promoting disease prevention
  • Organizing and leading educational workshops and training
  • Promoting personal hygiene and sanitation such as clean water, food and nutrition
  • Assisting clinics and hospitals with administrative tasks
  • Assisting with vaccinations
  • Observing basic functions of clinics and hospitals
  • Traveling to remote locations to help provide care to rural Cambodians
  • Teaching the importance of family planning
  • Aiding doctors, nurses and local staff with anything they may need
  • Maintaining and cleaning hospital/clinic areas

Please Note: The above examples of activities may vary depending on individual skills and interests and the needs of the hospital and/or clinic. You will be provided with a very flexible schedule from local teachers, doctors or nurses so that you can adjust in the new environment. Along with Helping Abroad in-country staff, these counterparts will support you throughout your project. You will normally work for 3-4 hours a day, 5-6 days a week. All other time you are free to relax and explore the beautiful country of Cambodia.

HIV/AIDS Awareness Project (Phnom Phen, Pursat)

child during HIV/AIDS awareness project

Volunteer in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project in Cambodia and help to stop the spread of the heartbreaking endemic. Volunteers are urgently needed to educate Cambodians on the causes, effects and preventions of HIV/AIDS and to provide support to those who are already infected. HIV/AIDS is severe and fatal in Cambodia as it tears families apart, weakens economies and brings hardship to local communities. Helping Abroad partners with local organizations to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and comfort HIV/AIDS-infected Cambodians. Volunteers provide hope to the sick and help them live productive lives with the proper treatment and support. As a volunteer in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project in Cambodia, you can possibly save the lives of others through education while providing, comfort, love and support to those who must live with the disease.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific qualifications or prior experiences are required to volunteer in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project in Cambodia. You're expected to have a basic knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and local people. You should have qualities such as love & passion for helping others, a genuine interest in disease prevention, patience, compassion, endurance and so on. You should also be flexible and have the desire to learn and serve people of a new culture and religion.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

Each volunteer in Cambodia working in the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project will participate in a wide range of activities, depending on individual skills and interests and the needs of local organizations. Activities may include:

  • Counseling infected patients
  • Preparing materials for educating communities about HIV/AIDS
  • Educating locals about the causes, effects and preventions of HIV/AIDS
  • Taking care of infected Cambodians
  • Helping to provide medication to fight health concerns such as fevers, coughing, diarrhea, etc.
  • Leading and participating in support groups
  • Supporting infected families with basic necessities
  • Maintaining and constructing clinics

Please Note: The work is very flexible. You will receive your work schedule from the local project staff or coordinator in charge of your project. You are expected to work 3 to 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. You will always have time for tourism and holidays. Your work schedule can always be adjusted to suit your needs. Remember, the activities mentioned above are just an outline. Your project coordinator might also request your assistance in other projects or related activities

Work with a Local NGO (Phnom Phen, Pursat)

Children of Local NGO project displaying stuffs

As a volunteer Cambodia working with a nonprofit organization (NGO), you will have the unique opportunity to gain experience in grassroots development work in the field with local organizations. Cambodia struggles with poverty and the effects of civil war, poor education, corrupt politics and insufficient healthcare haunt many citizens. Helping Abroad invites you to volunteer with an NGO in Cambodia and use your leaderships skills and knowledge to organize and run training workshops and educational lessons about health, environment, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, economic opportunities, local resources, income-generating activities, etc.

We encourage volunteers with experience and expertise in fields such as social sciences, social work, education, psychology, sociology, economics, management, marketing and political science to gain professional experience while enriching the lives of others and exploring a beautiful country. As a volunteer working in the community development program in Cambodia, you will work with Helping Abroad to find a project that matches your skills with the needs of Cambodian communities.

Educational Requirements and Project Skills

No specific qualifications or prior experiences are required to volunteer with an NGO in Cambodia. You're expected to have a basic knowledge of English to communicate with the project staff and local people. You should have qualities such as love & passion for helping others, a genuine interest in nonprofit and community development, patience, compassion, endurance and so on. You should also be flexible and have the desire to learn and serve people of a new culture and religion.

Your Responsibilities as a Volunteer

As a volunteer in Cambodia working with an NGO, you will work with Helping Abroad to customize your project according to your skills and interests and the needs of local NGOs. There are many options available, but volunteers must be very open-minded and flexible for this project. Activities may include:

  • Uniting organizations and sectors of the community
  • Developing community centers
  • Assisting NGOs with technical assistance and web development
  • Teaching locals about marketing, fundraising, planning, accounting, management, surveying, etc.
  • Helping NGOs with problem solving
  • Teaching English, health, math, science, nutrition, etc.
  • Helping locals with farming and gardening
  • Assisting administrative tasks
  • Maintaining the community
  • Organizing events and trainings
  • Developing the public library
  • Assisting health centers educate locals
  • Supporting schools
  • Planning and executing extracurricular activities

Please Note: The work is very flexible. You will receive your work schedule from the local project staff or NGO coordinator in charge of your project. You are expected to work 3 to 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. You will always have time for tourism and holidays. Your work schedule can always be adjusted to suit your needs. Remember, the activities mentioned above are just an outline. Your project coordinator might also request your assistance in other projects or related activities.

Major FAQ's

  • Who will meet me at the airport? What should I do if I am delayed or miss my flight? When should I arrive?
  • Please book your flight to the Phnom Penh International Airport, which is the pick–up point for all Helping Abroad volunteers in Cambodia.

    The Helping Abroad country coordinator will be waiting for you at the "Arrival" gate. Please look for a person with both the Helping Abroad company logo and your name on a sign card. In case your contact person is not there, please contact the Helping Abroad office and we will immediately follow up on your contact persons' whereabouts.

    Coordinators' contact details are available on the pre–departure handbook. If your flight is delayed, immediately contact Helping Abroad so we can make adjustments to your program. Helping Abroad will be responsible for creating the necessary changes in your program.

    The program fee covers expenses from the first day of the program to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program and/or stay beyond the last day of the program, you will be responsible for these expenses.

  • What are the visa requirements to volunteer in Cambodia?
  • Volunteers must acquire a tourist Visa in their home country prior to departure for Cambodia. You can read about visa information for Cambodia here.
    Cambodian Embassy VISA (http://www.embassyofcambodia.org/visa.html)

  • What do I need to know about health and safety in Cambodia?
  • Volunteers should be aware of all health and safety information before traveling to Cambodia. You can read about health and safety in Cambodia on the website listed below:
    Lonely Planet Health & Safety - Cambodia (http://www.lonelyplanet.com/cambodia/practical-information/health)

  • What immunizations/vaccinations are recommended before arriving in Cambodia?
  • We strongly recommend that volunteers obtain vaccinations before arriving in Cambodia. You can speak with your health–care provider to determine which vaccinations you will need. Please read CDC recommendations about vaccinations and preventive medicine: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/cambodia.htm

  • What is the local currency and exchange rate?
  • The Cambodian riel is the official currency of the country and often times US dollars and Thai bhat are also accepted. You can exchange money when you arrive at the Phnom Penh International Airport and ATM machines are also widely available. ATM cards are the best way to get money and Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in some larger cities. It is a good idea to carry a credit card for large purchases and emergencies. Make sure you notify your bank that you will be out of the country and give them your expected arrival/departure dates. This will prevent your account from being locked and you will be advised about any fraudulent charges.

    Please visit XE, a privately held online foreign exchange tool for rates. XE.com (http://www.xe.com/)

  • How can I communicate with my family/friends while I am abroad? Is there Internet access?
  • If you have an unlocked cell phone that contains a SIM card, we recommend that you bring it because you can buy a Cambodian SIM card upon arrival. Phones are important to have for safety and communication with family and Helping Abroad staff. Internet cafes are widely available in larger cities but less available in rural towns. You will have placement details in your pre–departure packet.

  • How is the climate in Cambodia?
  • Cambodia is a tropical country with sunshine year around and has a rainy season and a dry season. For more information regarding the climate and weather, please visit:
    ACCU Weather ( http://www.accuweather.com/ )

  • What should I bring?
  • You can purchase basic necessities in Cambodia at reasonable prices, but we suggest bringing the following:

    • An unlocked mobile phone (you can use it after buying a Cambodian card)
    • Camera
    • Sleeping bag
    • Mosquito repellent
    • Insect repellent
    • Sunscreen
    • Books about Cambodia
    • Map of Cambodia
    • Toiletries
    • First aid kit
    • Flash light
    • Electricity adapter/converter
    • Sun glasses
    • Good shoes (for work and travel)
    • Towel
  • Should I bring gifts for my host family?
  • You are not required to bring a gift, but it is common courtesy as a token of appreciation for hosting you. Gifts can be as simple as postcards or pictures from home, chocolates, t–shirts, or something that represents where you are from. In addition, you can bring gifts for your projects. If you are working in orphanages or schools, you can bring items such as school supplies and games. Remember that many children will desire what you bring, so you may want to bring a large amount of one item (pencils, pens, notebooks, games, art supplies, etc).