Volunteer at an Orphanage in Cambodia

Volunteering in Cambodia is an extremely rewarding and challenging experience for the volunteers. Cambodia is one of Asia’s poorest countries and the widespread disease of HIV/AIDS has left many children as homeless and orphans.

Our volunteers work in Orphanages and centers for children from poor slums of the city. Volunteers work with children who are in the age group of 3-16 years. Volunteers are needed to give informal education lessons to the children, help in doing daily tasks at the orphanage such as washing clothes, feeding the children and making suggestions to the staff for improvement.

Volunteers are also encouraged to teach English to the children and engage the children in different playful activities. You are welcome to use any kind of special skills you possess.

Helping in an orphanage will not only give the Cambodian people opportunities that they may not normally have, but it will also give the volunteer a taste of Cambodian culture and Cambodian life. For all orphanages, it is a great honor to host a foreign volunteer. The volunteer is warmly welcome and will be included in all daily activities of the organization and the staff.

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Program Requirements

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program. Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Volunteering in the Orphanage project requires a minimum time commitment of 2 weeks on the part of the volunteer.

Project Location

The project placements are located in and around the capital city of Phnom Penh. Placements are also located in Siem Reap, Kampong Speu, Kampong Cham, Battambang and Pursat. While some of the placements are located at a walking distance from the accommodation, others are located within 10-15 minute on a bicycle or a local tuk tuk. Bicycles can be purchased for as low as $20. However, most host families allow volunteers to use their spare bicycles at home.

During your Free Time

Phnom Penh has a lot to offer and you will always find something of interest to do and see during your free time. There are a lot of temples, museums and historic sites to visit such as Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, Royal Palace, National Museum and Wat Phnom. You can also join the local Khmer cuisine cooking classes if that interests you! You will have longer free time available on the weekends where you can visit the nearby beaches and zoo.

What we provide

Airport Receive/ Transfer: Volunteers are picked up from the Phnom Penh International Airport by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in Cambodia will be picked up from the bus station or at a meeting point decided beforehand.

Orientation: A two day intensive orientation will be provided by the local staff. Areas like culture, greetings, locations, transportation, safety and volunteer placements are given during the orientation. Volunteers are given a local tour of Phnom Penh city as well as welcome dinner.

Lodging: Volunteers are provided with an option to live with a host family or in volunteer house. You can let us know about your preference and requirements in the application form and we will try our best to accommodate your needs.

Staying with a local host family is exciting and a very good opportunity for the volunteers to get to know the traditional customs, culture and way of life of Cambodians. Our volunteers usually stay with middle class families. All volunteers are provided with separate rooms in most cases. However, in a rare case you would be sharing the room with a fellow volunteer. All host families are carefully selected and approved by the local staff and have past experience oh hosting international volunteers. All accommodations have running water and electricity available.

The Volunteer house accommodation is centrally located and close to most of the popular tourist sites in Phnom Penh.Volunteers share a room with other volunteers. The house is a great place to meet and interact with other like minded volunteers from different parts of the world. Internet facility is available for volunteers use and laundry facility is also available at extra cost.

Food: Three meals per day are provided to the volunteers. Lunch and dinner will be rice, a bowl of soup, fried meat (chicken, beef. pork or fish) and a lot of vegetables. Breakfast usually comprises of Tea, Bread, Coffee, Jam and fruits. Cambodian food is light and healthy and is not very spicy and hot. The Cambodian cuisine is a fusion of cuisines from other countries in South East Asia such as Vietnam and Thailand.

Insurance: Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

In – Country travel assistance: Volunteers are assisted by the local staff and coordinators for any kind of assistance they need for their travel arrangements. The local staff and coordinators will be happy to assist you in making travel arrangements within Phnom Penh and to famous tourist locations such as Siem Reap, Angkor Wat and Sihanoukville.

In-country support: 24 hours support provided by our local staff. You will be provided with the contact details of the local coordinator and staff who will be contactable 24 hrs once you are in country.

Pre-departure information: After we receive full and final payment all participants are provided by a pre-departure information booklet which will have all vital information about your program. The Pre Departure Information Booklet provides the complete details of the country, project locations, Visas, Immunizations, Things to Pack list, Accommodations, Contact Information etc.

Start Dates

Volunteers can begin their project placement on 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. Volunteers should arrive one day prior to their project start date.

Program Costs

Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offers one of the most affordable volunteer abroad programs. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference.

USD GBP EUR

2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
$400	$490	$600	$690	$770	$860	$990	$120

Please Note: -An application fee of $200 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
£280	£343	£420	£483	£539	£602	£693	£84

Please Note: -An application fee of £140 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
€332	€407	€498	€573	€640	€714	€822	€100

Please Note: -An application fee of €170 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

What are you Paying For ?

24 hrs Assistance and support from staff
Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
Pick up from the airport
2 day intensive orientation
Food
Accommodation in a host family or guesthouse
Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)

What's NOT Included ?

Airfare
Return Trip to Airport
Local Transportation
Visa Fees
Vaccinations

What are the Program locations in Cambodia?

Volunteer projects are mainly located in the capital city of Phnom Penh as well as in Siem Reap, Kampong Speu, Kampong Cham, Battambang and Pursat.

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?

Receiving a tourist visa for tourism purpose is the volunteer's responsibility. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a tourist visa before departing for Cambodia, although a visa on arrival could also be obtained at Phnom Penh Airport. If needed, Volunteering Solutions do provide with written document which would help volunteers in getting the Visa.

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Cambodia?

We are able to offer placements on the first and third Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply in advance to secure their spots.

How long does it take to process my application?

Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 7-10 working days.

When do I need to arrive in Cambodia for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Cambodia?

All volunteers need to arrive one day before their program start date. Volunteers are picked up from the Phnom Penh International Airport by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in Cambodia will be picked up from the bus station or at a meeting point decided beforehand.

How do I get to the program location?

Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.

I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?

We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation is provided with a local Cambodian host family. Accommodation is mostly shared with other. All host families are carefully selected and approved by the local staff and have past experience of hosting international volunteers. All accommodations have running water and electricity available.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Cambodia-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are: -

-- Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program
-- Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
-- The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
-- Be in good health.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. The following are recommended vaccinations: -

Tetanus
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Cambodia?

Your program fee covers you for food, accommodation, airport pick up, Orientation, Pre departure information and in country staff support. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. Traveling within Cambodia is cheap; however, you should carry around $50 - 60 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.

What hours will I volunteer every day?

Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.

Where can I change my money in Cambodia? Are there ATM's in Cambodia?

You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. There are ATM's located all around the capital city, Phnom Penh.

Can couples or families join the volunteer program?

Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs. We make special provisions for families joining our volunteering programs; we will be able to provide them with program placements and accommodations together.

What will be the food arrangement?

The host family provides two or three meals per day. Depending on your host family you will be provided with two or three meals a day. Lunch and dinner will be rice, a bowl of soup, fried meat (chicken, beef. pork or fish) and a lot of vegetables. Cambodian food is light and healthy and is not very spicy and hot.

Do I need to buy health insurance?

Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

What sorts of clothes are required for Cambodia?

Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket and/or light sweaters). A pair of walking shoes is highly recommended as well.

Do you recommend any cheap airlines flying into Cambodia?

Cheap airline flying into Cambodia is: - Air Asia, which connects through major Asian airports or Australia or United Kingdom. People coming from USA or Canada can visit, http://www.kayak.com, http://www.orbitz.com

Reema Gardner (United Kingdom)

The house was very nice and had everything that I needed. The family were wonderful and very accommodating. The children were amazing and so happy all the time. I really enjoyed my month here and will really miss everyone...... read more

Yulia Vladimirovna Krylova (Russian Federation)

There were no problems with the arrival and airport pick up. The Orphanage i was placed to was very well organized with many teachers and other volunteers and my impression was that they don't need any additional help...... read more

Kris Watts (United Kingdom)

Volunteering Solutions Reviews - Volunteer Orphanage Program in Cambodia

I could not have done this without the help from the Volunteering Solutions team. What I really appreciated was how flexible they were with me - especially seeing as I planned it at the last minute...... read more

Kirk Laughlin (USA)

My coordinator was very helpful and constantly checking in to make sure everything was alright as well as working to make sure that I was having a pleasant experience. I would recommend the Cambodia program.It was wonderful.There are many days back home in the United States when I wish I was in Cambodia...... read more

Robin O Neill (USA)

Reviews - Volunteer Orphanage/Teaching Program in Cambodia with Volunteering Solutions

I made some great new friends with other volunteers, spend weekends exploring other areas in Cambodia and made awesome memories making popcorn and having slumber parties with 85 really inspired children...... read more

Michelle McGee (Ireland)

Really enjoyed working in the Orphanage I would have liked to have more time but we could only manage a few weeks. Was more than we expected and was tough/sad leaving at the end. Orphanage works really well, it seems very well organized and all the staff were admirable...... read more

Amanda Tania Borik and Danielle Kaufmann (Australia)

Beautiful kids. Very hard to say good bye ! Very appreciative. We are very happy with the placement...... read more

Julia Smith (Australia)

It was a unique experience to teach but I loved playing with the kids too ! The river cruise was lovely and meeting the other volunteers was great...... read more

Stephanie Louise Rawlinson (Australia)

The placement was very organized and the children and staff were very friendly and accommodating. The children were very keen to learn which made for a fulfilling experience...... read more

Melissa Messer (USA)

Reviews Volunteer in Orphanage in Cambodia with Volunteering Solutions

The whole culture of the country was amazing! The family I stayed with were very welcoming and allowed me to become more immersed in the culture and the children in the orphanage will always hold a special place in my heart. I never thought I would feel so loved and be able to return it so unconditionally...... read more

Jayakumar Divya Pillai (Singapore)

Volunteering Solutions Reviews - Volunteer Orphanage Program Cambodia

I very much enjoyed my program placement. The staff at the placement made me feel very welcome and the children were also a joy to teach. ..... read more

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Kirk Laughlin USA view more stories

Cambodia - Staff Profile

Brem Nhov - Program Coordinator - Cambodia Brem Nhov was born in Battambong province, the western part of Cambodia, which is the famous rice production. Brem studied Economic Development and I finished my bachelor degree in the middle of 2010. He himself has volunteered at an orphanage in Western Africa. So through your time volunteering here you for sure you will help the local community. His advise to upcoming volunteers is to adobe to the culture and leave Cambodia a better place. Looking forward to serve and welcome you in Cambodia!
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