NGO Support Program Phnom Penh - Cambodia

Trip Highlights

Opportunity to support the Cambodian civil society and community
Placement provided to do volunteer work for a local NGO
Ideal for students looking for international development work experience
Volunteer work is based on requisite skills and interests. Verticals include Human Rights Support, Women Empowerment, Micro-Finance Raising, NGO Administration, Vocational Training Center
Minimum 5-week commitment, volunteer work during weekdays
Weekends are free for exploring the country

Overview

Cambodia has seen a long phase of destruction and war, which heavily impacted the social and economic balance of the country. There still remains the effects from the past, daunting the weaker section of the society as people suffer from poverty and problems such as domestic violence, lack of human rights and proper education, environmental degradation, poor healthcare, and several other issues. Volunteering Solutions, in association with local NGOs in the city of Phnom Penh, aims to help the weaker sections of the society by providing them scopes to earn their livelihood and have a better life.

Volunteers joining the NGO Support Program in Cambodia can commit their time for these people and provide the necessary support required, matching their skills, qualifications, and interests. For example, A waiter or a hairdresser will be able to support at a vocational training center. Someone who has worked in the area of tourism will support an ecological tourism project to develop its structure. A lawyer may support a Human Rights Organization with the development or get involved in programs (such as creating awareness). Someone who has studied art or music will focus on imparting these skills to women or children who are supported by local organizations working in this area. A finance professional or student can volunteer for a Microfinance Project, so on and so forth.

Note: Volunteers joining the NGO Support Project in Cambodia will have to devote a minimum of 5 weeks for the program.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteer Work Schedule

Living

Volunteering Solutions is an international volunteer placement match organization and hence all our living arrangements meet international standards. Our Volunteers have to literally arrive with their bags packed and that is it. We provide the best possible stay for our volunteers.

Airport 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.

Accommodation

Volunteers are provided with an option to live with a host family or in a 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 living’ 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 of 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.

Orientation

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

Meals

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. Cambodian cuisine is a fusion of cuisines from other countries in South East Asia such as Vietnam and Thailand.

Weekends

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 the zoo.

Dates & Cost

Program Requirements

Reviews

FAQs

FAQ's Application and Program Details

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Cambodia?

There is no deadline for registering your program. However, as we have limited spots available in our programs and we usually facilitate on first come first serve basis, we strongly recommend all volunteers to book their programs well in advance. We have volunteers booking their programs even one year in advance. So, it is a good idea to book the program as early as possible and reserve your spot. We also allow volunteers to change their program dates if they inform us before 45 days of program’s commencement.

How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted?

After you complete your application, your personalized ‘My Account’ will be activated.You will need to upload your CV/Resume along with your photo in the same. Our backend team and the placement site takes around 10-12 days to review your application. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and updated in your ‘My Account’. Some projects need a mandatory criminal background check and the same is mentioned in the project info of your program. Approval of your application depends on your qualification and eligibility criteria for each project.

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

In Cambodia, the minimum duration of our programs is 2 weeks. Volunteers who choose the NGO Support Program need to participate for a minimum duration of 5 weeks.

You must be 18 years and above when you arrive at your project placement in Cambodia.

Participants enrolled in the Orphanage and Teaching Project need to provide a Criminal Background Check Report as well.

Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. Cambodia is a country of different culture and traditions, though it is modernized but the cultural sensitivities need to be kept in mind before volunteering here.

Volunteers should be energetic and enthusiastic to make a difference.

Must be in good health.

Can I volunteer as part of a group?

Volunteering in a group is always a good idea and it’s highly encouraged. We recommend our volunteers to come with their colleagues, friends or families.

Volunteering in a group improves productivity and it’s also safe when you venture out for sightseeing after your work. Also, we can design special group programs for groups of 5 or more. Our programs are designed to be safe, affordable and offer a great group volunteering experience to the volunteers.

In our experience of more than 12+ years we have enabled and facilitated volunteer program placements for student groups- college groups, university groups, high school groups, group of families, group of couples as well as a group of colleagues.

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

The programs in Cambodia start on 1st and 3rd Monday of every month and participants need to arrive on the Sunday prior to that.

Volunteers are picked up from the Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) by the in-country 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. Please do inform the in-country coordinator if your? flight is arriving late.

Does VolSol provides with a reference or a certificate after program completion?

Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.

Does VolSol provides discount if I choose more than one program or if I am a returning volunteer?

If you are planning to come for multiple programs during your trip, you will have to pay the application fee just once. Your application fee is valid for a year's time (from the date of application). You will not have to pay the application fees again if you come within the mentioned time frame.

For our returning volunteers, $50 discount is provided for the application fee for their next VolSol program.

For how much time will I volunteer every day?

VolSol volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day, however, it is dependent on your program type. You will have the weekends to travel and explore the country.

Our in-country coordinator will guide you about the nearby places which you can explore during the weekday evenings as well.

Flights and Visa

Do I need a Visa to volunteer in Cambodia ?

Citizens of most countries can receive a 30-day tourist Visa on arrival. You can apply for an E-Visa before going to Cambodia. For volunteers planning to stay in Cambodia for more than 30 days, business Visa is recommended.

What are the recommended inexpensive airline options to fly to Cambodia?

Phnom Penh International Airport (Airport Code: PNH) is well connected with flights from major Asian and Middle Eastern destinations.
Most volunteers coming from Europe and North America have a layover in South Korea, Qatar, Vietnam or Thailand and then take a connecting flight to Phnom Penh.

The following carriers operate regular flights to Phnom Penh –
Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Tigerair, Dragon Air, Bangkok Airways, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air China flights, Thai AirAsia and SilkAir.

Health and Safety

How safe is Phnom Penh in general?

Cambodia as a whole is a safe place for tourists in general. Our volunteer accommodation and placements are located in a safe and friendly neighborhood in Phnom Penh. However, as in any other big city, you need to be vigilant when venturing out alone and drinking with strangers and also take general safety measures. All volunteers are recommended to follow safety procedures and guidelines provided by the in-country coordinator in the orientation session.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need for traveling to Cambodia?

If you are traveling from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever Virus (YFV) transmission, you are required to show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination.
Apart from that, travelers are recommended to take the following vaccinations:
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
Tetanus

We would also request you to consult your travel doctor before going to Cambodia.

Do I need to buy a health insurance?

Yes, for all participants it is mandatory to have a travel medical insurance. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider at a very nominal price.

Accommodation and Living

Can I know more about the accommodation and food arrangements?

In Cambodia, accommodation is provided in the volunteer house or with a Cambodian host family depending on your preference, availability and the final project allocation.

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 living’ 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 of hosting international volunteers. All accommodations have running water and electricity available.

The volunteer house is centrally located and the local staff office is also there. The coordinators are available to assist the volunteers in case of any need. Rooms are shared with usually 2-4 other volunteers. The house has wireless internet available for volunteers use as well as a common area where you can socialize with other volunteers.

Volunteers are provided with three meals a day. Cambodian food is light and healthy and is not very spicy and hot. It is a fusion of different Southeast Asian cuisines and meals usually comprise of Rice, Vegetables, Chicken, Beef, and noodles.

Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Yes – please do ensure that you inform the local team about your food preference and they can ensure that you are able to order the best food! Also, please do mention your specific food preference in the application form as well.

Would I have free time during my program? Can I do sightseeing during my program?

Your weekends and evenings will be free for you to indulge in some sightseeing and explore in and around Phnom Penh. You can visit the temples of Angkor near Siem Reap city in the west, the beaches of Sihanoukville and coastal towns along the southern coast and also the jungle villages along the countryside. (Of course, one just can’t afford to miss visiting the ruins of Angkor Wat when in Cambodia!)

We encourage our volunteers to travel. We have designed various weekend tours which can be booked under the Add-on Tours section in your ‘My Account’.
Your in-country coordinator will also help you book and organize the tours once you are in the country.

Will there be more expenses once I arrive in Cambodia?

Your program fee covers everything - from your food, accommodation, airport pick-up, orientation, pre-departure information, and in-country staff support. You will need to cover your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, shopping, sightseeing etc.

Traveling within Cambodia is cheap; however, you should carry around $50 - 60 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as snacks, water, local transport, phone etc.

Where can I change my money in Phnom Penh? Are there ATMs in Phnom Penh?

You can change money at any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. There are ATM's located all around the capital city of Phnom Penh. It is recommended to check and keep yourself updated with the current exchange rates.

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Cambodia alumni and other former and current volunteers?

We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook Group and connect with other participants and our team.

To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet a Volunteer section on our website.

To view feedback reports and testimonials from Volunteering Solutions Cambodia program participants, click here.

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Is There Something More That You'd Like To Know ?

Just in case you've more things to ask us, or probably you're looking for a customized program - you can simply get in touch with us !
Drop us a mail at [email protected]
Call us at: 1- 888-790-3096 (US/CAN)
You can also have a 'one-on-one' chat with our experts!

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Week	Select Your currency
5 Weeks	$700$1036€658
6 Weeks	$800$1184€752
7 Weeks	$900$1332€846
8 Weeks	$1000$1480€940
Extra Week	$120$178€113

Months	2020	2021
January	0519	031731
February	0216	1428
March	0115	14
April	0519	18
May	0317	0216
June	0721	0620
July	0519	0418
August	0216	0115
September	0620	0519
October	0418	031731
November	0115	14
December	0620	0519