Highlights
Despite its troubled past, Cambodia has retained its undeniable charm. It is filled with beautiful landscapes and has a rich cultural heritage. Volunteering is the perfect way to not only discover this wonderful country but also gain a rewarding a experience, making your travels even more fulfilling. Our program is very flexible, enabling you to volunteer on the school community project, at the local hospital or even combine them both!!
- A unique cultural experience
- The opportunity to influence the future of Cambodia's young people
- Combine teaching and care work with more physical volunteering i.e. painting and light construction
- Free time to see the sights
- All in-country transport, meals and accommodation are included
Essentials
Meals
All food is included during your stay. The meals will be typical Cambodian fare, including plenty of sumptuous rice dishes
Accommodation
You will be housed with local home-stays or in a guest house where this is not feasible (for example in the case of larger groups).
There are limited laundry facilities so expect to wash your clothes by hand. All participants are expected to be environmentally aware and to use all resources with restraint, especially water, paper and electricity. You will be expected to clean up after yourself, and to play your part to keep the accommodation neat and organized.
Transportation
In Samraong you can easily get a motorcycle to go anywhere, or you can borrow a bike at the centre.
Money
It is easy to withdraw money from ATM machines in the town centre (Siem Reap) and exchange money and traveler’s checks at the city banks.
Internet use
There are internet cafes in the town, but with limited speed and number of computers.
Country Facts
-The province you will be in - Oddar Meanchey - was the last stronghold for the Khmer Rouge, who managed to stay in the mountainous region as long as 1998.
-The religion in Cambodia is primarily Buddhist
-14.7 million people on average live in Cambodia
-The capital of Cambodia is Phnom Penh
What's included?
• Being met at the airport by a staff member.
• All meals and accommodation for the duration of your expedition.
• Education and immersion with great Cambodian students.
• A unique opportunity to explore Cambodia like never before.
Points to note:
• On receipt of deposit, you’ll receive a Welcome e-mail with access to your personal page.
• We give you helpful advice about equipment, recommended flights, insurance and more.
• You will gain access to your very own personal website that allows you to input information and also has valuable information about fundraising, vaccinations and country information.
• A staff member is in the region all year round.
• International phone cards are available at all towns and cities throughout Cambodia.
Maps
Itinerary
We will collect you from Siem Riep airport (or Phnom Penn – additional cost). We are based in the last stronghold of the Khmer Rogue, the Oddar Meanchey region.
School Project
Despite having a poor infrastructure and generally low education levels, young Cambodians are very dynamic and eager to engage themselves with our volunteer programs! Considering the state of the school buildings, volunteers are not only engaged in basic teaching activities, but also in the basic renovation of the school.
Activities can include a combination of:
- Teaching English on a non formal basis
- Working with the children in their vegetable garden (for their own consumption)
- Creating activities for the students including workshops for cultural exchange
- Art & Handicraft activities
- Sports after classes
- Environmental awareness activities (Clean Up the World)
- Basic construction to improve the children’s livelihoods
Our project leaders have much experience in informal teaching methods, arranging sports after school programs, giving workshops, gardening in the vegetable garden and some special environmental awareness campaigns with the children. Depending on the particular skill of the participants or group ideas we may do some art or handicraft as well.
Hospital and Community
This program is designed for highly motivated individuals with a passion for assisting those less fortunate than themselves. For this program, a medical background is not at all necessary although beneficial.
The schedule for this program is highly flexible and depends a lot on local needs and volunteer's skills. Your project will involve accompanying the local doctor on his early morning rounds each day and assisting in various tasks based on your own level of experience. Afternoons have a focus on light construction work and you will be expected to help paint and clean the patients beds.
***Note: Cambodia is a tropical country with occasional violent storms, heavy rains and floods. During such times, the above schedule may be subject to change.
Feedback
"Cambodia was an amazing country. Thanks for keeping my parents up to date, it let me enjoy my adventure!
Now I am back i wish I was still out there, so thanks Daniella and all the Gapforce team for such a great time"
Kate -Cambodia -summer 2009
