Cambodia Volunteering Guidebook

Travellers Quest

Volunteer in

CambodiaThe Free Complete Step by Step Guidebook From Travellers Quest

Table of ContentsChapter 1: Getting started - volunteer in CambodiaWelcome to CambodiaWhy you should volunteer in CambodiaWhat are some popular volunteer projects available in Cambodia?Where are some popular places to volunteer in Cambodia?Which is the best season to volunteer in Cambodia?

34567

Chapter 2: Choosing your Cambodia volunteer programWhich organizations offer the best volunteer opportunities in Cambodia?How you can select the best organization to volunteer with

812

Chapter 3: Getting ready to volunteer in Cambodia

Visa, passportVaccinationsAir ticketRaising fundsSuggested books to readPacking advice and tipsGifts for projects

13131313131414

Chapter 4: Information you must know about the project

Project detailsWhat to expect when volunteering in CambodiaLearn about your host familyLocal supportMake the final call

1515151616

Chapter 5: Arriving and Volunteering in CambodiaHow to make your volunteer in Cambodia experience rewardingSafety while volunteering in CambodiaDo’s and don’t in CambodiaCulture shockThings to do in Cambodia

1718192020

Chapter 6: Completion of project & follow up 21

Chapter 7: Most frequently asked questions from volunteers 22

www.travellersquest.com 3

CHAPTER 1: Getting Started - Volunteer in CambodiaWelcome to Cambodia

Cambodia is a small, yet beautiful country lo-cated in Southeast Asia, bordering Thailand on the West, Laos to the North, and Vietnam on the East. Cambodia is also home to Angkor Wat, the largest religious building in the world.

There are many impressive sites to see in Cam-bodia, some of which are linked to Cambodia’s horrific past. In the late 1970’s the Khmer Rouge, a communist-backed party, overthrew the government and set out to eradicate the intellectual class by any means necessary.

In the following four years the Khmer Rouge committed many acts of genocide, and around 20% of the population died as a result. Despite Cambodia’s rough past the people are warm, welcoming, and optimistic about the bright fu-ture they see ahead.

Volunteering in Cambodia can be challenging at times, but it will definitely make for an unfor-gettable learning experience. High levels of poverty and malnutrition and low literacy rates,

Photo Credit: rusticvolunteers.org


combined with a lack of government support, means many Cambodians struggle to make any major changes in their daily circumstances.

However, due to tourism and the volunteering community Cambodia is once more on track to improve the lives of all citizens. Cambodia is now emerging as a leader in the volunteer pro-grams stakes in Southeast Asia, hosting dozens of new and exciting volunteering organizations.

Why you should volunteer in Cambodia

Volunteering in a developing country like Cam-bodia will be a challenging and eye opening experience, but also an incredibly positive one. Cambodia has so much to offer volunteers; here are just a few of the many reasons to make it your choice for an unforgettable and heart touching volunteer abroad experience.

You will be living among amazing landscapes

As a volunteer in Cambodia, you will have easy access to a variety of rich, diverse, and natural surroundings. From pristine beaches and un-touched jungles, to stunning architecture feats, Cambodia is filled with exciting sights to experi-ence.

You will contribute to community development

Millions of Cambodians live in extreme levels of poverty. When you volunteer on community development projects your work directly helps to develop strong and healthy communities. Many volunteers are needed to help transform the local environment by building new schools, improving sanitary conditions, and serving as leaders in action for the people of Cambodia.

You will make a difference

When you volunteer in Cambodia, you will make a difference in the lives of families who are living in underserved communities, and in turn

change and enrich your own life. You will come to a deeper understanding of the needs of the poor, and how you can partner with volunteer programs to make an impact on a great number of people.

You will experience rich history and architec-ture

Cambodia is a country with an ancient historical past. When you volunteer in Cambodia, you will get to visit Angkor Wat, the world’s largest reli-gious monument - said to be one of the greatest archeological sites in the world.

You will explore floating markets

You must check out the floating markets dur-ing your volunteering experience in Cambodia. You’ll marvel at the impressive sight of dozens of boats floating on narrow rivers, piled high with fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, and other edible assortments that are ready to be sold to locals and tourists alike.

You will help by teaching in local schools

A popular volunteer in Cambodia program in-volves working alongside a native Cambodian to teach children in local schools. Participants have the opportunity to plan and prepare appro-priate lessons with the local teachers, and make a huge impact on the lives of the children.

What are some popular volunteer projects available in Cambodia?

From working with children through to animal conservation, there are many impressive volun-teer projects in Cambodia. This section looks at several of the most popular types of program available.


Work in health care

Healthcare volunteer projects serve people in Cambodia who cannot afford formal medical treatment. Volunteer projects aim to reduce HIV rates, and provide children with basic medical attention and checkups. Volunteers will assist and shadow doctors, conduct observations, and take blood samples from patients. Some experi-ence in the field may be required.

Volunteer in community development

Volunteer projects in the area of community development focus on constructing and sustain-ing healthy communities in poor, rural areas of Cambodia. The goal is for people living in coun-tryside areas to become self-sufficient. Volun-teers will be expected to build toilets, houses, and local schools in small villages.

Volunteer in wildlife conservation

Due to illegal poaching, native animal species in Cambodia have become endangered. Wildlife volunteer projects are there to help protect, nurse, and preserve native animal species. Vol-unteers will feed, clean, and play with animals at the volunteer location site.

Work in local orphanages

Due to limited family and community resources millions of Cambodian children don’t have enough water, food, shelter or adequate cloth-ing. In many cases they have no choice but to send their children to live in an orphanage for a while.

Local orphanage volunteer projects provide a safe and caring environment for children. Vol-unteers will interact, take care of, and play games with the disadvantaged children who are staying there.

Teaching English projects

Volunteer teaching projects in schools provide children with English lessons to improve their future prospects. Volunteers will create daily lessons plans and teach children English along-side native Cambodian teachers.

Where are some popular places to volun-teer in Cambodia?

Cambodia is a wonderful country, and home to many exciting volunteer projects. With so many amazing places to volunteer in Cambodia choos-ing just one location isn’t easy...

Here is a list of some popular places to volun-teer in Cambodia:

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh (Hill of Penh) is the chaotic yet charismatic capital city of Cambodia. A charm-ing blend of dusty roads, offbeat cafes and amazing architecture, the rich history Phnom Penh has to offer makes it an interesting place to spend time in.

Popular volunteer projects in Phnom Penh are: Teaching in local schools, community develop-ment and childcare.

Pursat

Pursat is the capital city of the fourth largest province in Cambodia and a popular destination for volunteers. The Cardamon Mountains - con-sidered an ecological wonder - are located in this beautiful region which is a haven for nature lovers.

Popular volunteer projects in Pursat are: Teach-ing in local schools, community development, and healthcare.


Siem Reap

Siem Reap has developed itself as the center of modern Cambodia. The city contains beautiful temples, old French shops, tree-lined boule-vards and of course, Angkor Wat. The town has a laid back feel, and offers a well balanced mix of Cambodian culture and modern services and entertainment.

Popular volunteer projects in Siem Reap are: animal conservation, teaching in local schools, health care, community development and or-phanage work.

Battambang

Battambang is the second largest town in Cam-bodia and a popular destination for volunteers looking to make a difference. Battambang is famous for its ancient temples, Buddhist shrines and the bamboo railway. The city itself is devel-oping fast and volunteer projects are keeping pace.

Popular volunteer projects in Battambang are: teaching in local schools, healthcare, and com-munity development.

What is the best season to volunteer in Cambodia?

The best season for volunteering in Cambodia depends on both the location of your volunteer project and your personal preferences. Cam-bodia has a tropical climate, with warm tem-peratures throughout the year and a mix of rain and humidity in the summer and fall. November through March is high season for tourists due to the moderate heat and cool winds.


CHAPTER 2 : Choosing Your Cambodia Volunteer Program

Photo Credit: Globe Aware

When you start looking online for more informa-tion you’ll soon find there’s a seemingly endless choice of volunteer programs on offer in Cam-bodia, which can easily make you feel confused about how to choose the volunteer organization and project which is exactly right for you.

How to select the best volunteer organiza-tion

The easiest and most productive approach is to use a checklist to help narrow down the choices as you do the necessary research, and compare what each program fee offers.

Choosing the best volunteer organization in Cambodia and project is really important to make sure you have a great experience, and by

using the checklist of tips below you’ll know exactly what to look at, and look out for, with each company.

Check out their website

A good volunteer organization will have a pro-fessional looking website, with well organized sections clearly labeled so you can quickly find the information you are looking for.

There should be an ‘About Us’ section which outlines the company’s history and experience in the field of organizing volunteer placements, clear and easy to read details on available projects and their locations, and quality photo-graphs of volunteers in action.


Other essentials include simple to understand fee information – including a breakdown of how this is allocated - and contact details for both general queries and instant or fast responses.

Award bonus points to websites which also of-fer details of statistics, (number of volunteers placed etc), or have industry awards to their credit.

Social Media

Most volunteer organizations will have links to some social media platforms on their websites, so always check them out and look for the fol-lowing, (which are all really positive signs): a mix of informational, helpful and photographic

posts; regular and recent posting, and profes-sional, speedy responses to comments and que-ries from followers.

Program Costs and Fees

A great volunteer organization should have rea-sonably price project fees but they don’t have to be the cheapest around. Look at everything the fee covers, and then consider if it offers

true value for money.

Most volunteer programs will include accommo-dation and meals, but always check that this is the case. If a company offers to include extras such as insurance for a higher fee always check to see if you could arrange such things yourself for less.

Commitment to Excellence

A professional volunteer organization will always put their volunteers first. This means they’ll be open and honest about everything, respond promptly to any worries or queries you raise, and show that they genuinely care about the goal of the projects they supervise and your experience as a volunteer.

Check out plenty of reviews written by company project alumni to check that they really can deliver this standard of service consistently.

Who offers the best & most affordable volunteer experience in Cambodia?

Now you know what to look for in a company you will still find there are many who seem to offer the kind of program you are interested in. In this section you will find information on some companies offering the best and most affordably priced volunteer in Cambodia programs.

RCDP Volunteer Abroad (Nepal)http://www.rcdpinternationalvolunteer.org/

RCDP originally started as a pioneer volunteer organization in Nepal. That was back in 1999, and since then they have served more than 12,000 international volunteers, 10 international development groups, and 15 college students groups.

Their mission is to encourage international vol-unteers to contribute to sustainable community

Photo Credit: rcdpinternationalvolunteer.org


development which benefits the underprivileged and extremely poor.

In Cambodia, RCDP offers projects related to: teaching English, health care, local orphanages, and community development, in Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap, and Pursat.

IFRE Volunteers(USA)http://www.ifrevolunteers.org/

IFRE Volunteers is a nonprofit 501(c) 3 organiza-tion based out of Dallas, Texas. Since 2006, they have placed over 13,000 volunteers on more than 200 projects in 18 different countries.

In Cambodia, IFRE Volunteers offer world class volunteer projects in areas such as: working at orphanages, teaching English, community devel-opment, on health care sites, and on HIV/AIDS awareness projects; in the areas of Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap, and Pursat.

KNGO (Battambang, Cambodia)http://www.kngocambodia.org/

Volunteer of RCDP in cambodiaPhoto Credit: kngocambodia.orgKNGO is a non-governmental organization in Bospo Village, Battambang Province, Cambodia. KNGO was founded in early 2008 as a private, non-profit, neutral, non-prejudiced and non-political organization that works to improve the lives of children and youth through education.

KNGO provides volunteer programs offering free supplementary education classes to children and youths in the community. Topics taught include Khmer literacy, mathematics, English literacy, computer programming, primary health educa-tion, community environmental awareness and vocational skills training.

Love Volunteers (New Zealand)http://www.lovevolunteers.org/

Love volunteers was established in 2009, and since then has made a positive impact in 35 countries! Love Volunteers provide volunteers with many excellent opportunities to make a difference in a range of fields such as orphan-ages, clinics, hospitals, social work settings, and English teaching.

They have over 120 rewarding, safe and afford-able volunteering opportunities in developing countries around the world.

GapXperience Asiahttp://www.volunteerforasia.com/

GapXperience Asia was founded in 2005. They host over 80 gap and volunteer programs in 12 Asian countries. They are committed to offering participants an authentic volunteering experi-ence, with a hands-on learning approach, and opportunities to interact with local people and the local environment.

Volunteer programs in the areas of construction,

Photo Credit: kngocambodia.org


education, and community development are located in Samraong, in the Northwest province close to Thailand.

GapXperience Asia offers amazing accommo-dation, an airport pick-up service and various activities, (such as Cambodian language classes, visits to historic silk farms and local villages, and excursions to local temples), during your volunteer stay.

Gap 360 (UK)http://www.gap360.com/

Gap 360 is a UK private limited company based in Kent. The purpose of the company is to pro-vide affordable gap year travel opportunities to a wide range of travelers. Gap 360 was founded in 2011 and currently offers more than 200 trips across more than 50 countries.

Gap 360 in Cambodia offers great volunteering projects in the areas of: education, community development, and childcare.

International Volunteer HQ (New Zealand)https://www.volunteerhq.org/

Based in New Zealand, IVHQ has grown to be-come the leading volunteer travel company, working in over 30 countries around the world and placing thousands of international volun-teers on projects abroad every year.

IVHQ has many impressive volunteering pro-grams in Phnom Penh, in areas ranging from education, community development and orphan-ages to animal conservation.

Global Crossroad (USA)http://www.globalcrossroad.com

Global Crossroad is a well established company which promotes and practices ethical volun-teering in all aspects of work undertaken, and volunteer in Cambodia opportunities offered.

Photo Credit: lovevolunteers.org

Fees are extremely well priced and channeled directly to your project and host family.

Global Crossroad offer volunteers in Cambodia two locations to choose from: Phnom Penh and Pursat, and volunteer opportunities in the fol-lowing areas of interest: orphanage support, community development, teaching English, working with NGOs, health/medical programs and HIV/AIDS awareness projects.

Voluntary Projects Overseas (UK)http://voluntaryprojectsoverseas.org/

Volunteer Projects Overseas is based out of the UK and was established in 2004, after the founders had a life changing experience on their


volunteering experience. In the last 5 years the company has raised over $700,000 for the volun-teer projects they support.

In Cambodia, Voluntary Projects Overseas has its headquarters in Siem Reap, which is home to the famous temples of Angkor Wat.

Voluntary Project Overseas offer volunteer pro-jects in Siem Reap, in the areas of: community development, teaching and kindergarten care.

GO Eco (UK/USA/Australia)http://www.goeco.org/

Go Eco’s community development volunteer packages are aimed at improving the education-al experience of children in schools. Volunteer programs can last from 2 to 8 weeks, with fees starting at $770.

GO Eco also offers excellent 1 – 8 week volun-teer programs in the field of medical aid. These projects are literally life saving for many pov-erty stricken Cambodians.

Globalteer (UK)http://www.globalteer.org/

Globalteer is a registered nonprofit with a focus on responsible volunteering and serving those in need. Since 2008 Globalteer has placed over 2,000 volunteers at selected community and wildlife projects in SE Asia and South America.

They have an office in Siem Reap, Cambodia, where they host numerous volunteer projects in areas such as bear conservation, sports, food and farm, clean drinking water, community de-velopment, teaching English, indigenous people aid, and elephant sanctuary.

Globalteer provide great accommodation, daily meals and an airport pickup service to volun-teers. Their volunteer programs are based in Siem Reap.


CHAPTER 3 : Getting Ready to Volunteer in Cambodia

Choosing, applying and being accepted onto a volunteer program in Cambodia may have taken some time and research, but it was just the start of your volunteer process. The next step is to prepare yourself for the volunteer journey and arrival.

This can be split into two general sections, one concerning the preparation of documents and the other dealing with preparing yourself. This section has some handy hints, advice, checklists and prompts to guide you through this stage quite smoothly, leaving you almost ready to start your volunteer experience in Cambodia.

Visa

Visas valid for one month are available at ma-

jor airports and some borders, and also may be ordered online in advance for citizens of many countries. Try to bring passport sized pictures with you to avoid the extra charge they will make for providing you with one on the day. Payment is expected in US dollars. (Always check the current visa situation on an official website prior to making travel arrangement as things can change suddenly.)

Passport

To begin your volunteering experience in Cam-bodia, you will need a passport with a minimum period of 6 months validity remaining and at least one blank page, two would be safer.

Vaccinations

Photo Credit: beautifulcambodiaus.blogspot.com


Vaccinations are essential for your volunteering experience in Cambodia and must be set up 23 months in advance to allow time for the vac-cines to take effect. Hepatitis A and typhoid are the most common vaccinations people have but it’s best to check beforehand.

Air tickets

To get good prices and deals on airline tickets, you must search and check online daily. Save time by registering with some flight comparison websites such as Cheap Tickets. You can easily set up alerts so you’ll be emailed every time a price on your route drops, or a special offer comes up.

Other money saving tips include to always book as far in advance as possible, and be flexible with your travel dates if you can. If you are able to cope with less space, in flight freebies and luggage keep an eye out for the budget airline deals.

▪ Airlines with service to Phnom Penh include: ▪ Air Asia (discount) ▪ Cambodia Angkor Air ▪ Dragonair ▪ Jetstar Asia (discount) ▪ SilkAir ▪ Thai Airways

Raising funds

Once you have decided to volunteer in Cam-bodia, you may need to think of raising funds, either to help cover your costs or to donate to your project. There are two routes possible when it comes to fundraising.

The old fashioned way of fundraising involves either selling your things at a tabletop sale or flea market, making something to sell to others (cakes are always good), or doing some kind of sponsored event.

However, these days more and more people are making use of the Internet to get cash for their volunteer abroad experience. Crowdfunding sites let you set up a profile and create a cam-paign for your cause. They are simple to navi-gate, and a popular way of attracting attention from people you know, as well as strangers.

Two popular sites on raising funds for your vol-unteer experience are:

▪ Kickstarter ▪ Go Fund Me

Suggested Books to Read

Before flying off to Cambodia for your vol-unteering experience, it’s a good idea to get yourself a guidebook and read up on things like the culture and history of Cambodia, map out fascinating sights to see and do and get tips to enhance your travel experience.

It’s also worth getting a good Khmer phrasebook so you can study up on the language before you go.

Guide books

▪ Fodor’s Travel Cambodia ▪ Lonely Planet Cambodia Travel Guide

Phrase Books

▪ KhmerEnglish/ EnglishKhmer (Cambodian) Dictionary & Phrasebook (Khmer Edition)

▪ Paperback – 2013 by Soksan Ngoun ▪ Cambodian for Beginners Second Edition 2nd

Edition by Richard Gilbert ▪ Colloquial Cambodian: The Complete Course

for Beginners (2nd Ed.) by Chhany SakHum-phry

Some recommended literary readings are:

Cambodia Culture Smart! The essential guide to


customs & culture by Graham Saunders

Packing advice and tips

What you pack will really depend on when you are traveling, where your volunteer project is located, and how much you want to carry around with you if you plan to travel around the country or area before or after your placement.Ask your contact at the volunteer organization you booked with about the typical weather con-ditions you can expect during your time on the project, and contact the incountry support team to check on how easily daily used items such as toiletries are to find close by.

Whatever else you decide to take with you, it’s wise to definitely pack the following:

▪ Laptop and charger ▪ Clothes for work (business casual) and leisure ▪ Camera ▪ Adapter (European continental plug) ▪ Flash light (occasionally there are power

cuts/outages at night) ▪ Toiletries ▪ First aid kit ▪ Mosquito repellents ▪ Sunscreen (very expensive in country) ▪ Rain gear ▪ Some pairs of shoes (and sandals if you wear

them) ▪ Towel ▪ Passport and travel documentation (travel

insurance, itineraries, important contact details)

▪ Waterproof bag or Ziploc bags to keep your small items protected from rainy conditions

▪ Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes ▪ Bathing suit and towel ▪ Snorkeling equipment ▪ Light weight, easy to breath and quick dry

clothing suitable for hot weather ▪ Rain jackets ▪ Sunscreen and insect repellant, BandAids,

antiseptic

▪ Any required medications

Gifts for Projects

It is always recommended that you bring a small gift for your volunteer project and host family in Cambodia. Giving a gift is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation, and when you leave those people will always have a special remind-er of you.


CHAPTER 4 : Information you must know before you volunteer

Make sure your volunteer experience starts off well and continues smoothly by being ultra prepared before leaving your home country. This may feel a little tiresome if you have a laid back approach to travel and going abroad, but for your safety, comfort and happiness it is crucial to know about the following things.

Project Details

Before you leave for your volunteering experi-ence in Cambodia, it’s important that you com-municate with your project coordinator. You need to have the following information on a printed copy, just in case of an emergency situ-ation.

• Name and address of the project

• Address and telephone number of the in-county support team’s office

• A contact name/personal number for both the project and a local support worker.

• The name of your project supervisor• Number of other volunteers

What to expect when volunteering in Cambodia

Travelling to a foreign country, adapting to a new culture, weather conditions, food and then a volunteer placement too – it is a lot to process at one time. Knowing what your roles and re-sponsibilities are while on the project will make the adjustment period a lot easier.

Check with your volunteer organization and find out:

Photo Credit: globaldentalrelief.org


• Exactly what task/jobs/duties you will be required to undertake

• Details of your volunteer work responsibili-ties

• What your daily schedule will look like• How many hours a day you are required to

work.• Who you will need to report to

Get to know your host family

The chances are that your host family has lots of experience of welcoming volunteers into their home for weeks or even months at a time, but for you it may all feel a little strange at first.

Avoid feeling awkward by finding out as much as you can about your host family – before you meet them. This will help you settle in quicker and get the most out of this aspect of your volunteer in Cambodia experience. Ask your volunteer program coordinator for more details on them.

Things you could ask about:

• How many family members live in the house• The names, ages and genders of members• Religious beliefs• Housing arrangements (private or shared

room)• Kitchen and laundry availability• If they have hosted volunteers before• What meals will be provided and at what

times• Curfews• If cultural immersion or language lessons are

offered

Get connected with local support

Make sure you have all types of contact de-tails for the in-country support team, including names, phone numbers and a physical address

for the project office. Get in touch before you leave and establish a connection, so you know you can rely on their support in the future.

Final Call

Before you actually leave to volunteer in Cam-bodia make a note of any last minute questions you have or things you want to clarify. You can ask your volunteer organization contact about those when you call to confirm there have been no last minute changes, and ask for the details of who will collect you at the airport in Cambo-dia.


CHAPTER 5 : Volunteer in Cambodia - Pre-Volunteer Planning

Photo Credit:smallerearth.com

Alongside organizing paperwork and health checks, or making lists of things to pack and questions to ask your volunteer organization, take some time to do some emotional prepara-tion too.

There’s no doubt that your volunteer experience in Cambodia will be filled with lots of exciting adventures, but also there will be challenges to face along the way. In this section you will find some great information and tips on the emo-tional aspects of volunteering abroad.

How to make your volunteering experi-ence rewarding

Volunteering in Cambodia will be a life chang-ing experience and you should make the most of every moment. Here are a few tips below to

make sure your volunteering trip is unforgetta-ble for all the right reasons.

Be prepared and stay positive

There are times when things may seem frustrat-ing and annoying, and this can’t generally be avoided, but do try to keep things in perspective and stay positive. In the long term it’s about en-joying the overall opportunity you have to help change lives for the better.

Embrace learning

You will be volunteering in a new environment, living within a new culture, and experiencing a new language during your volunteer experience. You will often feel outside of your comfort zone, so embrace the unfamiliar environment and cul-


ture as a learning opportunity.

Set goals

Setting goals will help to keep you focused on exactly why you are volunteering in Cambodia. Try to make a few short term, midterm and longer term goals and review them frequently. You’ll really notice how much you have achieved this way.

Be passionate and dedicated to your project

Remember why you are volunteering in Cambo-dia. Your project deserves 100% of your atten-tion and effort, so it’s best to avoid lots of late nights and long distance travelling until you are finished and free to travel.

Taste new food

One of the best things about volunteering in Cambodia is the chance to taste unusual and delicious food. You will be volunteering in a country, where food is a way of life. Exotic food markets offer sweet tropical fruit for you to try, and Cambodia is famous for having great rice fruit, and seafood. While you are in Cambodia be sure to check out all the local food vendors.

Interact with the locals

Interacting with the locals during your volun-teering experience is the best way to earn re-spect and learn about the local culture. You will always learn more and learn faster by spending time with them.

When you interact with the local people you will gain a totally different perspective and experi-ence Cambodia the way few other visitors will. It takes courage, but once you start communi-cating with locals you will grow in confidence.

Learn the language

Learning the Khmer language is not always easy but it is a good way to make sure you get the most out of your volunteering experience in Cambodia. Speaking the native language with the local people could be one of the most re-warding and enriching lessons of your volunteer-ing trip. You should take this opportunity and practice with as many locals as possible.

Safety while volunteering in Cambodia

Staying safe when in a foreign country is an obvious priority, and Cambodia is not without problems. The political situation can be unpre-dictable, which sparks pockets of civil unrest, but by following the precautions listed below you should have a safe and fun volunteering experience.

For up to date information and advice on safety while volunteering in Cambodia, visit this web-site.

Before you go:

• Purchase a good travel insurance policy from a reputable company offering 24/7 support

• Check news sites and embassy pages for any safety or travel warnings

• Make sure that you are volunteering in a safe area

• Make sure that you have had all required vaccinations

• Stock up on essential medications as they may not be available in Cambodia

• Send all itinerary details and copies of im-portant documents to family or close friends

• Advise your local bank of international travel• Register your travel details with your embas-

sy. At some embassies you can register your details online.

• Obtain all contact details for emergency ser-vices in Cambodia

• Know where you closest embassy is• Talk to your mobile phone network provider

about international roaming options, or plan to buy a local/international SIM card on ar-


rival.

Do’s and Don’ts while volunteering in Cambodia

DO

• dress appropriately and conservatively, espe-cially if female

• respect the culture• try to learn the language and talk to the

locals• be positive about and dedicated to your vol-

unteer work and coworkers• keep a good supply of clean one USD bills

and small notes with you for tips and tuk tuk fares

• remain alert to what is going on around you and where your belongings are

• carry around toilet paper or tissues

DON’T

• give money to beggars or buy baby milk for women with infants, you are undermining of-ficial efforts to provide social care

• wander around alone at night• take photos of people before asking permis-

sion• expect to find the same things you do in your

home town• disrespect the nature or culture of the peo-

ple• provoke any one or create any situations• lose sight of why you are volunteering• be surprised to see garbage being left in the

streets

Culture shock

At some point on your volunteering project you will most likely experience some feelings of culture shock. This is a totally normal part of volunteering in a foreign country, and it always passes, but there are things you can do to pre-pare yourself and lessen the impact if it does

hit.

Do some research before you go: look at blog entries from those who have volunteered in Cambodia before, and read about experiences on volunteer websites. Or buy a book that looks at this topic.

CultureShock! Cambodia: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette by Peter North is a good read. Finding out as much as you can about the economic situation, living conditions, issues and problems which exist in the country will give you a glimpse into what you can expect, and help you to prepare mentally and emotionally.

Be open-minded

It is important that when you are volunteering in Cambodia you have an open mind, as you are likely to witness and experience things that you are not used to. These situations may make you feel uncomfortable, but accepting them as part of the whole package will make for a happier overall volunteering experience.

Observe the local scene

To help you to learn about and understand your environment and the Cambodian people spend time observing how they go about their daily lives and communicate with each other. Over time you will come to adopt similar behavior patterns quite naturally, and fit well into the lo-cal community.

Network with volunteers and locals

When volunteering in Cambodia there will be times when you feel like you don’t know or un-derstand what is going on around you. This is a common feeling for many volunteers, especially when in a completely unfamiliar culture, but bear in mind that most other volunteers have experienced the very same thing. Make the most of your volunteering experience by organizing social activities with other volunteers, as this


makes everyday life much easier.

Things to do in Cambodia

Cambodia is a country offering adventure, beau-ty, history, and excitement. Whether you want to visit world famous temples in Siem Reap, relax on the beach in Battambang, or enjoy the vibrant nature of the capital, Phnom Penh, you’ll find it in Cambodia.

Here are a few things not to miss while in Cam-bodia:

• Angkor Wat• Kraite• Koh Ker• Bayon Temple• Floating markets• Bokor Hill Station• Rice fields• Tonlé Sap• Royal Palace• Shopping


CHAPTER 6 : Completion of project and follow up

Photo Credit: criaonline.ning.com

When you arrive back from volunteering in Cam-bodia, you will want to share your journey and experiences with friends and family. Many peo-ple will be interested in hearing about your pro-ject, the people you worked with, the friend-ships you made, and the challenges you faced during your time volunteering in Cambodia.

Share your experiences

A great way to share your volunteer experi-ence is by posting pictures on your Facebook page with details about the project. You could also set up a blog with photos and write stories about your volunteer project and traveling ad-ventures in Cambodia.

Community

Share your lessons learned on your volunteer project with your local community to raise awareness of global problems, and how change can happen with a determined and passionate team. You can also set up a blog on wordpress. It’s free to do and an easy way to share your volunteer travels with others doing the same around the world.

Feedback/ Reviews

It’s a great idea to help your host family and organization by leaving a review on their Face-book page or website. It’s a small token which shows your appreciation of them, and will also help other future volunteers to make their deci-sion.


Show Support

If you feel passionate enough about your volun-teering experience, and the time you spent with the volunteer organization, then you can con-tinue to support them in various ways, includ-ing: liking their posts and pictures on Facebook, or sharing their official Facebook page Or you could organize some fundraising activities to raise cash to fund their future work.


CHAPTER 7 : Most Frequently Asked Questions From VolunteersThere are lots of things to think about when planning an organizing a volunteering experience in Cambodia, including documentation, itinerary, volunteer project details and host family informa-tion. This section looks at the most popular last minute questions volunteers tend to have, and provides brief answers for each one.

How will I get from the airport to my host family/volunteer house?

Depending on the arrangements you made with your volunteer organization typically someone will pick you up at the airport and drive you to either your project or host family house. Make sure that you have provided your volunteer organization with all your flight details, and that you confirm who will collect you and where you will meet a few days before you fly out.

Will there be support from staff in country?

Yes. Your organization will either have a dedicated staff and office in Cambodia, or be partnered with a local volunteer organization whose staff will play the same role. Get the relevant contact details from your volunteer organization before you leave.

How many other volunteers will be on the same project as me?

There is no definite answer to this question as some projects need lots of volunteers while others operate on a much smaller scale. It may also depend on the season you choose to volunteer in, as summer tends to be the most popular time to join a program.

If I volunteer with my friend can we be placed in the project and housed together?

You should not have any trouble arranging this, but it is best to confirm it is okay before making your final payment for a program.

Are meals and housing provided?

Most volunteer programs include accommodation and some meals in your program fees. Accom-modation is usually with a host family, which includes 2-3 meals a day, but in some places accom-modation will be in a hostel and involve self catering. If this information is not included on their website it’s best to ask someone at your volunteer organization what is actually included on your placement.

Will my host family be able to speak English?

Not all host families in Cambodia will speak English. If you think this will be a problem than please notify your organization so that they can find a more suitable accommodation option for you.

Can I travel to other cities during my days off?

Yes, on your days off you are encouraged to make the most of your volunteering experience and enjoy the many things your destination country has to offer. Cambodia has a regular and reliable


long distance bus service, which makes it quite easy to travel to nearby cities in your free time.

Do I have to bring my own bedding?

If you are placed in accommodation at a hostel or with a host family than bedding will be supplied.

How will I get to my project every day?

Getting to and from your volunteer project each day may involve a short walk or perhaps a bus ride; it really depends on where your project is located. Some projects may expect you to make your own arrangements where others may provide a transportation service for you. Check with your organization for full details on your particular situation.

Can I speak with a volunteer who has worked on this project in the past?

Many organizations now have volunteer communities or forums on their websites where you can communicate with project alumni. If there is no opportunity to ask questions in a place like this you could ask for a couple of email addresses, and make direct contact with people yourself.

What kind of food will I eat while I’m there?

If you are staying with a host family in Cambodia then it is likely that you will be served traditional Cambodian food. Breakfast is usually scrambled eggs with rice. Rice and beans with grilled meat or fish is a common choice for lunch and dinner in Cambodia.

How many hours per day will I be volunteering?

In general most volunteers work around 4-6 hours a day, however this will depend on the project you are participating in. Check the exact details of your placement with your organization.

How much money do I need to bring?

Transportation, groceries, and eating out are very cheap in Cambodia. You can get a delicious plate of Cambodian food for a couple of dollars, and if you are living with a host family you will not need to buy many meals. So really you just need to bring enough money to fund your social activities, basic daily expenses such as bottled water and any travel plans you may have pre or post project.

This free eBook is just written to help volunteers. So please use this book just as a general reference or source

of information. We cannot guarantee the validity of information as changes in the field can be sudden. As it is

impossible to provide a definite or authoritative guide it is vital you verify information directly with a relevant

and up to date source. We cannot be held liable in any way for damages caused should you choose to overlook

this advice.

Cambodia Volunteering Guidebook

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Transcript of Cambodia Volunteering Guidebook