Gap Year Programs in Cambodia

No matter what your area of expertise is, or what skills you want to further develop, there’s a wide number of gap year programs in Cambodia. The tricky part? Finding the right place to support your goals. Here are the most popular cities and places for gap years in Cambodia.

Siem Reap is the most popular destination for gappers in Cambodia. Why? It might have something to do with it’s proximity to Angkor Wat (this temple complex is AMAAAAAZING) or the fact that it is one of the most impoverished areas in the whole of the country. Gap year programs in Siem Reap often straddle the two, allowing for adventures amidst volunteering to help the local population. Volunteer projects typically include construction or teaching English, whereas your adventures will revolve around trying crispy tarantulas at the Old Market and getting “fishy” foot massages.

Since we’re talking about adventure and Siem Reap is surrounded by countryside, the latest trend just happens to be quad biking, where you can bump along the canvas of green lands and watch the sunset over the rice paddies.

Phnom Penh. Cambodia’s capital city, also known as the “The pearl of Asia,” is considered one of the prettiest cities the French built in Indochina. Gap year programs in Phnom Penh allow plenty of time to admire the city’s beauty, while also giving back in meaningful ways. Volunteer on your gap year and give your time to orphanages in Cambodia, which unfortunately are quite prevalent. If your heart is drawn to those more furry, consider volunteering with endangered and vulnerable species at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, less than an hour away.

Before you decide where to do your gap year in Cambodia, you should also consider how you want to spend your time. Follow in the footsteps of past gappers here to focus your efforts on some of the following activities:

Camp jobs. English language camps are very common in Cambodia, and a great option if you want to try on the life of an ESL teacher. In this type of gap year program, you’ll be teaching English in Cambodia to children of different ages—reviewing grammar structures, reciting new vocab, teaching them your favorite games (Heads up Seven up, anyone?). Don’t worry, you’ll also have plenty of time to explore between lessons and lesson planning!

Medical volunteering. Volunteers make a huge difference in the lives of sick children in Cambodia; if you have an interest in becoming a doctor someday, or working in the medical field, you can start honing your skills by providing support in basic nutrition and hygiene education. Gap year students in Cambodia can also help with the implementation of sanitation facilities or educating locals on malaria prevention.

Sports coaching. Play ball! Coaching sports while on your Cambodia gap year is a fun and rewarding experience, where you get the opportunity to share your skills and knowledge with children and young adults while supporting local teams, schools, and charities. Don’t be afraid of trying local sports, like Khmer boxing or Sepak takraw, while you’re there!

Costs. Great news for you — the prices for gap year programs in Cambodia are pretty low, and generally include everything you might expect to spend your money on (from accommodations to activities and support!). Life in Cambodia is affordable, especially if you pig out on Amok from street-food stalls. Still, you can beat the budget blues by getting a part-time job and saving up for your trip, and/or start a campaign on FundMyTravel to hit up friends and family to raise money for your gap year in Cambodia.

Accommodations. Dorm rooms and hotels can be as affordable as less than $5 per night! Feeling luxurious? Splurge for rooms in guesthouses with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and breakfast for so much as $15 - $20 per night. Generally speaking, gap year programs in Cambodia will have accommodation included in the price.

Visas. The recommended visa for gappers in Cambodia is the E visa, which you will get on arrival in the country. It is valid for 30 days, costs $35 and can be extended indefinitely once you are there. Recently, there have been rumors about needing a work permit to extend long-stay visas and work in Cambodia, but nothing has been confirmed to date. For more information, check out our GoAbroad embassy directory. 

Safety. Cambodia is a pretty safe country, but, like anywhere else, stay aware of your security. Be cautious for bag grabbers on the street and avoid night strolls by yourself, keep your valuables at the house, stay away from any artillery or war material that you may come across (mines are a problem in Cambodia), and although they are harmless, taxi or moto scams do happen. Avoid unmarked vehicles or use other means of transportation.

We’ve been all over the world, and we want to make sure you get the best out of your gap year in Cambodia. So, here’s the inside scoop that we at GoAbroad think you should know before you depart:

• If you’re going to be teaching, bring something for the kids (crayons, pencils, papers etc.). It’s a great way to start your new adventure and you will make them very happy.
• Pack your bug spray and sunscreen! Cambodia has an all year-round warm weather, and you don’t want insects or sun burns to ruin your adventure.
• Try and learn a few useful words and phrases in Khmer before you leave. This will impress your students and locals and it will help you make a lot of friends.
• Plan your temple visits for early in the morning before the heat gets the best of you! Then, take a few rides in the tuk tuk around town and enjoy the Cambodian nightlife.

Cambodia is the perfect place for any gapper to take a break from their own world but make a difference in another. Don’t you want to be a hero, even for a short while? Go re-watch Angelina Jolie’s Tomb Raider, grab your camera, and get your bags ready for your incredible gap year in Cambodia!

Keep reading! 6 Reasons You Should Take A Gap Year Between High School And College