Internships in Siem Reap, Cambodia

After graduating in 2023 with a degree in International Relations, I knew I was passionate about working in the third sector. I did Operation Raleigh in 2024, where I spent 3 months in South Africa, I met many people who were on their gap year before university and many were planning to travel South East Asia in this time too. When I got back I wasn't satisfied with my life, struggling to find any opportunity for a role that I was passionate about. I then decided to work hard to save up to go traveling in 2026. I knew while I was traveling I wanted to do some kind of volunteering or internship, that's when I came across Roots Interns, who I had never heard of, but I found an NGO Management Internship based in Cambodia and was instantly set on making it my goal. In the months leading up to my departure I was busy planning my solo traveling, but Nakeshia from Root was always on hand to talk me through the logistics of my internship, along with answering any stupid questions I had. My expectations of this internship were beyond exceeded, I was welcomed with open hearts, and the team were amazing! I learnt many things during my time, spending time with each department of the NGO and learning my strengths and my weaknesses. I was sad to leave in November but I had more travel plans to continue. Except this wasn't where it ended. I stayed in contact with Volunteer Building Cambodia's (VBC) Founder Mr Sinn. He always mentioned if I wanted to come back there would always be a place for me here (like I said, open heart). So when I found myself at a bit of a crossroads, do I go back to England or do I fly back to Cambodia with the little money I have left. A year ago if you had put this decision infront of me I would've stayed in my comfort zone and gone back to England, but I chose to take a risk and head back to Siem Reap. Two days after I arrived back, I met with Mr Sinn and he offered me a role in VBC as Marketing & Communications, the following day I was moving in to my apartment, and the following week I was back in the office where I was sat 4 months ago. I cannot recommend Roots Interns enough, they provided me the opportunity which has led to where I am today. Working in the third sector can be extremely competitive, but because of this Internship I have been able to jump into a role where I am learning the ropes, whilst gaining experience of working in a grassroots NGO in Cambodia. For anyone who has graduated and is struggling for an 'in', this is genuinely the perfect opportunity.

As I reflect on the people I've met during my time as an intern in Cambodia, the word that first comes to mind is genuine. From my coworkers and the students I worked with to the street food vendors who have kept me well fed, I've felt sincerely welcomed at every turn. This sense of authenticity extended into the workplace as well. The NGO I've been working for has a deeply meaningful impact on the local community, and in my role, I feel that my contributions will be long-lasting and truly student-centered, rather than oriented toward short-term volunteer experiences that primarily benefit the volunteer.

My time in Cambodia was the perfect blend of culture, hard work, learning and developing. The people are lovely and couldn’t be more helpful and I felt safe and comfortable throughout my time in Siem Reap. It has truly been amazing and I’m gutted to be leaving already!

This roots internship in Cambodia was very nice. Roots and company helped me a lot to organize everything even including my accommodation before I arrived in Cambodia. As a communications intern, I've done many tasks, but the main focuses were creating content, writing posts, and photography. Since I'm currently studying communication, it was a great experience to apply the knowledge and skills I've learned from university so far to the professional field.