Volunteer in Cambodia: The Heart of South East Asia

I recently completed a 3 week placement in Siem Reap, teaching English at the Khmer for Khmer Organization (KKO). IVHQ was a beneficial organization as not only was I provided with extremely safe and clean housing in a local volunteer house, the staff at our house and placement also were friendly and extremely helpful. In the middle of my trip I experienced an allergic reaction to mosquito bites, and the staff at the house were able to get me to a doctor ASAP and even translated for me to make sure I had sufficient care. The children and staff at my placement were wonderful, as everyone willingly accepted me and encouraged my teaching skills. Over all, I would definitely sign up once again with IVHQ as they provided safe, highly organized and structured opportunities to volunteer around the world.

I was only in my volunteer program for two weeks but this experience will have a lasting lifelong impact. The children that I worked with and the amazing women that make this incredibly difficult work there life have taught me things that I didn't even know I needed the answers to. Working with children with special needs is difficult work but so rewarding, just seeing their smiles and earning their trust will fill you with a joy and a sense of hope that you didn't even know you needed to be added to your life. I got very attached to the children very quickly, it was tough to have to say goodbye to them but I know that I will have them forever in my memories and my heart and I will always have the hope that I will one day get to come back and work with them again.

The whole program was excellent. All the IVHQ staff were friendly and happy to help. The living facilities were homely and sociable allowing you to make a great group of friends. We were served traditional Cambodian food which never disappointed and the placement was great. It was clear how grateful they were for our help and it was great to both teach and play with the children. the placement lasted in mornings only and we had weekends free allowing us to see Phnom Penh as well as visit other provinces in our free time.