Volunteer in Cambodia: The Heart of South East Asia

It was the best thing I could have done. I can't even begin to describe what it taught me and how enriching it was. I was super excited to go, but somehow this experience exceeded my expectations. I think it really depends on each person, but for me, being in a completely new environment, so far from home, not knowing anyone, not speaking the language, and without the comfort I’m used to, was surprisingly refreshing. I found kindness, openness, and peace. The most important thing I learned was how to be adaptable, and that I can be incredibly happy, even without the things I always thought I needed. My only advice is: don’t arrive thinking you have to understand or explain everything. Take time to observe, how people live, what they talk about, what matters to them. You’re not there to judge or correct anything. I answered questions, joked about differences, shared how things work back home, but always with respect.

Cambodia has everything you could ask for in a volunteer destination – great people, unique culture and awesome adventures! There is also a strong demand for people to help address the deep-rooted socio-economic issues facing Cambodia today. That is exactly where volunteers step in! Volunteer programs are numerous and diverse, satisfying any skill set you have to offer or are looking to develop. I volunteered on a 6-month placement, volunteering with a development NGO in Phnom Penh. And guess what? They offered me a job and now I live here! Whilst I loved (and still love) my placement, I greatly value the camaraderie within the volunteer house, offering support after a challenging day and encouragement exploring the street food scene! Grilled frog skewers anyone? If you plan to stay longer than a few weeks there is also a small but strong expat community. And plenty of delightful coffee shops when you’re looking for some quiet time (and air-conditioning!). Opportunities for weekend trips are abundant, satisfying any and all travel experiences you could ask for! Whilst the tourism industry throughout the country is still largely in its infancy (outside of Siem Reap), locals are always very generous with their efforts to help – and knowing a little Khmer goes a long way! As does taking the time to learn and practice the social and cultural customs. Quick trips to neighboring Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos are also very do-able. Some journeys can take longer than expected but I have never felt unsafe, despite what I may have heard and read prior to departure. I appreciate the opportunity of living abroad, even with all its ups and downs. Cambodia forces you to reevaluate your priorities and experience gratitude in profound ways. Especially when the power goes out! I recommend volunteering in Cambodia and the team at IVHQ :)

Volunteered with IVHQ for 2 months in Cambodia - taught english at Happy School. My whole trip was AMAZING - am very pleased with every single aspect of it. IVHQ staff outside of Cambodia before I left were very kind, always replied to emails and my questions and made me feel confident and safe about leaving New Zealand. In Cambodia I stayed at the Volunteer house in Phnom Penh, amazing house, yum food and very lovely staff who even helped with visas for other countries. Recommend IVHQ 100% and I, myself will be volunteering abroad with them again sometime soon. Very professional - nothing to fault! Life changing experience

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.

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.

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.