GoAbroad

Volunteering with Children in Cambodia for Teens

by: Projects Abroad

4.71 (7)VerifiedSince 1992

Join a global group of teens (ages 14-18) in Phnom Penh to teach and care for children from disadvantaged communities. This program is the perfect mix of education and hands-on impact. In the mornings, you’ll work in local kindergartens or schools, teaching basic English through songs and games to help children build a brighter future. In the afternoons, you’ll swap your lesson plans for paintbrushes and shovels to renovate classrooms, build vegetable gardens, or upgrade playgrounds. You’ll also visit the S-21 Museum and Killing Fields, gaining a deep, informative look into Cambodia’s history and why your work here matters so much. For the weekend, you’ll travel to Siem Reap for a sunrise tour of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. From meditating with Buddhist monks and watching traditional Apsara dances to tasting snacks at local bug markets, this trip is packed with fun and discovery. With 24/7 staff support and a social schedule full of karaoke nights and pizza parties, you’ll build friendships with teenagers from around the world as you work and explore together.

Program Highlights

Teach local children English and run interactive educational games in kindergartens and primary schools

Transform community spaces through hands-on renovation projects like painting classrooms and building sustainable school gardens

Witness the sunrise over the magnificent Angkor Wat during an epic weekend trip to the ancient temples of Siem Reap

Immerse yourself in Khmer culture through traditional water blessings, Apsara dance shows, and authentic cooking experiences

Connect with a global group of teenagers in a safe, social, and fully supervised environment with 24/7 support from our expert team

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026, 2027Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • Summer
Age Requirement: 14-20
Types & Subjects
Causes:
  • Arts
  • Childcare & Children
  • Community Centers
  • Education
  • Health Education
  • Recreation
  • Special Needs
  • Sports
  • Teaching
  • Youth
  • Youth Development
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Apr 09, 2026

Awards

GoAbroad Innovation Awards 2024 Finalist - Study Abroad ProgramInnovative Volunteer Abroad Program 2023 FinalistTop Rated Notable Mentions 2022Innovative New Program – Volunteer Abroad Finalist 2022Notable Mention 2021 - High School Abroad

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

4.71

Total Reviews

7

Working in Kindergarten

December 20, 2023by: Agnes
5

What an incredible amazing life experience. Projects Abroad from the beginning to the end were professional, friendly, organised, always available for a call or email and helpful. The project was truly inspirational, a beautiful insight into Cambodia culture and way of living. I would highly recommend it to everyone, just speak to them!

Projects Abroad logo
Projects Abroad responded to this reviewJanuary 03, 2024

Thanks for leaving us a review, Agnes. It's great to read about your experience on the project and insight into Cambodian culture. Thank you for choosing Projects Abroad!

Experience of the life

October 21, 2023by: Adriana De Alberti
5

I loved every moment of my volunteering project. Project Abroad staff is really professional and careful. During first two weeks, for my Grown Up Discovery tour, I visited a lot of places in Cambodia (Phnom Penh - Royal Palace and every place remembering killing fields of Khmer Rouge, Kampot with his pepper farm and Kep, Battambang where I’ve had an amazing ride on the real Bamboo Battambang train and finally Siem Riep with Angkor Wat, Bayon and floating village). Everything has been perfect and I enjoyed all places and experience. I stayed in contact with Cambodian people and they are really wonderful, kind and respectful in every situation. My experience in kindergarten was wonderful; children were so cute and teachers are very friendly. I teach basic English, played with children and helped teachers in some activities like well washing hands, eat and something else. In volunteering house (Bayon house) I felt like at my home. Our Cambodian mummy (Mira and Sami) were really kind and so cute. I cried a lot when I’ve to come back in Italy. I suggest this experience to everyone, young and just a little older like me (I’m 55 years old and this is my first volunteering experience). Thanks Project Abroad… I’ll come back again. Adriana from Italy

Experience of a lifetime

October 10, 2023by: Sienna
4

The 2 weeks I spent volunteering in Cambodia taking part in the childcare and community project was the greatest experience of my life. As a 16 year old travelling alone to a different country and to volunteer was scary at first, but as soon as I touched down in Phnom Penh and met the projects abroad staff my fears instantly disappeared. During my stay in Cambodia being placed in a primary school teaching young children English, sports, arts and the joy found within attending school was the most rewarding and uplifting experience I have ever had. Although at times our days would seem challenging, seeing the joy my fellow volunteers and I could bring to these young children’s faces and the impact we could make on their attitudes towards learning and attending school as well as the difference we made to their school/learning facilities, made all the hard work we put in worth it. Aside from our time attending the school, we were offered numerous amounts of amazing opportunities to engage within the culture of Cambodia by visiting many local tourist attractions and taking part in many cultural activities, these experiences gave us real insight to Cambodia as a country and the hardships they have been through and made us realise how much our help meant and impacted them, and why they need it. This was without a doubt the best and most rewarding experience of my life. At the end of my stay I walked away with several new life long friends from all over the world and memories I’ll treasure forever. It was a very eye opening experience that I learnt and grew so much from, therefore I am very greatly to have been able to take part in this program. I truely could not recommend this experience more!

An unforgettable experience in Cambodia

August 25, 2022by: Sakura Anzai
5

Actually I was so nervous at the first. Cuz I’m not good at English and there’s only 5 Japanese in our team. But thanks for our team staffs and teammates, I could have a lot of wonderful experiences.

Importance of challenging

August 16, 2022by: Sora Ichinomiya
5

I had a very wonderful experience in two weeks.Teaching English to Cambodian children was a lot of fun, and I myself was very encouraged by them.Also, the school's road building was very difficult.However, I found it very rewarding to see the children happy. I had a very meaningful time interacting with people from other countries for the first time.The rice was also very delicious.I think the good thing about this program is that I can spend time cooperating with people from various countries.

Teaching in a circle sitting on grass

Importance of challenging

August 15, 2022by: Ichinomiya Sora
5

I had a very wonderful experience in two weeks.Teaching English to Cambodian children was a lot of fun, and I myself was very encouraged by them.Also, the school's road building was very difficult.However, I found it very rewarding to see the children happy. I had a very meaningful time interacting with people from other countries for the first time.The rice was also very delicious.I think the good thing about this program is that I can spend time cooperating with people from various countries.

Teaching outdoors

Cambodian care project

July 28, 2022by: Noah Cyr
4

My 3 weeks spent in Phnom Penh, Cambodia were worth many more. I highly recommend Projects Abroad for anyone interested in new experiences and have a love for travel. Monday through Friday I taught and played with kindergarteners aged 3-5. Although it was a bit tiring, I loved every second of it. After speaking with many other volunteers, everyone I knew has left with more love, appreciation, and enthusiasm for the country and culture. I will definitely return again!!

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Arts
  • Childcare & Children
  • Community Centers
  • Education
  • Health Education
  • Recreation
  • Special Needs
  • Sports
  • Teaching
  • Youth
  • Youth Development

Availability

Years Offered: 2026, 2027

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • Summer

Age Requirement

14-20

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Training
  • Guide / Chaperone
  • Emergency Support
  • Required Equipment
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Public Transportation Pass
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • High School Senior (4th Year)
  • High School Junior (3rd Year)
  • High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • High School Freshman (1st Year)

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

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