Volunteer Programs in Cambodia

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71 Volunteer Programs in Cambodia

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International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]
4.68
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At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservatio
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GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization
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GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 20...
See All 5 ProgramsInternational Medical Aid (IMA)
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International Medical Aid's (IMA) Physiotherapy Internships were created for aspiring and established physical therapists. Designed by IMA, a not-for-profit organization founded at Johns Hopkins University, this program bridges the gap between academic study and practical, hands-on experience in som
Gapforce
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Combine adventure travel and volunteering in this awesome 8-week journey to three of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful destinations: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam! Take part in conservation and community-based projects, further enriched with traditional backpacking. From the bustling cities of Ban
Love Volunteers
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This crucial program works with communities in rural Cambodia, where the people suffer greatly from human rights abuses, discrimination, poverty, health issues, and low education levels. The Community Development Program aims to work with these communities to build a fairer, more egalitarian society
See All 5 ProgramsVolunteering Journeys
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Sign-up for our medical volunteering programs abroad if you are a medical or healthcare student who is aspiring for a medical career but needs real-time training and mentoring. You don’t necessarily have to have a medical degree, as requirements are different for each program. There are even pre-med
See All 9 ProgramsVolunteer World
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Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller g
See All 3 ProgramsPacific Discovery
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Explore Southeast Asia on a 10-week journey through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam—where travel becomes transformation. Volunteer at ethical elephant sanctuaries, trek to remote mountain villages, explore ancient temples, and engage with communities through meaningful, culturally respectful e
Carpe Diem Education
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A region accentuated by the colorful robes of Buddhist monks, the vivid greens of rice fields and jungle forests, and the cultural diversity of hill tribe communities—this is the ultimate Southeast Asia semester. Each country offers a unique cultural experience unto itself, and each faces the challe
Kaya Responsible Travel
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Volunteer abroad with Kaya and help make quality education accessible to children from rural areas. You will work at a voluntary school started in 2008 by a local community leader to encourage kids to learn English. This project had a largely positive impact, with more than 400 children attending ei
See All 2 ProgramsRustic Pathways
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Lush jungles and picturesque landscapes await! Cambodia’s unique mix of contemporary charm creates the perfect stage for the perfect adventure! We offer transformative journeys that combine cultural immersion with service learning. Highlights include exploring the majestic Angkor Wat, participating
World Endeavors
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World Endeavors offers exciting programs that allow participants to experience Cambodia while contributing to the community in a meaningful way. Volunteers can choose from a variety of immersive, unique, and rewarding community engagement projects, including Temple Conservation, Mangrove Conservatio
Roots Interns
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Embark on a journey to Cambodia and join a comprehensive social impact program to uplift communities. Experience firsthand the process of designing educational initiatives within a nonprofit context, all while helping children and their families to break the chains of poverty. This internship opp
See All 5 ProgramsVolunteers For Peace
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Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Volunteers For Peace (a Vermont-based nonprofit) can place you on a team of international volunteers who contribute to a meaningful community service project designed, planned, and hosted by local partners. We offer the most affordable projects and the best w
Projects Abroad
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Cambodia is a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia and an incredible place to explore. Whether you’re on a gap year, an aspiring professional, or a teen looking for the summer of a lifetime, our programs offer total cultural immersion. From our home base in the electric streets of Phnom Penh to
See All 3 Programs4.64
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New Dream of Cambodian Children Organization (NDCCO) is a non-profit organization in Phneachey Village, on the outskirts of Siem Reap. NDCCO was founded in 2014 and was registered as an official NGO in 2018 with the government of Cambodia under number 2197. We provide free education, school meals, a
Globalteer
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The project is dedicated to helping the domestic elephant population in Cambodia and conserving their habitat. The project primarily works with the tribal Bunong peoples to help them, help their elephants. The end goal is the improvement of the welfare and living conditions of the elephants and
See All 7 ProgramsInvolvement Volunteers International
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Participate in an amazing village school project that was completely built by volunteers under the supervision of local management with in-depth knowledge of the local challenges and opportunities. Providing free education, the school now holds over 200 children from nearby villages who eagerly rel
See All 2 Programs4
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Cambodia Volunteer Foundation (CVF) is a community-driven organization dedicated to empowering Cambodian communities through the power of international volunteerism. Founded with a deep commitment to sustainable development, CVF connects compassionate volunteers from around the world with meaningful
Globe Aware
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Do more than experience Cambodia in this Globe Aware volunteer program abroad. Make a real, lasting impact on the lives of children and people from village communities by participating in a range of projects. These include repairing homes in indigent areas, assembling wheelchairs, and interacting wi
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Active Volunteers Abroad (AVA) is a leading volunteer NGO trusted by more than 4,000 volunteers. AVA offers volunteer abroad programs starting from just US$25 per day, including accommodation. With AVA, you can volunteer overseas for periods ranging from 1 to 24 weeks. Programs are available year-ro
See All 2 Programs0
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Length: 4-6 months | Intakes: January Join the Global Leadership Programme, designed to provide you with hands-on experience supporting the work of an international development charity. We are looking for passionate graduates, who are keen to learn about global challenges, work with youth and defin
People and Places
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Join people and places in Cambodia as we support businesses in Siem Reap that focus on developing skills and creating opportunities for local people, helping them to take control of their earning potential and to reduce dependency on the tourist dollar. In particular, we support a business that prov
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CAYE is a registered youth charitable organization in Mzuzu, Malawi. Established in 2014, CAYE works in the Northern Region and parts of the Central Region to empower young people, women, and small-scale farmers to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national development. CAYE focuses on yo
Impact Gap Year
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Take on an 8-month trip of adventure, community service, and community development across the globe. Join a gap year program that will take you to enchanting destinations filled with cultural immersions, impactful volunteering, and an unforgettable summer experience. Your journey will begin in Cost
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Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC), a community-based NGO, runs a range of research-focused programs. One of our initiatives is the Marine Mammal Project, which focuses on studying two endangered dolphin species and the critically endangered dugong. Volunteers assist with data collection by joining
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ASPIRE Training & Education is a non-profit, volunteer-run school and home for poor, homeless, and orphaned children in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Since 2012, it has provided free education, life skills, and a safe living environment through donations and volunteers. Volunteers teach English, art, music,
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Feeding Dreams Cambodia offers a chance to make a real difference in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Our program allows volunteers to support underprivileged children and families. You will work with local staff to provide education, meals, and community support. Whether you're teaching English, helping in the
A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in Cambodia
Locations
Cambodia’s geographic diversity means volunteer placement locations range from large cities to rural areas. Regardless of location, Cambodia is brimming with possibilities to lend a helping hand (or two) while exploring old temples, large tree roots, and timeless towns.
Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s capital and former hub of both French colonialists and the Khmer Empire. When they aren’t busy volunteering, volunteers can take a stroll along the city’s riverfront and visit the Silver Pagoda or the National Museum, which houses artifacts from all over the country. Better yet, grab a mini buddha souvenir at the Russian Market, then spend a sombre afternoon exploring the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. Things have cheered up since the Khmer Empire, so the Killing Fields have turned into a peaceful place that holds a special memorial every May. Don’t forget to finish up every day of volunteering in Phnom Penh with some sticky rice and a glass of fresh coconut milk!
Siem Reap is the entrance town to the famous Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and a World Heritage Site. Check out the colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter and the Old Market. Don’t miss the Landmine museum, which holds a collection of mines, mortars, and weaponry; a true blast from the past that boasts a much fancier version of minesweeper for some intense interaction. Wrap up your visit at a traditional Apsara dance performance, or if you prefer the outdoors, stop by the Prek Toal bird sanctuary nearby.
Rabbit Island is a little paradise located just two miles off the country's southern coast, in the Gulf of Thailand. Back in the day, the island was a rehabilitation center for convicted criminals, who were in turn used to defend the island. Now, volunteers and travelers alike enjoy the island’s white sand beaches, and researchers and ecologists flock here to study the plants and animals found in the surrounding coral reefs.
Volunteer Programs in Cambodia
There are many opportunities to volunteer in Cambodia. Flex those volunteering muscles through business development, advocacy work, and teaching options in this gem of Southeast Asia. Generally, if you plan to learn as much Khmer (the local language) as possible, stick with smaller sites, as urban areas will tempt you to speak English because you’ll be more likely to run into English-speaking tourists.
While Cambodia is still rebuilding its education systems, volunteers are needed to teach specialty trades and skills. Therefore, Cambodia is in need of English teaching volunteers. Teaching English can be a great way to volunteer in Cambodia and make a sustainable impact. With tourism rising in Cambodia, business leaders seek bilingual staff and volunteers to teach adults, teenagers, and even preschoolers. Teaching opportunities range from part-time to full-time, and from classes and groups to individual instruction or live-in settings.
Business development is booming in Cambodia, so volunteers well versed in marketing, social media, and finance are extremely helpful for local businesses. Not to mention, microfinance companies are taking off with great success throughout Cambodia, allowing low-income applicants to start small businesses. Volunteers willing to mentor, finance, and play a role in community and economic development are invaluable to locals
Human trafficking is a very prevalent human rights issue throughout Asia, and can be seen in the form of sex trafficking in Cambodia. Therefore, volunteers are needed in rehabilitation settings with women, men, and children rescued from forced bondage and other volatile situations.
Costs & Affordability
Once you land in Cambodia, it will not be difficult to feel like a king living at royal court, especially for those coming from Westernized countries. However, don’t succumb to frivolous spending and keep in mind the generous nature of your volunteering, even when you aren’t “on the clock.”
Due to the lack of economic development, Southeast Asia has an extremely low cost of living, so you can get by on a tight budget as a volunteer in Cambodia. Food and transportation costs are relatively low, and the dollar goes a long way. In Phnom Penh, for example, you can hire a tuk-tuk driver for about $20 a day to take you around to all of the sites.
Those who choose to eat at local markets while volunteering in Cambodia will find tasty rice and noodle plates for as little as a dollar, and the Cambodian version of baguette sandwiches on the street go for half of that! For nicer, sit-down restaurants, prices will run upwards of $3. Be aware that you may get charged more as a foreigner (but really, is it worth haggling an extra ten cents on a $.50 cent coconut, when most people live off of $1 a day?).
Volunteer program fees usually include housing, on site transportation, and meals. Most volunteer programs in Cambodia don’t include flight costs, therefore travel costs combined with program costs can make volunteering fairly expensive. Before backing out of volunteering in Cambodia because of the costs, be sure to check out fundraising opportunities to raise money for your trip.
Accommodation & Visas
While accommodations in Cambodia will vary depending on the structure and location of your volunteer work, you will likely discover a few commonalities throughout the country, including a lower standard of living, basic furnishings, and no promise of hot water. However, local organizations do typically supply pre-arranged accommodations to make sure volunteers have a comfortable place to rest their heads at night. And we promise, what you miss out on in mattress thickness, you will make up for in views and company.
Most volunteer programs in Cambodia will provide volunteers with the opportunity to stay with a homestay family, which is a great way to experience the local culture and practice Khmer. Living with a local family will give you the chance to adopt a foreign way of life and learn how to say highly-useful phrases, such as “‘I’d like more of your delicious noodles, please’” Other individuals that volunteer in Cambodia will live in dorms, crashing alongside their fellow international volunteers. Though this option will give you more independence, it offers less chances to practice the local language.
Regardless of nationality, you will need a visa to volunteer in Cambodia. Most volunteer program packages don’t include visa fees. Instead, volunteer organizations will coach you through the visa process. Refer to an embassy or consulate in your home country and get an up to date list of requirements.
Benefits & Challenges
During the The Khmer Rouge takeover in the 1970s, the government condemned creativity, self-expression, and education as rebellious acts, so education and all means of making a living through traditional skills were halted. The transition to an open community, with a liberal mentality and right of voice is still underway, so your contribution of global perspectives and patient understanding will facilitate this process. As you volunteer in Cambodia, sharing your time and skills, take time to offer honest conversation and respectful opinions as well.
The Cambodian people are recovering from their harsh past, so as a volunteer in Cambodia, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the astounding poverty and unemployment that still affects the country. Yet the longer volunteers stay, the better they integrate into the culture and learn to understand the true worth of life’s necessities. Market vendors, rickshaw drivers, and curious passers-by will greet you with a warm smile and a sense of optimism, and you won’t be able to not smile back.
Cambodians will teach you that there’s always a way to rebuild. Volunteering in Cambodia will show you, day by day, that it’s possible to work toward a brighter future, no matter the challenges. Come to make a difference for the better, and leave a much better version of yourself!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I volunteer in Cambodia?
If you want to volunteer in Cambodia, make sure to research available opportunities on platforms like GoAbroad.com! After, ensure that you meet program requirements, apply to a trusted organization, and research your destination.
Do you need a visa to volunteer in Cambodia?
You can volunteer in Cambodia on a 30-day tourist visa, granted via eVisa for most nationalities. If you intend to volunteer in Cambodia beyond 30 days, it's recommended than you obtain a business visa instead.
Where can I volunteer in Cambodia?
Pod Volunteer and Projects Abroad are two organizations in Cambodia that provide volunteer opportunities. The best way to find a suitable volunteering opportunity in Cambodia is to research and contact these organizations.
Is Cambodia safe?
Yes, volunteering in Cambodia is risk-free. To stay safe, as with anywhere in the world, you'll need to use good judgement and exercise caution, especially while you're traveling alone.
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