When I booked the Sustainable Community Development project in Cambodia, I had no idea what to expect. I could not…
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Teach English to children aged 6-13 in the rural community of Samraong, Cambodia, at our school dedicated to providing free education. As a volunteer, you will support local teachers by delivering English lessons and following a structured curriculum tailored to students’ needs. Beyond the classroom, participants can contribute to construction and renovation projects aimed at improving school facilities. The program encourages cultural exchange and community involvement, offering volunteers a meaningful opportunity to experience Cambodian traditions firsthand.
Program Highlights:
Your Schedule at a Glance:
Day 1, Sunday: Arrive at Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport and travel to your accommodations in Samraong. Settle in and meet fellow volunteers.
Day 2, Monday: You will receive an orientation, complete with a culture lesson, Khmer language lesson, tour of the area and introduction to your placement of choice.
Days 3-6, Tuesday-Friday: Rewarding volunteer work at the school or construction project.
Days 7-8, Saturday-Sunday: The weekend is free for volunteers to relax or travel.
Remaining Weeks: Remaining weeks will follow the pattern of volunteering Monday-Friday and having weekends free. Departures are on a Saturday.
What’s Included
What’s not Included
Flights, visas (if required), travel health insurance, lunch on the weekends, personal expenses
Samraong, translating to “impenetrable jungle” in Khmer, is a rural town in northwestern Cambodia near the Thai border. The community is recovering from years of civil conflict, with ongoing development efforts. This remote area offers a glimpse into the authentic Cambodian way of life, featuring local markets, traditional ceremonies, and lush surroundings. The project site is in a quiet village, providing a peaceful environment for volunteers. Despite its rural setting, Samraong offers basic facilities such as ATMs and local shops within a short distance. During free weekends, volunteers can visit nearby Siem Reap, just two hours away, to explore iconic landmarks like Angkor Wat.
About the Program
The program focuses on providing free education to children in Samraong who have limited access to schooling. Working alongside public education schedules, the school accommodates over 200 students aged 6 to 13, promoting their growth and learning through structured teaching and community involvement.
Volunteer Work
Volunteers can join one of the program tracks—teaching or construction. Teaching involves creating engaging English lessons and supporting local educators, while the construction program focuses on improving educational and community spaces. Both tracks encourage collaboration, creativity, and cultural exchange.
Teaching tasks may include:
Construction tasks may include:
Please note that this placement has a $50 USD supplemental fee per week.
A typical day
For teaching volunteers, the day starts with breakfast at the accommodation before heading to the school for morning lessons. Lunch is followed by preparation and an afternoon teaching session, ending the day with dinner and time for relaxation or cultural activities.
Construction volunteers begin with breakfast, followed by a morning briefing and work at the project site, which may include tasks like building, painting, or gardening. After lunch, work continues in the afternoon, concluding with dinner and free time.
Holidays: During some holidays, volunteers will be primarily involved in repairs and renovations and other outreach programs, since school will not be in session.
Read more about Top 5 Reasons to Volunteer with Communities Abroad
Participants can explore Cambodia’s vibrant culture and natural beauty during their free time. Highlights include visiting the iconic Angkor Wat temples, enjoying traditional Cambodian cooking classes, and engaging with the friendly locals. The nearby markets offer a chance to purchase handmade crafts and souvenirs, while cultural performances showcase the region’s rich traditions. Other activities include cycling through rice paddies, exploring Buddhist temples, and attending local festivals.
Culture Week (highly recommended)
As an optional add-on, volunteers can join the Siem Reap Culture Week, an immersive experience designed to introduce participants to Cambodia’s rich heritage. This week includes guided visits to iconic landmarks like Angkor Wat and Phnom Krom, hands-on Khmer cooking and art workshops, and opportunities to learn about Buddhism through a Q&A session with local monks. Volunteers will also explore the vibrant night markets and Floating Village, offering an authentic glimpse into daily Cambodian life. Whether you’re soaking in the panoramic views near Tonle Sap Lake or connecting with locals over a BBQ night, this add-on promises an enriching extension to your time in Cambodia. See Additional Options below for fees.
* You also have the option to exchange your first week of volunteering with the Culture Week for no extra fee.
© 2022 GOECO | All rights reserved
Develop & Design | Msite