Volunteer in Cambodia

The Global Volunteer Network currently has opportunities to teach conversational English through our partner organization in Cambodia. This will allow you to help students improve their English skills while at the same time immersing yourself in urban Cambodian life.

The Program

Volunteers will be working as language teachers in a school project which provides affordable conversational English language courses for students. The aim of this project is to raise money for a local NGO working to improve livelihoods in rural communities in Cambodia. Students pay a small fee to attend the classes. In the past, the money raised by the language centre has been used to improve water and sanitation, for small livestock and agriculture production and for community environmental awareness in rural Cambodia.

Volunteers teach conversational English classes which have around 10 students in each class. All students and teachers have books, from which to learn and teach. There is scope for volunteers to include their own exercises/games into each class. Most volunteers work up to 5 hours per day. Lesson plans and materials will be provided by the school to make preparation and teaching easier.

Program Location

The program is located in Cambodia's capital of Phnom Penh. The language centres, where volunteers teach, are approximately a 2 minute walk from the accommodation. Volunteers are accommodated together in a rented house. This house has running water (not hot) and electricity. Three meals per days are provided by a cook.

Program Requirements

As a volunteer teacher in Cambodia you must:

• be a native speaker of English (fluent)
• be at least 18 years old
• have no health problems
• be enthusiastic
• have cultural sensitivity and respect

No formal qualifications or teaching experience is required, although Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualifications are an advantage. TEFL qualifications can be gained at any number of institutions, many of which offer online courses.

Program Schedule

Volunteers need to arrive in Phnom Penh at set starting dates throughout the year. These occur every 3 months. The next start dates are November 28th 2007, 27th February 2008 and 28th May 2008. Volunteers need to arrive in Phnom Penh on one of these set dates, ready to start the orientation program the following day.

Volunteers can attend the program for 13 weeks only. This includes 10 days of orientation, eleven weeks teaching with some time off for a small break which will coincide with a Cambodian festival or holiday.

Program Cost

A US$350 application fee will secure your place on the program, with the remainder of your fee due for payment eight weeks before you begin your placement. You only pay your application fee once and then you can access any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years.

Your application fee includes the following benefits:

• Personal Staff Support
• Your Cambodia Program Guide
• Your Fundraising Guide and Software
• Access to Your Own Online Journal

Once your application fee is paid the remainder of the cost for your time in the Cambodia program is:

• Cost for 13 weeks - US $877

To see the cost in your local currency, we recommend you look here.

The other costs you will need to meet are: your flights (international flights into Phnom Penh), Visa, shots, travel insurance and corresponding airport departure taxes.

Your program fee includes the following benefits:

• Your In-Country Fee
• In-Country Support
• 24hr Emergency Line
• Membership To The Change Makers Club
• All Safe Travel Alert Service
• Letter Of Completion

Apply for the Cambodia Program

Your application process is free and seamless and if you are successful we will provide you with a choice of application fee payment options that include a secure online service. We also are one of the few organizations that offer a money back guarantee on your application fee up to two calendar months before the month your placement begins.
Click here to apply for the Cambodia program.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together the following page, which answers the majority of questions people have.
Click here

Volunteer Journals

If you would like to read about the experiences of some of our volunteers who are currently overseas, you can do so here. This journal service is provided free to all our volunteers.
Click here

Application Process

All applicants will be notified by email as to whether their application has been successful.

(1) Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form below. Upon receipt of the form we will assess your suitability for the program within two working days.

(2) Contact You: If you are successful we will then email you a letter of acceptance.

(3) Decision Point: Once you have read through the letter of acceptance and we have answered any questions or concerns that you might have, it is time to pay your US $350 application fee to secure your place on the program. Please note that we will refund your application fee if you decide not to go (refer to our Terms of Service for details on the refund policy).

(4) Confirmation: Once the application fee is paid, our volunteer partner will contact you to ensure everything is organized. We will also send you the link to our program guide which covers topics such as country information, travel links, visa application process, fundraising ideas and much more!

(5) Communication & Support: Throughout the application process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going.

To apply for this program, click here