Ultimate Guide to Volunteering in Cambodia

Who can volunteer and how long can you volunteer?

Like Globalteer's projects in Peru, volunteering with Globalteer in Cambodia is open to people from all over the world. There is no strict age limit. Volunteers under 18 can join with permission. This year, we had many adults even over 70, volunteering with us.

The usual length of a volunteer with the Globalteer in Cambodia program is between 1 and 12 weeks. Globalteer can accommodate those looking to volunteer alone, in groups, or as a family.

Volunteer Programmes

There are a variety of programmes for you to choose from in Cambodia. From teaching children to volunteering with elephants. You are free to dedicate your time to one project, or you can volunteer at many projects.

Rescued Bears 

If you want to volunteer at a bear sanctuary with over 100 bears, then this is the programme for you. Here, you would work with bears from the illegal wildlife trade or those who were kept as domestic pets. This programme aims to rehabilitate the bears so they can return to the wild. Furthermore, you will help prepare food, clean enclosures, and make enrichment toys.

Children Education

Those looking to work with children can volunteer at the Helping Hands School. Here, you will assist local staff in English classes, arts, games, sports, and other programs. Your duties would include helping the teacher prepare English and arts & crafts classes.

Clean Water Project

This clean water programme is ideal if you want to help rural communities gain access to water. This project aims to build water filters and distribute them to rural communities. Therefore, you'll build filters and then distribute and install them in local communities.

Community Farming

The Food and Farming Project aims to produce nutritious food for children at Helping Hands and the local community. The duties of this programme are maintaining crops, gardens, and farms. Therefore, you may prepare the ground for planting seeds and harvesting crops.

Elephants Volunteering

Those looking to volunteer at an elephant sanctuary should consider this programme. This programme aims to help rescued elephants from logging and elephant-ride tourism. Additionally, you will walk with elephants into the forest to find food and watch elephants bathe in the river. Furthermore, you can even help at a washing station and maintain the elephant sanctuary.

Indigenous People

Consider this programme if you want to help Cambodian people preserve their culture. The aim is to help the Bunong people preserve traditions under threat from modernization. Furthermore, Bunong youth are ready to document their way of life. You may collect their information, conduct interviews, and help to develop basic computer skills.

Rescued Cats and Dogs

If you want to help end the suffering of stray animals in Cambodia, then consider this programme. This programme feeds, cleans, and cares for cats, dogs, and chickens with the ultimate aim of improving local animal rights. You will primarily make food and feed the animals. In addition, you may provide basic medical care, socialize, and play with the animals.

Sports for Children

If you love games and want to help children grow through sports, this programme is a great fit. It brings sports to children who normally don’t have access to them. This volunteer program uses games to teach skills like teamwork, leadership, and confidence. So, you may help in training sessions, organizing sports days, and supporting general project activities.

Important information to know pre-arrival

Before you embark on your trip to Cambodia, there are a few things to know prior to your arrival. The most important is:

• Vaccinations: It is important to consult a medical professional to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date. Additionally, it is recommended that volunteers are up to date with basic vaccinations. Furthermore, get more vaccination information here; Globalteer does not cover vaccination costs.
• Visa: Get the e-visa (not the tourist visa) as this allows you to extend depending on the length of your stay. The current rate for the initial e-visa is $42. You can apply for the e-visa here.
• Weather: Cambodia can be very hot, even during the rainy season. The weather is important for many reasons. First, some programmes may need you to do manual labour. Therefore, it is important to consult a medical professional. Second, it is important to remember to buy items such as sunscreen, sunglasses and hats. So, you can stay safe in different conditions. We have a great guide on when is the best time to volunteer in Cambodia.

Arrival in Cambodia

After your paperwork, you are ready to travel to Cambodia. You will land at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap International Airport, depending on your programme.

• Volunteer House in Siem Reap: The Volunteer House is in a quiet and safe neighbourhood. It has a clean water filter that is changed often, so you don’t need to buy bottled water. The kitchen has a stove, microwave, rice cooker, toaster, and simple cooking tools.
• Amenities: Within walking distance of the guesthouse is a laundromat which charges $1 per kilogram. There is also a gym within walking distance. Finally, a 5-minute walk from the guesthouse will take you to the Angkor supermarket. Here, you can find everything you need for survival.
• Transport: Public transport is available, and the Pass app for Cambodia’s taxi service is the most recommended option. It costs approximately $1 to travel from the guesthouse to the center of town.
• Other Accommodations: Some volunteers don’t want to stay in shared accommodation. So, we also have options for guesthouses and upgraded hotels. These are great for couples, families, and older volunteers.

Things to do in Cambodia

As fulfilling as the work is that you’ll be doing, you won’t be working all the time. You will have free time to enjoy the sights and sounds of Cambodia. Below, I will outline a few things to see and do should you choose to volunteer in Cambodia.

Temples and Ancient Sites

Siem Reap has around 100 temples, the most iconic being Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Although Angkor Wat dominates the headlines, the other temples are also stunning.

City Sights

Siem Reap does not just offer ancient sights. There are restaurants, bars, and ‘Pub Street’, which is famous for its nightlife. Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and has many places to visit for tourists. In addition, you can visit temples, the S-21 museum, and the infamous Killing Fields.

Other Activities in Siem Reap

You can also visit the botanical gardens or the Apopo Centre, where trained rats help find landmines. For live entertainment, you can go to the circus or watch a traditional Apsara dance show.

Overall, we look forward to welcoming you to one of our volunteer programmes. You’ll see how wonderful Cambodia is.