Cambodia Community Programme

Volunteer in Cambodia with Children at the Community Programme

Volunteer in Cambodia and work alongside inspirational teachers to give underprivileged children the chance of a better future.

1 to 12 weeks from £412 / US$495

 Volunteers work at incredible projects such as Helping Hands Cambodia to make a difference. Volunteer in the friendliest country in the world and visit the amazing Temples of Angkor Wat. Become a volunteer teaching assistant to local staff and have the experience of a lifetime!

Project Overview

Immerse yourself in the Cambodian culture while working with Globalteer's international and local staff in the beautiful town of Siem Reap. Volunteers work at sustainable local projects like Globalteer's own rural programme, Helping Hands Cambodia.

Assist staff at the project in English classes, arts, games, sports and the breakfast programme. Help support the development of these amazing kids. Live and volunteer in the friendly town of Siem Reap, for a life changing experience!

Volunteer in Cambodia and make a real difference

This volunteer programme allows you to make a real difference working with a with a UK Charity. Gain new skills whilst working with amazing children of Cambodia. Volunteer abroad teaching English and assisting with a range of other classes at amazing programmes.

You will have the opportunity to learn about a different culture and visit the incredible temples of Angkor Wat. Join us at our most popular community volunteer programme!

Learn more about Volunteering in Cambodia

Volunteer in Cambodia with Globalteer and experience our rural projects in the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Travel every day in a tuk-tuk through rice paddy fields and get to know the real Cambodia! 

Summary of the Cambodia Volunteer Project

The Project: Volunteer in Cambodia with Globalteer where volunteers work at one of our carefully selected education-focused projects; including Globalteer's own rural school, Helping Hands Cambodia, which gives free education to almost 300 children. Projects take an holistic approach to helping the poorest escape the cycle of poverty. Focusing on education, health, hygiene, nutrition and addressing the most pressing needs of the communities we work with.

Project Location: In and around the charming town of Siem Reap in Northern Cambodia. Home to the incomparable UNESCO world heritage-listed Angkor Wat temple complex. There is an international airport with good connections to the capital Phnom Penh and throughout Asia. Siem Reap has a good range of facilities for visitors. These include a variety of shops, excellent restaurants, lively and traditional bars and plenty of unique sightseeing opportunities. There are also good medical facilities in the town, should you need them.

Volunteers

Main Volunteer Activities: Volunteers work with local Cambodian staff, assisting with English, arts & crafts, and sports, and helping teachers to plan lessons. You may also get involved in food preparation, gardening and maintenance of project facilities.

Hours: Volunteers work from Mon to Fri. Weekends are free for sightseeing, relaxing or travelling through this beautiful, diverse country. Exact daily hours depend on the project volunteers are assigned but usually don't exceed six hours a day.

Duration: Volunteer placements are year-round and for 1 to 12 weeks.

Volunteer Accommodation: Choose from a private ensuite room in a locally owned hotel with outdoor pool. Or upgrade to a more upmarket hotel, also with outdoor pool. Both options are centrally located and within walking distance of Globalteer's office.

Requirements to volunteer in Cambodia: Volunteers at this project must be aged 18+ (unless volunteering with a guardian) and have fluent English. As you will be working with children, we also require a background check.

Project History

The Cambodia Community programme was one of Globalteer's first ever projects. We have been placing volunteers here since 2006. Initially the programme featured just one school which provided free education and advice on health and hygiene to a community of three rural villages just outside Siem Reap.

Over the years Globalteer has formed partnerships with a handful of carefully chosen projects. These projects share our aims of providing sustainable, community-led solutions to the issues caused by extreme poverty. We now work with a small number of education-focused projects. They look to employ volunteers to help their own paid local staff with a variety of essential tasks across the projects. We also run our own programme, Helping Hands Cambodia, for almost 300 children in the beautiful Cambodian countryside.

Since we have been working in Cambodia, our projects have helped children from poor villages to stay in school, go on to university and secure well-paid jobs. Many former students now work in areas such as accountancy, hospitality, IT and even medicine. Volunteer in Cambodia and you can contribute to these incredible success stories. 

How the project is helping

Despite the wealth of tourist money that enters Cambodia, very little of this money filters down to the average Cambodian. Malnutrition is common among Cambodian children and Cambodia has the highest under 5 mortality rate in the East Asia and Pacific region. Cambodia is among the poorest countries in the world.

Poverty in Cambodia is characterized by low income, poor nutritional status, low educational attainment, less access to health services, and less access to economic opportunities.

The projects we work with focus on education as the key to better health, nutrition, education and economic opportunity. With the support of volunteers and the project donation from your volunteer placement fee, we are helping responsible projects achieve long term change and giving the least fortunate a chance to live healthily, with dignity and with a future.

Why the project need volunteers

The projects in our Cambodia Community Programme receive no state funding. But through volunteer support, private donations and grants, the project continues working with some of the poorest children in the world, their families and their communities, setting them up for a bright future with a long term vision.

Volunteer in Cambodia to make a huge difference at this project. You will work with the permanent project staff helping with a variety of activities to suit your skills and experience. Volunteers bring much needed extra pairs of hands and can introduce new enthusiasm, energy and ideas.

Learn more about the Cambodia Volunteer Programme

Globalteer has been working in Cambodia since 2006 and we have a wealth of experience in this amazing country. If you want to Volunteer in Cambodia then come and join our amazing team.

Learn about what it was like for volunteers when they received a Blessing from a Monk in Siem Reap's oldest working Buddhist temple.

Get to know when is the Best Time to go to Cambodia and experience it's rich and ancient culture.

Read more posts about the Cambodia Volunteer Programme.

Volunteer at multiple projects in Siem Reap

Do you want to Volunteer in Cambodia and experience multiple projects? With Globalteer, you can combine any two or more of our different programmes in Siem Reap.

You can combine placements at the Cambodia Community Project, Women's Empowerment Project, Clean Water Project or Food & Farming Project. Volunteer in Cambodia with Globalteer and support multiple amazing projects! 

Why not read about a volunteer's experience at multiple projects in Siem Reap.

Learn more about combining projects in Siem Reap

Typical Volunteer Duties

Volunteers work between 4 and 6 hours a day, Monday to Friday with a break for lunch and weekends off. This gives you plenty of time to relax and take in some local sights. Or even travel further afield in Cambodia or some of the neighbouring countries!

Tasks when you Volunteer in Cambodia

There is always a range of tasks to be carried out by volunteer. You will work with our local staff on some or all of the following:

  • Assisting local staff preparing for classes
  • Assisting teachers in English classes
  • Helping out with arts & crafts, games and sports
  • Assisting our local teachers with maths, reading and communication classes
  • Helping to supervise children on local excursions and outings
  • Assisting in cleaning classrooms and playgrounds
  • Assisting with general maintenance around the project
Volunteer Reviews from the Cambodia Community Volunteer Programme

Why not read about previous volunteer experiences?  Get to know more about what you will doing when you volunteer in Cambodia with Globalteer.

Volunteer Spotlight: Colin

Volunteer Spotlight: Anne

More Volunteer Reviews

Volunteering in Cambodia - What's it Really Like?

Accommodations when you Volunteer in Siem Reap with Globalteer

Volunteers at the Siem Reap projects can choose from a range of accommodation options including our very own Volunteer House, a private room in a Standard Hotel and an Upgrade Hotel. All accommodation has been carefully selected by us to offer the best value for all our volunteers regardless of budget. So if you are looking for somewhere quiet to lay your head at the end of a busy day, somewhere lively where you can socialise with other travellers, we have what you are looking for. All of our accommodations are clean, comfortable and safe and well located for transport to the project as well as all the attractions that Siem Reap has to offer. When you volunteer in Siem Reap, you can choose one of these great accommodation options:

Globalteer’s Volunteer House

One of our most popular option for people coming to volunteer in Siem Reap is our very own Volunteer House. You will be sharing the house with other volunteers all coming from different parts of the world!

Volunteer accommodation in Siem Reap

The volunteer house is located in a quiet residential area around National Road 6 and 6km from Angkor International Airport. It is situated far enough from the hustle-bustle and noise of the main markets, giving it a peaceful setting. However, the area has available markets, convenience stores, and not too far from the numerous temples inside the city.

The house has 6 bedrooms that are shared with other volunteers. Wi-Fi is free and accessible throughout the property. All rooms have fans, en-suite bathrooms, towels and linens. Air conditioning is available for an additional charge. The Volunteer House also features a shared kitchen, balcony as well as a lounge area to watch online movies on TV.

This option is great if you are looking for cultural exchange with like-minded people in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Volunteer House Siem Reap Cambodia
The Standard Hotel

The standard hotel is in a popular Cambodian-owned Guest House, close to Globalteer’s offices in Siem Reap. Rooms are single occupancy or can be shared if volunteers are travelling together.

Bou Savy Guest House Siem Reap Volunteer

Volunteer rooms are clean and comfortable, each with hot water, ensuite toilet and shower. The rooms have fans but you can upgrade it to air conditioning for a daily fee. Cable TV is available in all rooms with channels in English, and each room has a small fridge for storing cold drinks and snacks. The guest house also has several larger air-con rooms which are assigned on a first-come first-served basis to guests who pay the additional fee for air conditioning. Make sure you specify if you would like an aircon room when you apply.

The guest house has a bar area and restaurant, all set in lovely leafy grounds. Globalteer volunteers also have use of our very own social area - just right for a drink and snack after a long day working at your project. There is also a small pool for that refreshing end of day dip!

There are also plenty of Khmer restaurants near the guest house if you fancy "going local" in the evenings. Free WiFi internet is available in rooms and in communal areas. We also have a team of friendly and reliable tuk-tuk drivers on hand with specially negotiated rates should you need transport at any time.

Bou Savy Pool Siem Reap Cambodia
Our Upgrade Accommodation

We know that some volunteers prefer a few more creature comforts when they get to the end of a long, hard day working at their project. To be honest, if you are generous enough to donate your time and money to volunteer with us, then you deserve to be as comfortable as possible during your placement!

Upgrade hotel Siem Reap Cambodia Room View

Upgrade volunteer rooms are located in the modern G&Z Urban Hotel situated on the Siem Reap River, just a 4-minute walk to Pub Street and within walking distance to Globalteer’s offices. They offer a higher standard of comfort and more facilities for volunteers who don’t mind paying a little extra. Rooms are spacious with large beds, cable TV, free wi-fi, in-room safe, tea and coffee making facilities and a mini bar. The rooms have modern en-suite bathrooms that are spotlessly clean. Air-conditioning comes as standard – there are no surcharges to pay here. Rooms also offer a desk which is convenient for planning your volunteer sessions or writing postcards and journal entries. You will also receive bathrobes and slippers, a perfect way to relax after a day working at your project!

The hotel has a beautiful swimming pool and poolside bar and a restaurant. It serves free breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a good variety of reasonably priced Cambodian and international dishes. There is an on-site business center if you require some computer time. Spa services are available if your muscles really need some therapy after a day in the field!

Upgrade Hotel Siem Reap Pool View Siem Reap
Free Time when you volunteer in Cambodia

When you volunteer in Cambodia, you will work with our team in Siem Reap. All very well travelled throughout the country and further afield in Southeast Asia and can offer plenty of travel tips. There are lots of options for weekends in the town as well as for travel before or after your placement. Here are just a few of Cambodia’s treasures to whet your appetite.

Siem Reap
Thanks to the magnificent temples of Angkor, the major economy in the town is tourism. In addition to the ancient temple complexes, the town has many bars, restaurants, ATMs, internet cafes catering to foreigners' needs. There are also dozens of working Buddhist temples all over town, known locally as pagodas. Saffron-clad monks are a common sight on the streets of Siem Reap.
Siem Reap has colonial and Chinese-style architecture in the Old French Quarter and around the Old Market. In the town, there are Apsara dance performances and craft shops. You will also find silk farms, rice-paddy countrysides, fishing villages and a bird sanctuary near the Tonle Sap Lake; the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia. There is a lovely riverside garden and shady walks along the river which flows through the town.
The area around the old market provides a lively night life, especially along the aptly named "Pub Street". The town provides for all tastes, with worldwide cuisine including; Thai, Mexican, Indian, Japanese, Italian as well as menus catering to western tastes. There is everything from quiet cafes, lively bars and nightclubs in the town. Volunteer in Cambodia with Globalteer and experience this special little town!
Angkor Wat and the temple complexes

Most visitors come to Cambodia to visit the temples of Angkor. There are over 100 temples scattered in the area in various states of decay; some in overgrown jungle, some on lakes. Rest assured everyone leaves with their own personal favourite temple!

Some people visit for one day to see the main attractions. We would recommend 3 days exploring the temples to get a much better overview of this incredible period in Cambodian history. On arrival, our friendly staff can advise the best ways and times to visit the temples.

Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap is the largest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia and an attraction in its own right. About 10km from the town, the lake stretches almost as far as the country's capital Phnom Penh. Its size varies enormously between the wet and dry seasons and half the year the waters flow into the lake from the river Mekong. For the rest of the year, the waters flow in the other direction, giving the lake a unique ecosystem.

Boat trips on the lake are very popular and you can visit lake the famous floating villages and stilt villages. Originally home to refugees which have grown into entire communities with schools, shops and houses sitting directly on or over the water. Also venture further to see the wildlife sanctuary which is home to several species of endangered birds. You can also take a kayak through the famous sunken forests.

More great things to do in Siem Reap

For a small town, there are lots of things happening in Siem Reap!

From water festivals, dragon boat racing, Buddhist festivals, Apsara dancing to the biggest festival of all at Khmer New Year.

For a low down of events, you can read our blog on the Best Time to go to Cambodia to help you decide when to volunteer.

You could be there for the Siem Reap Puppet Parade or the Pchum Ben Festival honouring the dead.

 
Further Afield

For a small country, Cambodia has a lot to offer those who have time to travel further afield.

Phonm Penh is a short flight away or 6-8 hours by road and is home to many popular attractions. The magnificent Royal Palace and the restaurants and bars along Sisowath Quay are on every visitor's list. Along with the more sombre sites of S-21 prison and the Killing fields; reminders of Cambodia's tragic past and the genocide under the Khmer Rouge Regime.

In the south of the country you will find the laid back coastal towns of Kampot and Kep. As well as the lively beach resort of Sihanoukville. There are some lovely unspoilt islands where you can kick back and recharge your batteries. You can also find jungles, forests and the wildlife havens of The Cardamom Mountains. Buses and internal flights from Siem Reap airport make getting around easy and relatively cheap.

For those who have time, there are also regular direct flights from Siem Reap to other must-see Southeast Asian destinations; such as Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore as well as long distance buses.

Fee Options

Base Donation

The base donation for volunteering is where all money received goes to the charity, our charitable activities, charity partners and supporting volunteers in country. Your daily transport to the project is also included.

Standard Package

The standard package fee includes everything in the base donation plus standard hotel accommodation & private airport collection.

Standard Package plus AirCon

The standard hotel does not include air-conditioning but this can be added on. We recommend that you book this early as their are limited number of air-con rooms.

Upgrade Hotel

Volunteers can also choose to upgrade their accommodation to a hotel which includes more facilities, larger rooms and air-conditioning. Accommodations are carefully selected by our team in Cambodia for their great locations, suitability for volunteers and value for money.

Financial Transparency

As a UK registered Charity, Globalteer is completely financially transparent to you, our donors. You can therefore see a full breakdown of where your money goes and our independently audited accounts by clicking below:

Where Your Money Goes

To discover why you should consider choosing Globalteer, please visit the following page:

About Globalteer

Why do we charge a fee for volunteering?

Globalteer requests a donation from volunteers to allow us to achieve our charitable objectives and support our partner programmes. In return, Globalteer provides volunteers with an amazing, responsible and ethical volunteer experience and in-country support from the Globalteer team in Cambodia. Ensuring that your placement is responsible as well as rewarding, safe and enjoyable takes a good deal of work.

A summary of Globalteer’s total expenditure for the last financial year is shown below:

Donations and Grants 60% – This includes a share of volunteer placement fees, grants we have secured for our projects and donations managed by Globalteer that are made by individuals and groups to our projects and partner projects.

Support Costs 29% – This includes volunteer accommodation, volunteer transport, support staff costs, travel costs and some volunteer meals.

Operational Costs 11% – Costs of running Globalteer.

What’s Included

        √  In-country support from Globalteer staff.
        √  Daily transport to and from the project location.
        √  Cambodia orientation guide and arrival induction.
        √  Free town tour.
        √  All necessary project equipment and materials.
        √  All necessary project training by Globalteer staff.
        √  Free Globalteer water bottle and welcome pack.
        √  Project donation.

With the Full Package
        √  Free airport pick up from Siem Reap airport.
        √  Accommodation at a comfortable hotel with pool.

What’s not included
  • Flights
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Vaccinations and inoculations
  • Onward transport at the end of your placement
  • Police or background check (where necessary)
What do everyday items cost?

The official currency of Cambodia is the Riel, however, all shops and market stalls accept US$ and you may be given small change in local currency ($1 = 4000 Riels). Be aware that dollar bills with any tears or markings are generally not accepted. ATMs dispense cash in US$. The cost of living in Cambodia is very low compared to most countries in the developed world. The costs of some typical items are:

  • Short journey by tuk-tuk - $1 to $2
  • Meal in a market - $1
  • Bottle of soft drink - $0.50 to $1
  • Draft beer - $0.50 to $2
  • Meal in a restaurant - $4 to $25

Quick Summary of the Cambodia Community Project

Volunteer in Cambodia with Globalteer where volunteers work at one of our carefully selected education-focused projects; including Globalteer's own rural school, Helping Hands Cambodia, which gives free education to almost 300 children.

Projects take an holistic approach to helping the poorest escape the cycle of poverty. Focusing on education, health, hygiene, nutrition and addressing the most pressing needs of the communities we work with.

In and around the charming town of Siem Reap in Northern Cambodia. Home to the incomparable UNESCO world heritage-listed Angkor Wat temple complex.

Volunteers work with local Cambodian staff, assisting with English, arts & crafts, and sports, and helping teachers to plan lessons. You may also get involved in food preparation, gardening and maintenance of project facilities.

Volunteers work 6 hours a day, Monday to Friday.

Volunteer placements are year-round and for 1 to 12 weeks.

Volunteers at the Siem Reap Projects can choose from a range of accommodation options including our very own Volunteer House, a standard hotel room and upgrade hotel room.

All of our accommodations are clean, comfortable and safe and well located for transport to the project as well as the Globalteer's office

Volunteers at this project must be aged 18+ and have fluent English. As you will be volunteering with vulnerable children we also require a background check.

What’s Included in the base package:

√ In-country support from Globalteer staff in Siem Reap. √ Cambodia orientation guide and induction on arrival. √ Free Siem Reap town tour. √ All necessary project equipment and materials. √ All necessary project training by experienced staff. √ Globalteer water bottle and welcome pack. √ Project donation. √ Daily transport to and from your project.

With the Accommodation Packages

√ Free airport pick up from Siem Reap international airport. √ Accommodation in the Volunteer House or at a hotel with a pool.

We have a list of answers to questions frequently asked about the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can come to the project and help!

To apply click here: Apply now

You can also donate to support the Helping Hands Community Project! Donate Now!

Real Reviews of Globalteer on Volunteer's Social Media

  • I met a fab group of people and they made the trip even better! I had the best time volunteering, especially with a background... read more

    Hope Wilson Avatar Hope Wilson
    1/16/2018

  • It was organised so well and I felt so comfortable throughout the whole process. Late last year I was able to spend a month... read more

    Tiarne Biviano Avatar Tiarne Biviano
    2/02/2019

  • I think it speaks volumes for the quality and impact of the experience, that I returned for a second trip! I first volunteered at Picaflor House Children's Community Project in... read more