Teach English in Phnom Penh

  Cambodia

Phnom Penh

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: ongoing

Description: Make a vast difference in the lives of the children and the future of Cambodia, working for a wonderful organization that keeps its quality high and its fees low. Travel to Teach's inspirational program in Phnom Penh places you in a progressive school called Seametrey Children's Village.

Seametrey is a self-sustainable Cambodian NGO whose aim is the moral reconstruction of Cambodia by restoring self-esteem and self-confidence to the Khmer people. The goal is to change the image of Cambodia and make quality education accessible to Khmer children.

Seametrey is a Montessori Nursery and Day Care Centre located in the heart of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It caters to children from 3 months old to six years. There are also several children older than six who go to government school part time and go to Seametrey the rest of the day.

The 30-plus students at the school come from three different backgrounds:
- Expatriate parents pay full fees comparable to some international schools in Phnom Penh.
- Khmer wealthy parents pay 50%.
- Economically deprived families contribute what they can, in cash or in kind.

The rationale of this policy is social integration and self-sustainability. The aim is to have 15 children in each category.

This school needs English-speaking volunteers to interact with children and teach them all sorts of skills, not only the English language but also art, crafts, music, computers, swimming, games and sports, etc. There are also other aspects of Seametrey in which you can take part including administration, IT/website design, and construction.

Highlights: Cambodia is finally back on the Southeast Asia travel map after decades of civil war. Densely forested mountains, mighty rivers and serene beaches provide the backdrop to this eclectic country whilst colonial French architecture, ornamental Wats, ancient temples and tiny wooden houses all tarnished by Cambodia's turbulent history decorate its towns. The poverty and the scars of its past are unavoidable yet the Khmer people deal with it with grace, charm and warmth.

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia; it is an energetic city home to approximately one million people. It is the commercial, political, and cultural hub of Cambodia. Phnom Penh was once known as the 'Pearl Of Asia' and is once again on the upswing. Just a few kilometers outside of town The Killing Fields are a worthwhile yet heart-wrenching afternoon journey. For weekend excursions, Siam Reap and the stunning temples of Angkor Wat lie a few hours to the north, and the laid-back beach town of Sihanoukville is a just few hours south of the city.

Although the Seametrey school is not wealthy, it is well resourced. It takes pride in changing the image of Cambodia. The management invests whatever necessary to make the school environment stimulating, enriching and beautiful. Volunteers who choose to come to Seametrey Childrens Village are not doing relief work but rather participating into a long term rebuilding of Cambodia by providing Khmer children with quality education to enable them to become responsible and competent citizens later.

Volunteers stay in a lovely flat connected to the school which is located in the city center. The flat is equipped with cooking facilities and a refrigerator. Volunteers live in shared rooms and share a western-style bathroom.

There are also many wonderful restaurants in Phnom Penh including those with Western, Cambodian, and Thai fare, at very affordable prices. The riverfront street called Sisowath Quay is located just around the corner from the school and offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and nightclubs. There are also many restaurants in town which double as charity organizations so that you can give back to the community while dining out.

Qualifications:
- Interest in education and development of educational methods
- Curious and respectful of other cultures
- Team player
- Hard working, fun loving, flexible and enthusiastic!

Cost in US$: $660 one month, up to $1820 for six months

Apart from our fees, you must pay for:
* Your ticket to either Phnom Phen
* Vaccinations
* Travel and health insurance
* Food and other personal expenses

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Cambodia Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 3-4

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Travel to Teach's Mission Statement: Travel to Teach is a non-profit organisation, which provides affordable volunteering opportunities to teach English whilst travelling abroad. Provide valuable working opportunities for our volunteers. Ensure genuine travelling experiences of different cultures at a cost that most travelers can afford. Teach English and Computer skills to the poorer parts of the world where too little education is provided. Travel to Teach has had the ambition to develop our programs according to Guidelines for Ethical Volunteering as presented.

Year Founded: 2001