Care Work in Cambodia with Projects Abroad

  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: 5-8 weeks
Dates: All year round

Description: We have a wide range of Care & Community placements in Cambodia which are highly rewarding. Projects Abroad volunteers help in the capital city of Phnom Penh by assisting in orphanages, working with street children, or taking care of poor and sick children in care centers.

Although the war in Cambodia has long been over, the effects remain prevalent in the lives of Cambodians. Cambodia has one of the highest numbers of land mines in the world, which kill or severely injure people everyday. Children are particularly vulnerable to these atrocities, so we work with young land mine victims to help to restore their confidence and put them on the road to recovery. Additionally, the number of orphans and abandoned children in Phnom Penh is very high, so we work with both children who are lucky enough to be in homes and those who must live on the street.

Interaction, friendship, and support are the key things you will need to offer when on this placement. Whether you are helping children complete their homework, playing sports, or teaching them a new game, the time and attention you give is invaluable. Any skills or talents you have are welcomed. We are open to ideas to help make the future of these children brighter. Many of the orphanages in Cambodia are also eager for volunteers to teach some informal English to the children. Teaching young children songs, the alphabet, and colors for example, would be greatly appreciated.

Volunteers undertaking a care project in Cambodia usually start work between 8am and 9am and finish by 4pm. Some volunteers who live close to their placement return home for lunch, otherwise it will be provided at the placement. Most volunteers work from Monday to Friday and have the weekends free to travel; however, occasionally an orphanage may arrange a soccer game or dancing show on a Saturday where extra help would be appreciated!

Highlights: The capital city of Cambodia is Phnom Penh, a vibrant and fascinating city that is located in the southern part of the country. Cambodia's total area is 69,898 sq. miles (181,035 sq. km), and the population has reached 14 million people. Besides the capital city, Cambodia boasts many attractions that include beautiful beaches, an exotic jungle to explore and the world famous gathering of temples in Angkor, all well worth a visit.

Our volunteers in Cambodia live in shared apartments rented by Projects Abroad. The apartments are modern, bright, and clean, and can hold about 10 volunteers at a time. One apartment is in the North of the city, in the same building as the local Projects Abroad office, and one is in the South. Volunteers will be placed according to where their placements are located to allow for the easiest commute.

This projects offers you the opportunity to become fully immersed in the culture in a manner which even the most hardened of backpackers could never hope to do.

Qualifications: None

Cost in US$: From US$2,695 up

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Projects Abroad volunteers are open minded, flexible and really want to explore the world.

Age Range: 16-80

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Cambodia Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.

Year Founded: 1992