Cambodia Volunteer Programs from $17/day | Most Affordable & Trusted

Cambodia was my first time volunteering abroad and it was an amazing experience. I was in the computer support program for 8 weeks and was placed at a school in Siem Reap. My work included helping the staff fixing computer related problems, helping build a database system for the school, configuring some parts of their network, among other things.

I left feeling I made a positive contribution and regret not staying for longer. I also had a great time with my fellow volunteers, both in Siem Reap and travelling to other parts of Cambodia. I absolutely recommend this program to anyone considering volunteering abroad.

I honestly don't know where to begin, my entire experience volunteering in Cambodia was breath-taking in many ways. I set off on my first solo trip overseas as I thought it was time to begin what I always had the ambition to do which was volunteer as an English teacher. I came across this program and was NOT disappointed! I left my (overprotective) family, extremely excited (and hiding my anxiety) and headed for Phnom Penh, where I stayed with several other volunteers in a local family's home. Not only did I build lasting relationships with my fellow volunteers but also with the Lim's (Familiy I stayed with). In addition to this and possibly the most impressionable were the children whom I taught. As an aspiring teacher in Australia, I have never encountered nor expected such an experience to leave with. I have remained in contact with some of my students and director of the school and will most definitely return in the coming years. It was truly a beautiful and valuable experience which has left a lasting impression on me.
My experience did NOT end there, thanks to this program I spent my weekends travelling the unique sights of Cambodia with the new friends I made volunteering. From bathing rescued elephants in the Mondulkiri Providence to relaxing on a secluded beach in Koh Rong and visiting the temples in Siem Reap, I owe all of these experiences to IVHQ and their incredible volunteer program!!

Could not recommend this more, planning my next trip perhaps to Zambia to teach again?

Signed up for 3 months working with NGO's in Cambodia, I was super excited until my first day of placement when I was asked to do IT Support and the language barrier was so big that it became clear I would not get any experience or knowledge because we were unable to communicate with each other. On my first day they also told me they didn't need a volunteer and I shouldn't return until they called me. Well a week passed and nothing. The program coordinator was unsupportive, hard to talk to and difficult to get hold of. When I eventually spoke to him he suggested I wait until they had work or do another placement such as childcare. I then went to head office expressing how difficult communication has been and that email was forwarded onto the program coordinator with no personal response, this was obviously highly unprofessional and made being in the house even more difficult. I was told I could move city and go to another placement but would have to wait 3/4 weeks. After all this I was not refunded for the program, very little apology, they refused to see what they had done wrong and after I left I was basically forgotten about. Many volunteers that arrived when I did were also so unhappy with their placement and had to end up doing an alternative program to the one they selected, or experienced massively unsupportive and unprofessional situations with staff. A guy was placed in the same placement after I left and he was also told they had no work and had to end up doing an alternative program. They really don't care once you've paid and will not try to rectify any issues or recognise that they are lying to people when they register with them. There was common knowledge as soon as you arrived that if you had a problem it would probably not be sorted. I've heard many stories of success with IVHQ but I would definitely recommend staying away from their Cambodia program, there are plenty of other well priced companies who will not take your money and then forget about you.

For years I had been wanting to have a volunteer experience that enabled me to become independent, self reliant, experience the world and learn a lot about myself. This trip enabled me to do all of these things and more. Looking at the way these people lived and grew was completely and utterly inspiring. They were always so happy, friendly and had a heart of gold. They were all willing to share with you whatever little they had. I could see them look at me as a walk by in the streets, I would smile and they would instantly smile and say hello. I had never felt so happy in all my life whilst in Cambodia. My heart felt full of happiness and the amount of emotional I felt when saying goodbye to the beautiful children I volunteered with was overwhelming. In such a short period of time I had grown so close to the children I had volunteered with, I learnt that I could do things by myself and I don't think I have ever been more proud of myself for doing something like this. I knew when I was old and aged this would be something that I would remember and that it changed the way I felt about people. I realised you don't need to be unbelievably rich to be happy. These people were so grateful for what they had, it inspired me to be a better person. I am wanting to volunteer more with this amazing organisation and I urge anyone who has the slightest urge to volunteer with this amazing, affordable supportive company!

I always wanted to volunteer in Cambodia, and I'm so happy I did it with IVHQ. Everything was really well organized, the food was very good, the staff was friendly and helpful, and my placement was exactly what I wanted to do. I volunteered with disabled orphans in Phnom Penh, and it completely changed my life. I think back to it all the time and can't wait to go back. March 2016 I'll be going to India for another 4 weeks with IVHQ :)

Volunteering in Cambodia was certainly one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I am totally satisfied with the end result of this placement after three months, even if it is not in ways I could have foreseen. Seeing the accumulative effect of my time effort spent on helping the organisation, but also those people who the organisation aims to help, was a feeling that didn't really manifest until the last few weeks. I started noticing that all the small ways in which I had previously helped had all helped the organisation in some way or another, albeit very small contributions. Then I began noticing how, over the previous two and half months, I had provided help, taken responsibilities on and produced work for my placement coordinators that left them open to tackle the larger goals and focus their attention. It then dawned on me, one volunteer doesn't save the world or impact in a gigantic way....but volunteers do. The work hours contributed, efforts expended and ideas shared and tested whilst I have been at my placement might seem to only provide a small effect in the short term but when considered in the larger tapestry of the volunteers who have worked at my placement, then consider the total volunteers in all of Cambodia, it actually makes an incredible difference. Volunteering is crucial to supporting those projects which matter the most, those aimed at improving the lives of others by any means possible.

I was fortunate to be placed at “Happy School” in Phnom Penh, Cambodia – The name says it all! The kids were always so happy, Friendly, enthusiastic, and eager to learn! They had a lot of respect for their teachers and volunteers – They were so grateful for each day. It was easy to fit in as everyone (Students and staff) made me feel to welcome. I encourage anyone, to take on the challenge and complete a stint volunteering – It is very overwhelming, confronting and challenging but so worth it. Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone 

The IVHQ staff in Cambodia were warm and friendly, it was easy to fit in. The accommodation was good – clean and tidy, the food was healthy and nutritious. We were told about the cultural differences/ scams/ the do’s and dont’s – we had several different ‘tuk tuk’ drivers to transport us around. I felt well looked after and sage. In no way did I ever feel uncomfortable, unsure about my decision.

I was privileged to take part in the Rice Ceremony, which was held on Christmas morning (2015). This is held at the School quarterly and is an incentive for the parents to send their children to happy school – If the student attends 80%+ of their classes in that ¼, the family receives a 25Kg bag of rice. Parents and caregivers were invited for the ceremony – The children sung Christmas carols and put on a show. The principal assured me that the funds I had raised in my home country will pay for the Rice ceremony in March 2016. This was really rewarding, as I know a lot of my family and friends in my home country want to help different charities, but are sometimes hesitant about where the money goes. Every little part helps. Cambodia still faces a number of development challenges, which sadly encourages children to work on the streets and get money for the family instead of attending school and getting a education.

The little ones have so much love to give and it’s heart-breaking that they don’t have the same opportunities as we do in New Zealand. If you are thinking about volunteering – Just do it. Do it now, as you may never get the opportunity to do it again.

A huge thanks to IVHQ (Head office + Local staff) for giving me the experience, it defiantly opened up my eyes and made me appreciate all the little things. It was an experience I will never forget.

Thank you
Analeigh

I had the privilege to work at National Borey for Infants and Children for a week in January 2016.

It was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life.

The children were all beautiful and unique in their own way.

My day commenced with twelve other volunteers from IVHQ. We all left our volunteer house at 830am and finished around 4pm.

The activities the children loved was face painting (mainly the volunteers!), bubbles, playdoh, drawings and dancing.

One of the most challenging experience for me was feeding the children. After a few days though you got used to the routine.

This program taught the importance of teamwork and communication with other volunteers, staff and the children.

A lot of the children did not verballing speak, so the communication I used was body language to get a message and conversation across.

It as at times very emotional and moving seeing the children with their disabilities. The most important aim for myself towards the children was to show them patients, empathy, respect their dignity and show them love.

The mama's and staff at the centre are incredible people. They had so much patience, love and respect towards the children.

I highly recommend National Borey for Infants and Children to people who have a kind nature and patients. These children just need to be loved and cared for individually as a unique individual.

Thank you IVHQ and Cambodian Volunteer Foundation for my incredible time in Cambodia.