Teach English in Cambodia for 12 weeks

Just turn up with an open and positive attitude. We had a great mix of nationalities, ages and abilities but everyone learnt something from each other. The students are the main reason for you being there, and they don't disappoint. They are respectful, grateful, and very shy at first. Respect their laws and customs and you will make friends for life.

We worked 5 days a week from 3-30 pm to 8-30 pm in the classroom. There was additional lesson planning to do either at home or the school. Some of the other teachers did mornings, which I think started at 6-30. Most of the students work or study during the day and therefore have to come before or after a hard day. The school has all the resources you would expect for printing, copying, etc.

My biggest fear is standing up in front of a room full of people and delivering a lesson. It still is, but I have a lot more confidence in my own ability. I now appreciate the value of good and thorough lesson planning. I also learnt that lessons should be fun for you and the students. They learn so much more when they are having a good time.

Try and mix with the locals as much as possible. Use local bars and restaurants, they really appreciate your patronage and it's not long until you're accepted as a local yourself. You might even pay locals prices instead of tourist prices. See and do whatever you can, whenever you can, because time flies by, and soon it's time to leave and say goodbye.

Be positive. Expect the unexpected. Ask yourself if you want to do this to serve others, or is this a self-serving endeavor? Those who come unprepared, mentally and emotionally, find themselves unhappy. Those who have open minds and the right intentions find the experience gratifying. Remember that teaching is about the students and what you can impart that would have positive benefits in their lives.

When I taught at this program, I would usually spend time to prepare my lessons at home because I liked the peace and quiet. I would arrive at school about 30 minutes to an hour before my first class, depending on whether I had to make multiple copies for any of my classes, or prepare props, etc. Before classes or during breaks, teachers would gather in the volunteer room and share information about anything - lessons, places to eat or visit in the city, get to know each other, etc.

I became aware very quickly about discriminatory practices outside the US. As an Asian-American over 60 years of age, I practically had no chance of getting a teaching position, especially a paid teaching position. The volunteer opportunity gave me a chance to prove that I could do a good job. I have taught at three schools in Phnom Penh these last two years and I have not been late to school once. I have a total of three absences due to food poisoning. I was always prepared to teach each time I set foot in a classroom.

My views on the issue: I am very disappointed that discrimination is alive and well in Asia. The focus is not on competence or work ethics, but on superficial and commercially driven reasons. Their first preference is a young, white female; followed by a young, white male. As long as they have minimum qualifications, most schools will bypass more qualified, more experienced persons in favor of the "image" they seek.

It's hard to guess what prospective travelers would want to know because, in my experience, they vary considerably. I shared some advice above which I hope others would take seriously.

I have many favorite stories, but I am limited in time to share them here. All I can do is sum up those stories and say how much I have been enriched by my experiences, and how grateful I am that I summoned up the courage to conquer my fears and always stayed positive. I am touched and humbled at the same time by my students' positive feedback about me.