Visit the alluring and exotic country of Cambodia and discover its incredible combination of dramatic landscapes, captivating cultural and historical heritage, and friendly people. Make a positive and rewarding contribution to the lives of underprivileged and orphaned children, by equipping them with the tools to lift themselves out of the cycle of poverty, and opening up opportunities that we in the Western world take for granted.
The project site is situated in Siem Reap, a captivating location that is known as the 'gateway' to the millennium-old ruins of the Khmer empire. This encompasses the awe inspiring temple complex of Angkor Wat, an ancient and world famous monument that is yet untarnished by development. Visitors from the world over have fallen in love with Cambodia, with its fascinating and intoxicating eastern culture, and complex and mystical ambience.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
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Teach fun-loving children
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Earn your TEFL certificate absolutely free as long as you complete 20 hours of teaching
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Explore this wondrous corner of the world
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Location |
Cambodia |
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Activities |
Teach English
Recreational activities
Sightseeing |
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Transport |
Pick-up from the airport
Transport to the project site |
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Accommodation |
Shared volunteer guesthouse or if you prefer to pay extra you can stay in a homestay |
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Before you go |
Pre-departure support
Travel & medical advice & documentation
Advice on visas & equipment
UK TEFL training day & certification (cost applies for training day)
Discounted medical kit
Free Frontier T-shirt |
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In-country |
Breakfast
Accommodation
Project orientation and training
Airport pick-up for those arriving on the first Monday of the month
In-country emergency support
24-hour international HQ backup |
WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?
Poverty, and the consequential lack of education that results from it, traps the children of Cambodia in a cycle of deprivation that causes many problems in their lives such as becoming vulnerable to child labour markets where they can be forced to work hazardous jobs, or even be sold into prostitution. The ever present poverty causes malnourishment, homelessness, and lack of access to healthcare and sanitation, amongst other things. With nearly one in three 7-14 year olds unable to attend school, the prospect of escaping this 'poverty cycle' is bleak indeed.
You can give hope to these impoverished children, giving them the love and affection that they have been denied for much of their lives. You will dance, sing, and play games with children as well as help teach them English. Literacy is key to education and future jobs for poor children, enabling them to move beyond subsistence farming. Illiterate children have few educational options, and your presence in the school gives them the gift of English, the language of commerce, allowing them access to more stable and secure jobs, and potentially high school and college scholarships.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
You will be working in a local school at the heart of the community, where you will have the freedom to be creative and inspiring with your teaching, using the innovative and fun techniques of TEFL as the basis for your teaching framework. The children you are helping to teach will be very hard working and appreciative of your contribution to their education, and will be incredibly responsive to your presence on the project.
Teaching these children English is a powerful way to enable them to access opportunities that would otherwise be entirely denied to them, and is also an enjoyable way to build up your own skill base and independence with practical TEFL experience, whilst embracing the exotic and friendly culture of this spellbinding pocket of Asia.
We recommend that volunteers stay for four weeks to maximise the benefit of your presence within the classroom. Those volunteers staying for less that four weeks may not have the opportunity to teach English to their own class but will play a key part with kindergarten, organic gardening and arts and crafts exercises.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?
You will be met in Siem Reap by your project representative and escorted to your accommodation and introduced to your new colleagues and given a health and safety talk.
WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?
This project benefits from a wonderful location, as you will be staying in the vibrant tourist town of Siem Reap. Siem Reap is actually a cluster of ancient villages grouped round a collection of individual pagodas, and these traditional structures at the heart of the town contrast with the elegant overlay of the French colonial era centre. Enjoy the legendary hospitality of the friendly locals when you stay in a simple but clean and comfortable guest house with other volunteers or with a welcoming and comfortable homestay family (extra £40 per week cost applies for homestay accommodation).
WHAT WILL I BE EATING?
You will be provided with breakfast each day and for lunch and dinner you can visit the reasonably priced local resaurants and street food outlets to sample traditional Cambodian cuisine; enjoying dishes such as delicately spiced curries made with fresh market produce, and delicious meat, fish and vegetables. Try specialities such as: Amok curry, based on coconut milk or a herb and spice paste known as kroeung, oriental squash, unusual vegetables such as winter melon, luffa and yardlong bean, or ngam nguv, a chicken soup flavoured with whole preserved lemons. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated easily in Cambodia.
HOW WILL I GET TO WORK?
Transport from your accommodation to your school each day will be by local bus (cost not included).
Wonderful memories
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6 Aug 2010
I am near the end of my trip now and I really don't want to go home! The whole experience has...
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Siem Reap Fun and Games
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6 May 2010
We’ve been in Siem Reap for 10 days and although we’ve only had two days teaching due...
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Heads, Shoulders, Knees & Toes
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2 Feb 2010
I wasn't sure what to expect when I signed up for teaching in Cambodia, especially in a schoo...
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Soap nights and hot air balloons
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2 Mar 2008
Harry
Kids at Cambodian SchoolSo, I've just finished week four and it's hotting up h...
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1 to 4
ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
In your free time you will be spoilt for choice with activities and wonderful sights and experiences. Get lost in the mystical world of the temples of the Khmer Empire, where you will be inspired by the beautiful unspoilt monuments, the magical atmosphere, and the charming monkeys tumbling amongst the ruins. Visit the local towns with their complex and multifaceted architecture, and friendly, welcoming locals. Watch the captivating sight of a traditional Aspara dance, or visit one of the silk factories, where silk worms produce reams of delicate and rare fabric. On a weekend break you could take a road trip through the rice paddy fields, catching a glimpse of the age old farming techniques that are still in use, to visit the famous floating village of Chong Kneas, or the flooded forest of Kompong Phhlul, both on the extraordinary Tonle Sap Lake.
