Cambodia Orphanage Volunteers Phnom Penh

Meeting the children and visiting their homes; although it was tough to see it really helped me to understand why what we were doing was so important.

Don't worry if you haven't taught before, the full time teachers there are really helpful and you fall into the job almost immediately. Don't be afraid to talk to other travellers, the people I met were amazing and made my trip even more amazing. I would really recommend weekend trips away ie. to Siem Reap or the beach.

Yes

Yes

The Children and the Khmer people! They were all so beautiful and welcoming. Mr Kim Lay and Rihtty were both brilliant. Such a worthwhile 2 months of my life.

Yes

Yes

Great people. They need TEACHERS. I should go again.

Cambodian people kindness. Very needed childrem willing to learn.

Try to bring some money for donations, because they need lots of things and you will feel you would like to have raised some money with your friends help. Try to know exactly where you are going to work and what you will be doing in great detail.

Yes

Yes

Amazing children and lovely country - I want to go back.

The children at the orphanage were amazing and Cambodia itself is a lovely country with really friendly people. I got on well with other volunteers there too which made the trip much more enjoyable.

If you can, prepare some games and teaching ideas before you go. Try and see as many of the projects as possible while you are there. Go to the Killing Fields and S21 museum, very sad but definitely needs to be seen.

Yes

Yes

Fantastic country, lovely kids, great fun and wonderful experience

The children at the orphanage were fantastic. I had so much fun teaching them, chatting to them and having fun with them. Didn't want to leave!

1) Remember if you are teaching beginners that it might seem like you aren't helping as they make pretty slow progress, but just them hearing your voice will be helping them learn english! 2) Try to learn a little bit of Khmer to help you with the children when they don't speak much English and remember you can always ask someone to translate more complicated instructions for you. 3) Make the most of the fantastic experience and try not to be too sad when you have to leave!! :)

Yes

Yes

So rewarding, kids were amazing, I want to do more!!

Getting to know the kids, teaching and playing with them. So rewarding!

Volunteer for as long as you can, I chose to do 4 weeks because I had never done any thing like this before and wasn't sure I'd cope with longer, but by the end of the 2nd week it was clear that to make a real difference to the kids I'd need much longer!

Yes

Yes

Interesting, exciting and something i know i will never forget.

The children were the obvious highlight of the trip, however there were things i wasnt expecting as well. The accomodation was very good, and the people so friendly, going out to dinner with the tuk tuk drivers was hilarious! Its also very easy to get out to other areas of Cambodia like Siem Reap on weekends, and the in country coordinator is very good at helping with trips like these. I would recommend this trip to anyone, but be aware that you much of the work is teaching and not care, so be adequately prepared to teach. The TEFL is very useful.

Wear insect repellent at all times, even when you think you wont need it! Throw yourself into everything, meeting new people, trying to foods, it all counts towards the whole experience. Dont be afraid of doing things by yourself, stay safe, but locals really know their stuff and can often help you.

Yes

Wonderful experience! Inspiring, funny and lovely children. Learnt so much.

Sharing four weeks with the children was the most wonderful part of my trip. They are the most funny, clever and welcoming people I have met!!! I also enjoyed exploring the Country on my weekends, meeting the other volunteers and learning about Cambodia and the culture first hand. No matter how much you know about a Country and its history and culture, nothing can compare to being their and experiencing it for yourself.

Have a few ideas, topics and games already prepared for your first lesson. Be prepared to work hard. Take extra money to buy some school supplies whilst you're there, such as board markers and stickers.

Yes

Yes

Challenging but hugely rewarding experience! Definitely unforgettable!

Everything was brilliant really. The teaching was challenging but it was so rewarding to see some of the children really improving with time. The accommodation was centrally located in a not-so-touristy area which meant that real Cambodia was experienced...a little scary at first but very rewarding once you realise you can do something and live somewhere like this, alone. Also great to meet fellow volunteers, and visit other parts of Cambodia.

- Be prepared to be teaching 99% of the time - we never had the opportunity to farm and had limited time playing with the kids...there was very much a focus on the teaching, which was what I signed up for but it's not clearly stated in the description how much the focus is on teaching. - Be confident, both with your class and your fellow volunteers. - Try to absorb yourself in the culture, although a little daunting at first, the Cambodian approach to life is strangely refreshing!

No

Yes