The Ultimate Guide to Volunteering in Cambodia

If you or your loved ones have ever considered volunteering in Cambodia, then this blog is for you! Below, in this ultimate guide to volunteering in Cambodia, I will outline the different programmes available in Cambodia, who is eligible to volunteer, the things to do and see in Cambodia, and more.

From volunteering with children and elephants, to seeing Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, choosing to volunteer in Cambodia can be a beneficial experience for you, your loved ones, the communities we work in, and the animals that we help.

Who can volunteer and how long can you volunteer?

Just like at Globalteer’s projects in Peru, volunteering with Globalteer in Cambodia is open to both locals and people from all over the world. Similarly, there is also, strictly speaking, no minimum or maximum age range to volunteer. Those under 18 are welcome to volunteer, and this year, we’ve had people over 70 years volunteering with us.

Those looking to volunteer with Globalteer in Cambodia can volunteer between 1 and 12 weeks, depending on the programme. Globalteer is able to accommodate those looking to volunteer alone, in groups, or as a family.

Volunteer Programmes

There are a variety of programmes for you to choose from in Cambodia, from teaching children to volunteering with elephants, These will be discussed in greater detail below. You are free to dedicate your time to one project or you can volunteer at multiple projects during your volunteership.

Bears: If you want to volunteer at a bear sanctuary with over 100 bears, then this is the programme for you. Here, you would work with bears rescued from Bear Bile Farms, the illegal wildlife trade, the tourism and entertainment industry, or those who were kept as domestic pets. This programme aims to rehabilitate the bears in order to returned them to the wild. Your duties would include preparing food for the bears, maintaining the enclosures, and creating puzzles for the bears in order to give them treats.

Children: Those looking to work with children can volunteer at the Helping Hands School. Here, you would assist local staff in English classes, arts, games, sports, and the breakfast programme. Your duties would include helping teachers in English class, helping in arts and crafts, and helping local teachers prepare classes.

Clean Water Project: This programme is ideal for those who want to help rural communities gain access to clean and safe drinking water. This project aims to build water filters and distribute them to rural communities in and around Siem Reap. In this programme, you would build the filters and then distribute and install them in local communities.

Community Farming: The Food and Farming Project aims to produce nutritious food for children at Helping Hands and the local community. The duties of this programme center around the maintenance of the gardens, farms, and fish farms. Your duties would include preparing the ground for planting, planting seeds, and harvesting crops.

Elephants: Those looking to volunteer at an elephant sanctuary should consider this programme. This programme aims to help rescued elephants who were previously exploited in logging and elephants-ride tourism. Your duties would include walking with elephants into the forest to forage for food, watching elephants bathing themselves in the river or help at a washing station, and maintaining the elephant sanctuary.

Rescued Cats and Dogs: If you want to help end the suffering of stray animals in Cambodia, then consider this programme. This programme feeds, cleans, and cares for cats, dogs, and chickens with the ultimate aim of improving local animal rights. Your duties include preparing food and feeding the animals, providing basic medical care, and socializing and playing with the animals.

Important Pre-Arrival Information

Before you embark on your volunteering journey to Cambodia, it’s important to be aware of some essential details. You will need to get updated vaccinations and ensure you’re physically ready for the climate and work.

• Visa: We recommend applying for an e-visa for ease and flexibility. The cost for the initial e-visa is $42.

• Weather: Cambodia can be hot and humid, so pack accordingly (sunscreen, hats, and light clothing). We also suggest consulting a medical professional to ensure you’re fit for physical tasks.

Arrival in Cambodia

Upon arrival in Cambodia, you will be welcomed by Globalteer’s team and directed to your accommodation in Siem Reap. The volunteer house provides basic amenities and is located in a peaceful neighbourhood, perfect for relaxation after your volunteer work.

To explore more about volunteering in Cambodia, including the full details of each program, volunteer stories, and preparation tips, please visit our complete guide:

Read the full guide here