I loved every minute of my program and feel super lucky to have been placed at the school I was. I am so glad I went ahead and did this and to anyone who is hesitant I would say you have to just go for it!
Teaching English Volunteer Program in Cambodia - Siem Reap
Purpose
Improves access to quality education
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 3-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
Volunteer house
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Creative, self-motivated volunteers who are native or fluent speakers of English and want to help children learn the language. No teaching experience is needed, but completing some relevant training, like a TEFL certificate, is encouraged.
Project details
Keen to Teach English in Cambodia and explore the incredible temples of Siem Reap? International Volunteer HQ’s Teaching English project empowers volunteers to assist in elementary schools or at after school programs, gain experience as a teacher and share their English language skills. Learning English gives local students the opportunity to continue with further education and opens up a wider range of job possibilities, especially in Cambodia’s growing tourism and hospitality industries.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
The general level of education in Cambodia is considerably lower than other countries, leading to a high level of poverty and unemployment, and many families not being able to afford an education. For Cambodians, being able to speak English is a valued skill which especially helps widen their range of employment options in the thriving tourism industry.
As a volunteer English teacher with IVHQ you’ll be teaching young people aged between 5 and 12 years old who have a basic understanding of the English language, at elementary schools or in after-school programs.
Volunteers will be required to invest some time each day preparing lessons for their next class and the longer a volunteer participates on this project, the more responsibility they will be given. Volunteers will typically run their own classes independently and a syllabus/curriculum will be provided.
Teaching volunteer work can vary but generally includes:
- Teaching English language classes independently
- Lesson planning
- Helping with language skills and pronunciation
- Talking and connecting with students
- Helping with IT, Mathematics and art if required
COVID-19 requirements for Cambodia: COVID-19 requirements for Cambodia: There is a requirement for Teaching English volunteers on the Cambodia program to be have had at least 1 x COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days before flying to Cambodia. These measures are in place until further notice so please do keep this in mind for your planning.
Why do Teaching English volunteering in Siem Reap with IVHQ?
While volunteering on the Teaching English project in Cambodia you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Helping improve access to education in Siem Reap
- Enabling students to talk with a fluent English speaker
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining teaching experience
- Immersing yourself fully in the Khmer culture
- Learning about Cambodia’s history
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Cambodia photo gallery
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Special Needs Care project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Animal Care project
IVHQ Teaching project in Battambang
IVHQ volunteers going to their volunteer project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching project in Battambang
IVHQ Special Needs Care project
IVHQ Teaching project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ volunteers biking to their volunteer project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ volunteer orientation
Exploring Angkor Wat temples
Exploring the markets during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Phnom Penh during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Angkor Wat temples
Exploring Phnom Penh during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Siem Reap during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring the markets during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Phnom Penh during an IVHQ weekend
ploring Angkor Wat temples
Exploring the markets during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Phnom Penh during an IVHQ weekend
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
FL
Fraser Lamb
25 Jul 2024
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HP
Hannah Pruett
01 May 2024
I had ample guidance and preparation resources that allowed the trip to go smoothly, and I travelled to Cambodia with confidence due to the help I received prior to departing. The local team was a friendly and knowledgeable group. They all made sure that we were happy and taught us many things about the local culture and were very time oriented.
This opportunity has made me realize that so much joy comes from volunteering and helping those around you. I will most likely be volunteering with IVHQ again in the future.
I gained confidence, new friends, a better resume, a connection with the students and school, and so much more. If someone is feeling hesitant about joining, they should follow their instincts and think about why they are looking into volunteering abroad. This route is affordable and safe. Traveling abroad this way allows you to have connections with the locals that can speak the language and help you in any situation.
...
MB
Michael Benoit
07 Feb 2024
Our 3 weeks volunteering was excellent. The staff made us feel welcome, and integrated us into their schedule, where possible. We did some supervision, marking, led some reviews, did some lessons, and participated in a staff development meeting. Our stay at the hostel was excellent too. The meals were very good. The staff were also very welcoming and helpful. Our conversations and time with other volunteers proved enlightening. We would like to thank IVHQ for providing us with this opportunity to volunteer in Siem Reap.
...
LC
Lara Cummings
17 Oct 2023
This is one of the most rewarding and astonishing eye opening experiences of my life, thus far!
I was most bewildered and delighted by the enthusiasm each child possessed to actively achieve their best in class each day. This willing attitude is somewhat hard to come by in the schools I attend growing up. However, I will let these children set an example for my aspiration in life moving forward, to continually turn up for yourself!
...
GK
Garry Kaan
22 Dec 2022
Very happy with information posted on the the IVHQ website. I really enjoyed staying at the volunteer accommodation in Siem Reap and the food I received was wonderful. The local team were a wonderful host. Helpful and knowledgeable.
I felt part of the school teaching team and thoroughly enjoyed all of the teaching experience. I got on very well with the existing teaching team. I really enjoyed taking lead roles with the teaching.
...
WC
William Codrington
03 Aug 2022
Living in Cambodia helped me to learn about a country that I had previously not known much about. I found it inspiring how even though the country had such a tragic history, everyone I met was a very generous and kind person. They made me feel at home even though I was on the other side of the world. IVHQ organise the trip extremely well and make sure you are well looked after so you do not have to worry about the actual program itself. You will also be working with like-minded people and so within the group, you will definitely make good friends which makes the experience even better!
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditRecommended online TEFL course
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified onlineLocation
Location
In the heart of Southeast Asia, Cambodia is a country full of beauty and tragedy. As well as an abundance of beautiful beaches and temples there are many reminders of the history of genocide and civil war that left Cambodia one of the least developed countries in the world. In Phnom Penh there are numerous places where you can learn about what happened, including the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum or Choeung Ek Genocidal Centre. It is important to be informed about these poignant events in order to gain a better understanding and deeper respect for the Cambodian people and their culture.
As an IVHQ volunteer in Cambodia you could be based at placements in the capital city of Phnom Penh, the remote city of Battambang, or by the impressive temples of Siem Reap.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of the month and volunteers need to arrive in Siem Reap on the Sunday before orientation. There are two airport pick-ups times available: one at 10:00am and the other at 4:00pm. Arriving later than the Sunday before your start date is not allowed, as volunteers need to be ready for orientation early on Monday morning.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport (SAI). Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee when utilizing the 10:00am and 4:00pm pick-ups.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and taken to the volunteer accommodation in Siem Reap. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the Sunday night before your program orientation.
If you are travelling in Cambodia prior to your volunteer program, the local team can pick you up on Sunday from any hostel or hotel in Siem Reap.
Orientation is hosted by our Cambodia team at the volunteer house in Siem Reap. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Cambodia – an introduction to Cambodia, its culture and customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.
Although you are expected to fly into Siem Reap, as this is where the program orientation is held, your placement may be based elsewhere; either Siem Reap, Phnom Penh or Battambang. After your orientation has ended, you will then be transported to your placement location (if it is outside of Siem Reap) - this cost is included in your Program Fee.
After your time on the program ends, you can either fly out of Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, although please note that your transportation back to the relevant airport is at your own expense.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays - A typical volunteer day might be:
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast in the volunteer house or with your host family |
| 9:00 AM | Volunteer leaves home and travels to the project to begin work |
| 12:00 - 2:00 PM | Lunch break. In Cambodia all workplaces have a lunch break for about 2 hours. Some start earlier, some later. During this lunch break you are welcome to stay at your placement. Some placements will offer you food. |
| 2:00 - 5:00 PM | Work at the placement commences, if you have been assigned an afternoon shift. Alternatively, if the work at the project has ended then you are free to travel home, sightsee or do some shopping. |
| 7:00 PM | Dinner in the volunteer house or with the host family. |
Weekends
Cambodia is packed with a vast range of things to do and see in your free time. In the modern capital city of Phnom Penh you can visit the king’s official residence, The Royal Palace, and the famous Silver Pagoda, check out the huge art-deco market, cruise along the Mekong or learn about Cambodia’s devastating history at one of the many museums.
The tourist hub of Siem Reap is home to Angkor Wat, a collection of temples that together form the largest religious monument in the world. There are many hotels, resorts, markets and museums, and nearby is a lake with floating villages, a national park featuring waterfalls, rivers and Cambodia’s largest reclining Buddha.
During the long public holidays in April, September and November, you may also wish to travel further afield to Laos, Vietnam or Thailand.
Accommodation and WiFi
You will be accommodated in either a volunteer house or guesthouse, and you can expect to share a room with four other IVHQ volunteers who are of the same gender. Bedrooms are comprised of bunk beds with bedding provided, which includes a bottom sheet, blanket and pillow. Although there is no air conditioning, electric fans are provided in each room and if volunteers require additional cooling, they are able to request an additional fan via the local team.
If you’re volunteering in Siem Reap, you’ll be accommodated in a volunteer house. Volunteer houses have electricity and running water and the majority of rooms have private bathrooms. In each volunteer house, there is a sitting area, dining area, TV and Wi-Fi.
For those volunteers placed in Phnom Penh, you will be accommodated in a local guesthouse. The guesthouse also has electricity and running water.
If your placement is in the province of Battambang, you will stay on-site in the school compound. You will have a separate room which you will share with up to one other volunteer. Electricity, running water, western bathrooms and Wi-Fi are provided.
Private room upgrades (air conditioned or non-air conditioned) may be available for your duration if this was a preference. These start from £35 per week and can be added to your file once you have applied + registered.
Meals
Volunteers in Cambodia are provided with three meals a day which are served in the volunteer house. Breakfast generally consists of seasonal fruit and bread with a variety of spreads such as; peanut butter and jam.
Lunch and dinner is usually rice or noodles with fried vegetables and meat. These meals include a wide range of dishes consisting of rice, vegetables and meat with sweet, salty, bitter and sour flavors. Volunteers on the Animal Care project should expect a packed vegan lunch.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please let the team know when you apply for the program so arrangements can be made.
IVHQ local team prepare volunteer meal
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer lunch
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer dinner
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Phnom Penh volunteer kitchen
Phnom Penh typical volunteer bedroom
Phnom Penh typical volunteer bedroom
Phnom Penh typical volunteer bedroom
Phnom Penh typical volunteer bedroom
Phnom Penh typical volunteer bedroom
Phnom Penh typical volunteer bedroom
Siem Reap volunteer accommodation
Siem Reap typical volunteer bedroom
Siem Reap typical volunteer bedroom
Siem Reap typical bedroom upgrade
Siem Reap typical bedroom upgrade
Siem Reap volunteer kitchen
Siem Reap typical volunteer bathroom
Battambang volunteer accommodation
Battambang typical volunteer bedroom
Volunteers eating a meal in Battambang
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately £250), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately £250) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 3 weeks | $575 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 4 weeks | $690 Equivalent to $25/day |
| 5 weeks | $805 Equivalent to $23/day |
| 6 weeks | $920 Equivalent to $22/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,150 Equivalent to $21/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,380 Equivalent to $20/day |
| 12 weeks | $1,605 Equivalent to $19/day |
| 16 weeks | $2,045 Equivalent to $18/day |
| 20 weeks | $2,485 Equivalent to $18/day |
| 24 weeks | $2,925 Equivalent to $17/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately £250) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Cambodia generally find US$80-100 per week to be sufficient for expenses.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Siem Reap
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Siem Reap program.
Private Room
Want your own private room while volunteering in Cambodia? Enjoy your own private space in comfort and style during your volunteer experience.
From £35
Private Room (air-conditioned)
Want your own private, air-conditioned, room while volunteering in Cambodia? Enjoy your own private space in comfort and style during your volunteer experience.
From £64
Check what's required to visit Cambodia
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Phnom Penh |
| Population | 16.49 million |
| Languages | Khmer |
| Currency | Cambodian Riel (KHR) |
| Time zone | UTC+07:00 |
Weather and climate
Cambodia has two distinct seasons. The rainy season, which runs from May to October, can see temperatures drop to 22°C (71.6°F) and is generally accompanied by high humidity. The dry season lasts from November to April and temperatures can rise up to 40°C (104°F ) around April.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
