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Volunteer Abroad Teaching English in Cambodia

Due to a turbulent past and years of devastation, much of Cambodia's population hasn’t had the opportunity to receive a formal education. However, since peace has been restored many Cambodians have better access to schooling and the government is encouraging education for both girls and boys. Due to the recent upturn in tourism and international trade, there is great enthusiasm to learn foreign languages; thus, a good grasp of English means access to better jobs and ultimately a better future.

Volunteer with children

Projects Abroad works to improve the lives of some of the most neglected children in Cambodia who live in orphanages or attend charity schools. The number of orphans and abandoned children in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap is very high and the orphanages that do exist are overcrowded, understaffed and poorly resourced. Due to the difficulties associated with sending these children to school, the kids often receive their education at the orphanage. It is here and in the charity funded schools where Projects Abroad volunteers work that teaching English can really make a difference. Volunteers can also choose to teach in the village school on Koh Rong Samleom island where our conservation project is based.

Teaching English in Cambodia is an ideal way to gain some truly rewarding volunteer experience. You don’t need any formal teaching qualifications or a TEFL certificate nor do we require any previous teaching experience. Whether you want to volunteer during your gap year, career break or as part of an extended vacation, you will have a role to play and will be needed in Cambodia.

The impact you have on the lives of the children with whom you work will be long lasting. Overall, you will also be part of a much wider volunteer network that is working towards making a really positive contribution in the local community.

Teach English in Orphanages with Projects Abroad

Teaching in the bustling cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap will open your eyes to the mix of great prosperity and poverty in these vibrant cities. All our placements are based in and around the cities and you will teach children from about 5-16 years old.

In the class

Volunteering to teach English in orphanages will give you the chance to help children improve their future prospects. You'll teach free English lessons in the orphanage classroom and many volunteers choose to spend time with the children outside of school hours. If you’d like to work more hours, you could always help with many of the duties and activities the orphanage needs. Please see our Care in Cambodia page for more information.

Classes are normally small with about ten to twenty children per class. The limited size allows you to give personal attention to each child. Due to the shortage of teachers, you'll normally have your lessons alone without a teaching assistant, but there will be other staff around to help or translate if needed. The staff themselves will also benefit from practicing their English with a native speaker.

If you are interested in getting out of the city then you may like to consider teaching in the village school on the tropical island of Koh Rong Samleom where our Conservation Project is based. You could combine Teaching and Conservation by working here. The school has very limited resources and has just two classrooms with children aged from about 4 to 16 split between them. Volunteers have a great deal of freedom here to teach English and other subjects like sports, arts & crafts or drama. Please let us know if you're interested in this option when you apply.

 

Volunteering on a Teaching Project in Cambodia

Whatever skills and talents you have, teaching in Cambodia will give you the opportunity to put them to good use. Be imaginative with your teaching to make learning fun and enjoyable. Through the use of materials, games and songs you can engage the children and make them eager to learn. There are also opportunities for volunteers to get involved with teaching other subjects, especially music and dance, since a number of orphanages and charity schools support themselves by putting on traditional dance shows to generate vital funds. Getting involved teaching French is also an option.

The ability to speak English will help improve the futures of the children. You will teach younger kids the basics while helping older students polish their skills and enhance their confidence. The attention and time you give them is of enormous benefit and we hope that you will take time to prepare and structure lessons. Being prepared will give you confidence and ensure that both you and your students get the most out of your volunteering experience in Cambodia.

Volunteer ProfileOlivia DehnaviOlivia Dehnavi
Something that really struck me was how generous the students were. Not a day went by when they didn’t offer me pictures, drawings or paper flowers. The job was very fulfilling, and I knew that my voluntary contribution was extremely helpful and greatly valued. Read more...