Volunteer
In Cambodia

Volunteer
In Cambodia

Why Volunteer in Cambodia? Culture, Need & Adventure

Cambodia is far more than the famous Angkor Wat temples — with its lush rainforests, calm rural landscapes, winding rivers, and rich cultural heritage, it offers an unforgettable setting for volunteer abroad programs in Southeast Asia. After decades of hardship, including the Khmer Rouge era, Cambodia continues to rebuild its communities and institutions. Volunteers in Cambodia can make a real, meaningful difference while experiencing a blend of history, nature, and cultural depth. Phnom Penh is our central base for many volunteer and internship programs.

Cambodia has faced immense challenges in recent history, but today it is a country full of resilience, cultural richness, and opportunity for positive change. After decades of hardship under the Khmer Rouge, the nation continues to rebuild its education system, healthcare, and social infrastructure. This is where volunteers in Cambodia can make a real difference — helping communities regain their voice, rebuild confidence, and strengthen opportunities for the future.

At Volunteering Journeys, we run life-changing volunteer programs in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital city. Our projects are designed to meet genuine local needs while giving you a chance to immerse yourself in Khmer culture. Opportunities include:

Teaching English in Cambodia – Support schools and community centers to improve language and communication skills.

NGO Internships – Work with local non-profits focused on women’s empowerment, human rights, and sustainable development.

Special Needs Volunteering – Assist children and adults with disabilities through care, education, and enrichment programs.

Medical & Nursing Electives – Ideal for medical students or professionals, these placements provide hands-on experience in clinics and hospitals.

Midwifery Internships -Gain hands-on maternal health experience, observe births, and support women’s care in Phnom Penh hospitals.

Our Cambodia volunteer programs are flexible and open to people with little or no prior experience. Placements typically require a minimum commitment of 2 weeks, with healthcare and specialized internships often starting at 4 weeks to allow deeper impact. Whether you’re on a gap year, career break, or simply seeking meaningful travel, volunteering in Cambodia is an unforgettable way to combine service with cultural immersion.

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities in Cambodia

Cambodia has faced immense challenges in recent history, but today it is a country full of resilience, cultural richness, and opportunity for positive change. After decades of hardship under the Khmer Rouge, the nation continues to rebuild its education system, healthcare, and social infrastructure. This is where volunteers in Cambodia can make a real difference — helping communities regain their voice, rebuild confidence, and strengthen opportunities for the future.

At Volunteering Journeys, we run life-changing volunteer programs in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital city. Our projects are designed to meet genuine local needs while giving you a chance to immerse yourself in Khmer culture. Opportunities include:

Teaching English in Cambodia – Support schools and community centers to improve language and communication skills.

NGO Internships – Work with local non-profits focused on women’s empowerment, human rights, and sustainable development.

Special Needs Volunteering – Assist children and adults with disabilities through care, education, and enrichment programs.

Medical & Nursing Internships Abroad – Ideal for medical students or professionals, these placements provide hands-on experience in clinics and hospitals.

Our Cambodia volunteer programs are flexible and open to people with little or no prior experience. Placements typically require a minimum commitment of 2 weeks, with healthcare and specialized internships often starting at 4 weeks to allow deeper impact. Whether you’re on a gap year, career break, or simply seeking meaningful travel, volunteering in Cambodia is an unforgettable way to combine service with cultural immersion.

Cambodia Phnom Penh

Internships in Abroad Locations

Teaching & English Education

Teaching English in Cambodia is becoming extremely popular as the country becomes more tourist-friendly and business leaders seek to hire bilingual employees. Volunteers will be teaching English in local schools and community centres.

Medical, Nursing & Healthcare Internships

Our Nursing and Medical electives programs in Cambodia are ideal for medical or nursing students. They help you build real-world global experience and gain knowledge about healthcare systems that are unique to this part of the world.

Special Needs & Disabilities Support

Here you’ll work alongside physiotherapists at the rehabilitation centre, and gain practical work experience while helping treat patients with physical or mental disabilities, diseases, or HIV.

Midwifery Internships

Midwifery internships abroad will allow you to assist local healthcare professionals with various administrative and sanitation duties, experience and help with pre-natal consultancies, births and and post-natal care.

NGO Internships

Ideal for students looking for international development work experience in Human Rights Support, Women Empowerment, Micro-Finance Raising, or NGO Administration. 

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Other Volunteer Abroad Destinations

How to volunteer abroad with us

Select a program in Asia or South America related to community or conservation. If you are not sure what to do just contact us and we can guide you

Fill an online application form and pay your deposit so we know you are committed to coming out. Don’t worry all your personal details will stay confidential.

Once we get your application form we will contact you and confirm your spot and also share your details with our local team.

Our team will send material to help you prepare for your upcoming program and to support you and answer any questions related to your location.

We recommend you get your visas, insurance, flights as well as packing list organised well in advance so you are not rushing last minute.

This is the exciting part! Once you reach us in the country everything is taken care of. All you have to do is focus on making a difference & enjoying the experience.

Have more questions? Get in touch

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FAQs

What volunteer in Cambodia programmes does Volunteering Journeys offer?

Volunteering Journeys offers teaching, NGO and international development, special needs and disability support, medical and nursing electives, and midwifery internships in Cambodia. Most placements are based in Phnom Penh and range from community volunteering to professional learning.

Programmes may include:

  • Teaching English and classroom support
  • NGO and community development work
  • Special needs and disability support
  • Medical and nursing electives
  • Midwifery internships

General community roles may suit applicants with enthusiasm and limited previous experience, while healthcare placements usually require relevant study, training or professional experience. Duties depend on host needs, participant skills and supervision. Check the individual programme page before applying.

Who are Volunteering Journeys’ Cambodia placements suitable for?

Volunteering Journeys’ Cambodia placements are suitable for gap-year travellers, students, graduates, career breakers, families and mature volunteers who meet their chosen programme’s requirements. Participants should normally be over 18, although younger applicants may need parental permission and programme approval.

Applicants should be prepared to:

  • Communicate in English
  • Follow the code of conduct
  • Adapt to local conditions
  • Respect cultural expectations
  • Commit for the required programme duration

Previous volunteering experience is not always necessary. However, medical, nursing and midwifery placements generally require relevant study, training or professional experience. Health needs, dietary requirements and accessibility concerns should be disclosed during the application process.

How does Volunteering Journeys help me choose and secure a Cambodia placement?

Volunteering Journeys helps you choose and secure a Cambodia placement by matching your interests, experience, available time and learning goals with a suitable programme. If you are unsure which placement fits best, the team can provide guidance before you apply.

The process usually includes:

  • Choosing a programme
  • Completing the online application
  • Providing relevant personal and experience details
  • Paying the US$299 deposit
  • Submitting documents for specialist placements where required

Once accepted, you receive practical information about arrival, accommodation and the project. You remain responsible for passports, visas or entry permission, flights, and suitable travel and medical insurance before travelling to Cambodia.

What is included in Volunteering Journeys’ Cambodia programme fees?

Volunteering Journeys’ Cambodia programme fees can include accommodation, selected meals, airport collection, orientation, project training, placement coordination and local support, although exact inclusions vary by programme. Applicants should check the current fee details for their chosen placement.

Common inclusions may cover:

  • Pre-departure guidance
  • Shared accommodation
  • Selected meals
  • Local orientation
  • Project coordination
  • Regular staff support

Additional costs may include flights, travel and medical insurance, visa fees, vaccinations, local transport, excursions, project materials, departure transfers and room upgrades.

The US$299 deposit is deducted from the final fee, and a 5% bank fee applies. Always request a complete detailed written cost breakdown before booking.

What accommodation and in-country support does Volunteering Journeys provide in Phnom Penh?

Volunteering Journeys provides shared accommodation and local support for Cambodia placements, with arrangements varying by programme. For the Phnom Penh teaching placement, accommodation is described as a volunteer house with shared rooms, Wi-Fi and on-site support.

Support may include:

  • Airport collection where listed
  • Arrival orientation
  • Health and safety information
  • Project training
  • Introductions to local staff
  • Regular in-country contact

Private rooms may be available for an additional charge, depending on availability.

Volunteers should confirm room type, meals, local transport and arrival arrangements before booking. Suitable travel insurance remains essential, and participants should follow local safety guidance throughout their stay in Cambodia.

How long can I volunteer in Cambodia with Volunteering Journeys, and what will my schedule look like?

You can usually volunteer in Cambodia for at least two weeks, while healthcare and other specialist internships may require around four weeks or longer. Exact programme durations vary, so applicants should confirm the minimum and maximum stay for their chosen placement.

A typical schedule may include:

  • Weekday project work
  • Orientation and training
  • Classroom, NGO or healthcare duties
  • Preparation or support tasks
  • Free evenings and weekends

Daily routines depend on host organisation needs, working hours and the participant’s permitted level of involvement.

Public holidays, school closures, festivals and staffing changes may affect activities. Confirm dates and remain flexible once in Cambodia.

How does Volunteering Journeys approach safety, safeguarding and responsible volunteering in Cambodia?

Volunteering Journeys approaches safety, safeguarding and responsible volunteering in Cambodia by prioritising local needs, conduct standards and supervision. Programmes are developed with local organisations, and volunteers are expected to support existing work rather than replace qualified staff.

Safeguarding measures may include:

  • References or background checks
  • A code of conduct
  • Child protection procedures
  • Pre-departure guidance
  • On-site orientation

Volunteers should respect privacy, obtain consent before taking photographs and follow cultural guidance. Healthcare participants must work only within authorised duties and supervision.

Participants should maintain suitable insurance, disclose relevant health information and follow staff instructions throughout their placement in Cambodia at all times.