Cambodia – Sustainable Community Development

Siem Reap is a welcoming city in northern Cambodia known as the gateway to the Angkor temple complex. The area combines a lively center with quieter village surroundings where volunteers stay, giving a close view of local daily life. Markets, small shops, and essential services are just a short bike ride from the accommodation. Cultural sites such as Wat Preah Prom Rath and Wat Thmey add depth to the city’s historic atmosphere. The climate is warm year round, with rainy months bringing greener scenery. Siem Reap remains one of the country’s most visited regions, yet still offers calm neighborhoods where community life feels genuine. It is a practical and engaging base for volunteers who want to explore Cambodian culture while contributing to local initiatives.

About the Program
The program focuses on providing free English education to children from Krous Village and nearby areas. Working with local teachers, the school accommodates over 60 students aged 6 to 13, promoting their progress through structured English lessons and monthly testing.

Volunteer Work
Volunteers can join one of the program tracks: teaching or construction. Teaching involves creating engaging English lessons and supporting local educators, while the construction program focuses on improving educational and community spaces. Both tracks encourage collaboration, creativity, and cultural exchange.

Teaching tasks may include:

• Lead English lessons using the school’s structured curriculum
• Assist with monthly progress tests
• Teach basic hygiene and sanitation practices
• Introduce simple cultural activities
• Help prepare materials and support students during class

Construction tasks may include (optional):

• Renovate and refresh classrooms
• Build or repair toilets, pathways, and other facilities
• Paint school buildings and playground areas
• Support basic landscaping and small building tasks

A typical day

For teaching volunteers, the day begins with breakfast at the accommodation before traveling to the Greenway School for the morning teaching shift from 08:00 to 11:00. Volunteers return to the accommodation for lunch and time to prepare activities for the next session. The afternoon shift runs from 13:00 to 16:00, after which participants head back for dinner and have the evening free for relaxation or optional cultural activities.

Construction volunteers begin with breakfast, followed by a morning briefing and work at the project site, which may include tasks like building, painting, or gardening. After lunch, work continues in the afternoon, concluding with dinner and free time.

Holidays: During some holidays, volunteers will be primarily involved in repairs and renovations and other outreach programs, since school will not be in session.

Read more about Top 5 Reasons to Volunteer with Communities Abroad

Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available at the accommodation.

Laundry: There are limited laundry facilities, so volunteers should expect to wash clothes by hand.

Accommodations: During your volunteer placement, you will stay in a guesthouse with shared rooms for 2 to 4 people, equipped with fans, shared bathrooms, cold showers, and lockers. All rooms come with a fan, shower (no hot water), mosquito net, and a western toilet. Downtown Siem Reap is about a 10 minute bike ride away.

Food: From Monday-Friday, three meals a day are provided. On the weekends, only brunch and dinner are provided. The food will be Cambodian fare, including plenty of rice dishes.

• Minimum age of 17
• Good level of English
• Motivation to work with children
• Police clearance
• Positive and flexible attitude

Participants can explore Cambodia’s vibrant culture and natural beauty during their free time. Highlights include visiting the iconic Angkor Wat temples, enjoying traditional Cambodian cooking classes, and engaging with the friendly locals. The nearby markets offer a chance to purchase handmade crafts and souvenirs, while cultural performances showcase the region’s rich traditions. Other activities include cycling through rice paddies, exploring Buddhist temples, and attending local festivals.

Culture Week (highly recommended)

As an optional add-on, volunteers can join the Siem Reap Culture Week, an immersive experience designed to introduce participants to Cambodia’s rich heritage. This week includes guided visits to iconic landmarks like Angkor Wat and Phnom Krom, hands-on Khmer cooking and art workshops, and opportunities to learn about Buddhism through a Q&A session with local monks. Volunteers will also explore the vibrant night markets and Floating Village, offering an authentic glimpse into daily Cambodian life. Whether you’re soaking in the panoramic views near Tonle Sap Lake or connecting with locals over a BBQ night, this add-on promises an enriching extension to your time in Cambodia. See Additional Options below for fees.

🌏 Gap Year Suggestion in Asia – GoEco Style!

Start in Siem Reap and explore more incredible volunteer opportunities across Asia.
✈️ GoEco will help with all your travel arrangements for a smooth, stress-free experience!

• Hua Hin, Thailand – Teaching Program
  ✈️ Flight: Siem Reap to Bangkok (~1 hour), followed by a 3-hour drive to Hua Hin.
  Volunteer in a peaceful beach town with a laid-back vibe, local markets, and welcoming schools.
• Koh Samui, Thailand – Teach & Beach Program
  ✈️ Flight: Bangkok to Koh Samui (~1 hour)
  Enjoy island life while teaching in local schools — the perfect mix of purpose and paradise.
• El Nido, Philippines – Education Volunteering
  ✈️ Flight: Bangkok to Manila (~3 hours), then Manila to El Nido (~1 hour).
  Finish in a tropical paradise, volunteering in local education while surrounded by stunning beaches and limestone cliffs.