Volunteer in

Cambodia

Frequently asked questions(FAQ's - Cambodia)

FAQ's Application and Program Details

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Cambodia? expand_more

There is no deadline for registering your program. However, as we have limited spots available in our programs and we usually facilitate on first come first serve basis, we strongly recommend all volunteers to book their programs well in advance. We have volunteers booking their programs even one year in advance. So, it is a good idea to book the program as early as possible and reserve your spot. We also allow volunteers to change their program dates if they inform us before 45 days of program’s commencement.

How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted? expand_more

After you complete your application, your personalized ‘My Account’ will be activated.You will need to upload your CV/Resume along with your photo in the same. Our backend team and the placement site takes around 10-12 days to review your application. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and updated in your ‘My Account’. Some projects need a mandatory criminal background check and the same is mentioned in the project info of your program. Approval of your application depends on your qualification and eligibility criteria for each project.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Cambodia volunteer programs? expand_more

In Cambodia, the minimum duration of our programs is 2 weeks. Volunteers who choose the NGO Support Program need to participate for a minimum duration of 5 weeks.

You must be 18 years and above when you arrive at your project placement in Cambodia.

Participants enrolled in the Orphanage and Teaching Project need to provide a Criminal Background Check Report as well.

Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. Cambodia is a country of different culture and traditions, though it is modernized but the cultural sensitivities need to be kept in mind before volunteering here. 

Volunteers should be energetic and enthusiastic to make a difference.

Must be in good health.

Can I volunteer as part of a group? expand_more

Volunteering in a group is always a good idea and it’s highly encouraged. We recommend our volunteers to come with their colleagues, friends or families. 

Volunteering in a group improves productivity and it’s also safe when you venture out for sightseeing after your work. Also, we can design special group programs for groups of 5 or more. Our programs are designed to be safe, affordable and offer a great group volunteering experience to the volunteers.

In our experience of more than 12+ years we have enabled and facilitated volunteer program placements for student groups- college groups, university groups, high school groups, group of families, group of couples as well as a group of colleagues.

 

When do I need to arrive in Cambodia for my program? What will happen once I arrive here? expand_more

The programs in Cambodia start on 1st and 3rd Monday of every month and participants need to arrive on the Sunday prior to that. 

Volunteers are picked up from the Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) by the in-country coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in Cambodia will be picked up from the bus station or at a meeting point decided beforehand. Please do inform the in-country coordinator if your? flight is arriving late. 

Does VolSol provides with a reference or a certificate after program completion? expand_more

Yes, we will provide you with the Certificate after successful completion of your program. The certificate is provided on request.

Does VolSol provides discount if I choose more than one program or if I am a returning volunteer? expand_more

If you are planning to come for multiple programs during your trip, you will have to pay the application fee just once. Your application fee is valid for a year's time (from the date of application). You will not have to pay the application fees again if you come within the mentioned time frame.

For our returning volunteers, $50 discount is provided for the application fee for their next VolSol program. 

For how much time will I volunteer every day? expand_more

VolSol volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day, however, it is dependent on your program type. You will have the weekends to travel and explore the country. 

 

Our in-country coordinator will guide you about the nearby places which you can explore during the weekday evenings as well.

Flights and Visa

Do I need a Visa to volunteer in Cambodia ? expand_more

Citizens of most countries can receive a 30-day tourist Visa on arrival. You can apply for an E-Visa before going to Cambodia. For volunteers planning to stay in Cambodia for more than 30 days, business Visa is recommended.

What are the recommended inexpensive airline options to fly to Cambodia? expand_more

Phnom Penh International Airport (Airport Code: PNH) is well connected with flights from major Asian and Middle Eastern destinations.
Most volunteers coming from Europe and North America have a layover in South Korea, Qatar, Vietnam or Thailand and then take a connecting flight to Phnom Penh.

The following carriers operate regular flights to Phnom Penh – 
Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Tigerair, Dragon Air, Bangkok Airways, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air China flights, Thai AirAsia and  SilkAir.

Health and Safety

How safe is Phnom Penh in general? expand_more

Cambodia as a whole is a safe place for tourists in general. Our volunteer accommodation and placements are located in a safe and friendly neighborhood in Phnom Penh. However, as in any other big city, you need to be vigilant when venturing out alone and drinking with strangers and also take general safety measures. All volunteers are recommended to follow safety procedures and guidelines provided by the in-country coordinator in the orientation session.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need for traveling to Cambodia? expand_more

If you are traveling from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever Virus (YFV) transmission, you are required to show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination.
Apart from that, travelers are recommended to take the following vaccinations:
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
Tetanus

We would also request you to consult your travel doctor before going to Cambodia.

Do I need to buy a health insurance? expand_more

Yes, for all participants it is mandatory to have a travel medical insurance. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider at a very nominal price. 

Accommodation and Living

Can I know more about the accommodation and food arrangements? expand_more

In Cambodia, accommodation is provided in a family run guest house in central Phnom Penh or with a Cambodian host family depending on your preference, availability and the final project allocation. 

Staying with a local host family is exciting and a very good opportunity for the volunteers to get to know the traditional customs, culture and ‘way of living’ of Cambodians. Our volunteers usually stay with middle-class families.

All host families are carefully selected and approved by the local staff and have past experience of hosting international volunteers. All accommodations have running water and electricity available.

At guest house accommodation, 2-3 volunteers share a room, on same gender basis. Each room has its own bathroom with western-style facilities and showers. All rooms have fans and a separate bathroom is attached to every room. Air-conditioning is also available for an additional cost.Volunteers can have the opportunity to relax, to eat and to socialize with other volunteers on the second floor of the guest house.

The communal area for the volunteers is set up there.The guest house has a very family friendly atmosphere and participants enjoy their stay there.The house is a great place to meet and interact with other like-minded volunteers from different parts of the world. The accommodation has Wifi service available and laundry service is also available at an additional charge.

Volunteers are provided with three meals a day. Cambodian food is light and healthy and is not very spicy and hot. It is a fusion of different Southeast Asian cuisines and meals usually comprise of Rice, Vegetables, Chicken, Beef, and noodles. 

Can vegetarians be accommodated? expand_more

Yes –  please do ensure that you inform the local team about your food preference and they can ensure that you are able to order the best food! Also, please do mention your specific food preference in the application form as well.

Would I have free time during my program? Can I do sightseeing during my program? expand_more

Your weekends and evenings will be free for you to indulge in some sightseeing and explore in and around Phnom Penh. You can visit the temples of Angkor near Siem Reap city in the west, the beaches of Sihanoukville and coastal towns along the southern coast and also the jungle villages along the countryside. (Of course, one just can’t afford to miss visiting the ruins of Angkor Wat when in Cambodia!)

We encourage our volunteers to travel. We have designed various weekend tours which can be booked under the Add-on Tours section in your ‘My Account’. 
Your in-country coordinator will also help you book and organize the tours once you are in the country. 

Will there be more expenses once I arrive in Cambodia? expand_more

Your program fee covers everything - from your food, accommodation, airport pick-up, orientation, pre-departure information, and in-country staff support. You will need to cover your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, shopping, sightseeing etc.

Local Transportation to the projects is not included in the program fee. You can expect to spend around $5 to $12 per day for the transport. On an average, we recommend around $100 per week for your personal expenses.

Where can I change my money in Phnom Penh? Are there ATMs in Phnom Penh? expand_more

You can change money at any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. There are ATM's located all around the capital city of Phnom Penh. It is recommended to check and keep yourself updated with the current exchange rates.

Connect with Past Volunteers

How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Cambodia alumni and other former and current volunteers? expand_more

We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook Group and connect with other participants and our team.

To read alumni interviews from past participants, visit the Meet a Volunteer section on our website.

To view feedback reports and testimonials from Volunteering Solutions Cambodia program participants, click here.