Most Affordable & Trusted Volunteer Programs in Cambodia | IVHQ

I was crazy nervous at the beginning of my trip as I'm only 18 so was my first time ever travelling alone, but as soon as I arrived to the volunteer house in Phnom Penh I was relieved, the volunteers and the staff were so welcoming and nice and it had a real homely feel to it. So I was already off to a great start and then as soon as I saw the beautiful children at Le Restaurant des Enfants I knew I picked the right project! To anyone thinking of volunteering this organisation was amazing and it was honestly the most amazing and rewarding experience ive ever had working with children!!:)

Cambodia has everything you could ask for in a volunteer destination – great people, unique culture and awesome adventures! There is also a strong demand for people to help address the deep-rooted socio-economic issues facing Cambodia today. That is exactly where volunteers step in!

Volunteer programs are numerous and diverse, satisfying any skill set you have to offer or are looking to develop. I volunteered on a 6-month placement, volunteering with a development NGO in Phnom Penh. And guess what? They offered me a job and now I live here!

Whilst I loved (and still love) my placement, I greatly value the camaraderie within the volunteer house, offering support after a challenging day and encouragement exploring the street food scene! Grilled frog skewers anyone? If you plan to stay longer than a few weeks there is also a small but strong expat community. And plenty of delightful coffee shops when you’re looking for some quiet time (and air-conditioning!).

Opportunities for weekend trips are abundant, satisfying any and all travel experiences you could ask for! Whilst the tourism industry throughout the country is still largely in its infancy (outside of Siem Reap), locals are always very generous with their efforts to help – and knowing a little Khmer goes a long way! As does taking the time to learn and practice the social and cultural customs. Quick trips to neighboring Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Laos are also very do-able. Some journeys can take longer than expected but I have never felt unsafe, despite what I may have heard and read prior to departure.

I appreciate the opportunity of living abroad, even with all its ups and downs. Cambodia forces you to reevaluate your priorities and experience gratitude in profound ways. Especially when the power goes out!

I recommend volunteering in Cambodia and the team at IVHQ :)

During July of 2019 I was in Cambodia volunteering with disadvantaged children for 2 weeks. It is almost impossible to find words to describe this experience. I had the pleasure of meeting a group of 20 children that marked my life forever. These children don’t have anything but it looks like they have everything because they always carry the biggest smile. It is impossible to be sad around them and it really makes you appreciate what you have. We did not speak the same language but it was not a barrier. I think I can say we spoke the language of love.
I could not be happier to have chosen IVHQ for this experience. The support they gave us was amazing before and during the trip. And they gave me the opportunity to meet other volunteer that now are my friends and that I will keep forever in my heart. I could not be more grateful for this experience! If you have the opportunity please do it!!!

I really loved my exprience with IVHQ in Cambodia working with kids!
The staff members of the organisation was very welcoming of new volunteers and were always ready to help prepare arrangements for trips, help understand the language, or juste answer your questions.
The kids at my placement were also full with joy and would always try to make you laugh as they would show you silly games they created! They are full of creativity and are always open for new games! They love new people and are always super excited to recieve more love and cuddles from you!
Don<t be shy to ask questions about the culture and to visit as much as you can. The markets and the temples really give an amazing idea of what Cambodia is! If you need any help deciding what to visit, the staff would alwayd be happy to recommend you some amazing places!
I really hope you enjoy your trip!
Joelle

I volunteered with IVHQ on the childcare program in Cambodia. I had the most amazing experience. The program was great and it allowed you to properly experience Cambodian culture. I met so many amazing people and made some really good friends. I learnt so much from the children and miss them already. I would recommend to anyone. The accommodation was big and clean and it felt very secure as they had a security guard who was outside most of the time. The weekends were really fun as some of the volunteers would choose a place to go so we were able to see a lot of Cambodia. The team there were supportive and you could get hold of them to ask a question most of the time. The country itself is beautiful with the friendliest people I have ever met.

My time on IVHQ was amazing. Everything from the people I met to the food that was provided was all perfect. IVHQ ensures that you are kept safe whilst also giving you the freedom to explore whatever country you may be in. The special needs child care program that I took part in was very rewarding and I encourage anybody to go on one. Playing with the children each day and seeing how much happiness and joy I was able to bring to those kids was truly one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. The friendships that I have made from this trip will last a lifetime. Some of the other volunteers and I went on a trip to Siem Reap on the weekend and that was a great way to see other parts of the country. IVHQ organized everything from contacting the placement to let them them know that you are coming and also ensuring that you get there safely (ie taxi, bus). I thoroughly enjoyed my time on IVHQ and it is definitely an experience I will never forget!

My name is Kinsey, I am from Florida in the U.S. I have always wanted to travel so when I was off of school for a semester I decided it was the perfect time to do so. When I discovered IVHQ I thought it would be perfect for me because of the affordability and all the locations they have available to volunteer. The time i spent in Cambodia at a childcare placement was definitely a life changing experience for me. All of the other volunteers were amazing and all of the people working at my placement were incredible. This program really immerses you in the culture and really helps you get an idea of what it is like to live in Cambodia. I made so many lifelong friends and learned so much about the Cambodian culture. Cambodia will forever be in my heart.

Volunteering with IVHQ in Phnom Penh, Cambodia was a life changing experience for sure!
Considering it was my first time in Asia, the first evening was a little overwhelming. The humidity, the Tuk-Tuk’s, barking dogs, bad roads was all something I was not used to before. Right away the local coordinator took care of me and explained a lot of important things right on the ride to my accommodation. After the first night Cambodia soon began to feel like a second home though. The accommodation was good for third world standards and the local hosts very friendly. The second day all the volunteers had a meeting with information and a Khmer crash course, local food was provided. We then went on to explore the city and get to know each other. The orientation day ended with a nice dinner. After that we didn’t have too much to do with the local IVHQ staff. They were always there if we needed support though.
The food at the placement was good but gets a little old after a few weeks.
After the first day we were working at our placements, I was working with a local NGO which met all my expectations. I felt like I was helping them (I taught english and helped with reports) and I felt appreciated. There was not always enough work which is to be expected though, even the staff was not working all the time. You should not expect western business discipline.
All in all I learned a lot, about third world countries and the problems in Phnom Penh. I had a really good time in Phnom Penh and felt like I could contribute something.
I can recommend IVHQ.