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Volunteer Cambodia
Volunteer Cambodia
If you would like to be a volunteer on a short-term basis, Volunteer Cambodia offers you the chance to spend eight to twelve weeks working on a project in the town of Siem Reap. This is a unique opportunity for you to live in and experience Cambodia first-hand. You’ll also gain many personal benefits, valuable new skills to add to your résumé and feel a real sense of satisfaction at the end of your stay. Placements are in or around the town of Siem Reap and last for eight to twelve weeks.
Once a traveler’s no-go destination and overshadowed by Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia is fast becoming the hottest destination in South East Asia. As the dust settles on its troubled past, Cambodia offers travelers the rare chance to explore a part of Asia as yet little visited by tourists (with perhaps the exception of the awe inspiring Angkor Wat).
Cambodia boasts deserted tropical beaches, isolated islands, friendly riverside villages and the mountainous landscapes of the north. The people are friendly and welcoming and if that isn’t enough, as the country borders Thailand and Vietnam there is great potential for those wanting to further explore South East Asia.
Eligibility
You must be:
- aged 18+
- A US citizen (holding a US passport)
- You also need to be an enthusiastic, energetic, well motivated self-starter and able to live and work in an unfamiliar environment. Previous volunteer or overseas experience is preferred but not essential.
Accommodation and Placements
Placements are in or around the town of Siem Reap. BUNAC will liaise with Interweave, our local co-operator, to arrange your placement. The type of placement can vary depending on the skills of the volunteer and the needs of the community at the time of the placement. Placements are unpaid and last for eight or twelve weeks with a three day welcome orientation on arrival.
Accommodation is included as part of the placement and is covered by the program costs. However, volunteers will be responsible for arranging their own meals. Accommodation is either in the volunteers' hostel or a local guest house.
Flights and Arrival
There are monthly arrival dates for the program. You may specify the month you wish to travel and once you are accepted on to the program, BUNAC provides you with the exact arrival date in the specified month.
The cost of the flight is not included in the program. You are responsible for your own travel arrangements to and from Siem Reap on the designated arrival dates.
Costs
The program fee for Volunteer Cambodia is currently $1580 for eight weeks and $1750 for twelve weeks and covers the following:
- Three day arrival orientation.
- Pre-booked guest house accommodation
- Transfer from the Siem Reap airport to the guest house
- Program literature and Lonely Planet guidebook
- Initial one month visa application fee and application guidance
- Three month’s travel insurance
- The support services of BUNAC and the local host organization for the duration of the program
- Placement at volunteer project You will also need at least $100 per week in support funds.
How to Apply
Please send the following to BUNAC USA:
- Completed Work Abroad Application Form
- 2 Passport style and size photos
- Reference (part 3 of the application)
- Initial program fee of $440 in the form of a money order or cashier’s check made payable to BUNAC USA
- Brief answers to the following essay-type questions, typed on a separate sheet:
a) Please describe any previous participation in volunteer/travel/work/study abroad programs;
b) How do you feel that your past experiences at home and abroad might have prepared you for an overseas volunteer program?
c) Please outline what you feel you could contribute to the program and how you feel that you would benefit from this experience. Are there any other details which you feel would enhance your application?
Step 2 information will be sent to you when your initial application has been accepted.
Visa requirements
Participants will apply through BUNAC for a 1 month visa which will be extended upon arrival for an additional fee paid locally (approximately $78 for each 3 month period). BUNAC’s local co-operator will provide further details on arrival.
For further program information please email BUNAC at volunteer@bunacusa.org or call 1-800-462-8622.