Placements
Your placement will be influenced by your skills, preferences and project
availability. Projects are very flexible so it’s all about using our skills and
initiative where you can. Examples of opportunities are listed below.
| Schools |
Children's centre |
| The organisation aims to provide fee English classes to
children, many of whom come from poorer families and would otherwise not have
this opportunity. Many children have to work at home during the day and are not
able to attend regular schools. This project runs classes in the evenings to
make education more accessible. Volunteers can expect to placed as teaching
assistants |
The centre works with local partner organisations and
village leaders to identify children aged between 4 and 17 who are most in need
of help and support. Volunteers will work in general childcare which can include
teaching English as well as arts, crafts, sports and other extra curricular
activities |
|
Landmine Museum |
The aim of the museum is
to educate both Cambodians and tourists about mines and their after effects. It
is a simple museum which also helps to support child victims of mines in the
local area. Work with local children in the museum helping with basic teaching
and recreation activities and to help guide tourists around the museum
|
Orientation
To help you settle into Cambodian life you will receive a 3 day introduction to
the country. This will cover:
- Education sessions on culture and customs
- Language class
- Tour of
Siem Reap
- An ideal opportunity to get to know other international volunteers
-
The package also includes airport transfer
Accommodation
The programme includes twin room accommodation in a conveniently located
guesthouse for the duration of the orientation and volunteer placement. Rooms
are en-suite with fans and breakfast is included. Volunteers may be sharing a
room with another volunteer.
Your arrival orientation, placement and local support services are provided by
Interweave; BUNAC's partner in Cambodia.
Cost
The programme costs includes:
- Full pre-departure advice and support
- Programme, administration and
literature and Lonely Planet Travel Guidebook.
- Three day arrival orientation including tours and accommodation
- Guest house accommodation for the duration of programme (includes breakfast)
-
Full support from our local partner organisation for the duration of your stay.
Cost table
Programme Costs
| 8 weeks |
£595 |
| 12 weeks |
£695 |
| 16 weeks |
£845 |
Additional Costs
| BUNAC membership |
£5 |
| Visa (to be paid locally) |
£45 (approx.) |
| Insurance |
£116 (3 months) |
| Flights |
£700 - £900 (approx.) |
| Spending/travel money |
£60 per week |
Eligibility
To apply to Volunteer Cambodia, you must be:
- A British or Irish passport holder resident in the UK or Ireland
- Aged at
least 18
- Self motivated, adventurous, flexible, good communicator, confident
and outgoing.
Flights
BUNAC will arrange your group flight to coincide with your arrival orientation.
There are usually between one and ten participants on our flights. Flexible
homeward tickets will allow date changes whilst away (subject to airline
availability and an administration fee). Our departure schedule is updated on a
regular basis; however if the dates below do not suit your itinerary please
contact BUNAC to discuss your requirements in more detail.
If you would
prefer to arrange your travel independently you may do so. You must arrive in
Siem Reap for the start of the orientation.
Departure dates
| Departure Date |
Closing Date |
|
15th July 2008 |
7th May 2008 |
|
16th September 2008 |
9th July 2008 |
|
14th October 2008 |
6th August 2008 |
|
18th November 2008 |
10th September 2008 |
This programme operates year-round with monthly departures. Dates for 2009 will be confirmed during summer 2008. Please check back later in the year for specific details.
Insurance
BUNAC will arrange insurance for participants. It is a fully comprehensive policy
that has arranged with Endsleigh, one of the UK’s leading insurance companies.
Full details will be sent following acceptance on to the programme. Currently a
three month policy costs from £116.
Fundraising
Raising extra funds for your trip needn’t be difficult as there are loads of
things you can do to raise money. For further information go to
www.bunac.org/fundraising for some ideas to get you started.
Application process
To apply to the Volunteer Cambodia programme please follow these simple
steps:
Application process
- Written application: Download the
application form and send your completed form to BUNAC with the following:
- Programme cost: Please include a deposit of £405 (includes £5 BUNAC membership
fee); the balance will be due eight weeks before the departure date. If you are
submitting your application within 12 weeks of the departure date, you must send
the full programme cost straight away with your initial application.
- Your
current CV
- Copy of your passport and birth certificate
- Four passport photos
- Closing date:Applications must be made to BUNAC no less than
ten weeks before the intended date of departure from the UK.
-
Interview: Before you are accepted on to the programme you will need to
attend an interview in BUNAC's London office during which we will discuss all
aspects of the programme to ensure that you are fully prepared. This is also an
opportunity for you to ask us any further questions.
- Acceptance:
Following a satisfactory interview and receipt of two references, BUNAC will
formally accept you onto the programme and provide you with details of the next
stage of the application process.
- Police check: As part of your application you will need to be
cleared by the Criminal Record's Bureau. We will assist you in applying for
this.
- Medical: All participants are required to visit their GP to
discuss their trip. BUNAC will provide a specific medical form which must be
completed by the participant and the doctor prior to travel.
- Pre-departure: Your visa, flights, insurance, accommodation and
placement will be arranged by BUNAC and detailed to you in the lead up to your
departure.
Terms and conditions
Full terms and conditions for the programme are included with the
application form.
About Cambodia
Once a travellers no-go destination and over shadowed 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 travellers the rare chance to
explore a part of Asia yet to be polluted by inconsiderate tourists (with
perhaps the exception of the awe inspiring Ankor Wat which already draws many
camera happy visitors).
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 it borders Thailand and Vietnam it
has massive potential for those wanting to further explore South East Asia.
Country highlights
- The temples of Ankor including Ankor Wat
- Ream National Park
-
Tropical beaches of Sihanoukville
- Phnom Penh
FAQs
| Can I book my own flights? |
If you do not wish to take one of BUNAC’s group flight departures then
you can arrange your own travel. We must see proof of outbound and inbound
travel before your departure. You must make sure you arrive in Cambodia in time
for the arrival orientation programme that you undertake with other volunteers.
|
| Do I need to apply for a visa?
|
BUNAC will apply for an initial 1 month visa on your behalf which is
covered in the programme fee. Whilst in Cambodia our local partner will help you
extend this visa. At present a 3 month extension is approximately £45.
|
| How many people take part in the programme?
|
Numbers vary however the maximum number on each flight is approximately
ten, the minimum could be two or three.
|
| Do I have to go to the orientation?
|
The orientation is covered in the programme cost and is vital that all
participants attend. The orientation is an integral part of your trip. Our local
host introduce you to the country and culture and answer any questions you may
have. It is also good way for you to meet other volunteers from both the UK and
abroad.
|
| Can I choose my placement?
|
Due to the nature of the local projects we work with, unfortunately
we cannot guarantee set placements for participants. However, we try to match
your skills and preferences as closely as possible to a suitable placement and
encourage volunteers to be as flexible as possible, open to new experiences and
prepared to lend a hand where necessary.
|
| Will I be placed with other volunteers?
|
It is possible that you may share accommodation or be working at the
same project as another volunteer but we cannot guarantee this as it is based on
individual placement preferences and availability of projects at the time you
apply. Ultimately BUNAC's volunteer programmes offer a lot of support, but they
are intended to be independent experiences where the individual can gain a
considerable amount.
|
| Can I go for less than the required programme minimum?
|
Volunteer Cambodia is available from 8- 16 weeks. We believe that a
volunteer would not be able to accomplish much or feel satisfied with their
participation on a project if they were there for a period shorter than the
required minimum.
|
| Why do I need an interview?
|
We ask all applicants to attend an interview in our London office. It
is not a formal interview, but a chance for us to get to know more about you and
reasons for volunteering. We can discuss the types projects you are interested
in and in turn give you more information about Cambodia. It is also an
opportunity for you to ask us any questions you might have. If you would like to
apply and cannot travel to London for an interview, please call us on 020 7251
3472 to discuss your situation.
|
| Will there be chance to travel during my stay?
|
During your placement you will generally have weekends free to travel.
We encourage volunteers to take time out at the end of their placement to see
more of the country. It is quite common for volunteers to travel together.
|
| What medical advice does BUNAC offer?
|
We provide a medical leaflet for Cambodia with recommended
injections for you to have. We advise you to visit your GP as soon as possible
to get the most up to date requirements and Malaria advice. Each participant
must complete our medical form about their health history and have a medical
examination to deem you fit and well to travel. This is at the participant's own
expense.
|
If you have any further questions on Volunteer Cambodia, please call us
on 020 7251 3472 or e-mail:
enquiries@bunac.org.uk