Why do I choose Cambodia?
Unstable past and years of desolation affected much of Cambodia's population from receiving a formal education. Due to extreme poverty and illiteracy, many children are destined to shelter into orphanages, and this tendency is increasing the overall number of orphans in the country. The education and health facilities in rural areas are insufficient; and the rural schools lack trained teachers, as well as a sufficient number of teachers in general. Many Cambodians in the industrial and town areas are left jobless because of the lack of English language. Your small effort may be of greater importance for the needy and helpless people in Cambodia.
Is Cambodia safe?
Asia Horizon always ensures participants to place in safe environments while volunteering in Cambodia. Cambodia is a safe and friendly country; however, bag snatching, even from those on bicycles and motorcycles, is a problem in Phnom Penh. Be cautious with your possessions, especially cash and cameras, and as always, take extra care in remote areas.
Cambodia suffers from a legacy of millions of land mines left during the war years. However, land mines present a minimal to nonexistent threat to tourists, as all populated and nearby areas have been thoroughly de-mined. Asia Horizon suggests that all volunteers consult their own governments before participating in
What age do I have to be a volunteer?
You must be at least 18 years old to be a volunteer and you should be in good health; there is no upper limit.
Do I have to speak a foreign language?
Volunteers on our short-term (2-3 week programs) do not need foreign language skills. Those volunteers interested in participating on one of our long-term programs need to have intermediate language abilities in the spoken language of the program country. Orientation will include an intensive introduction to Cambodian, or Khmer language.
Why should I pay for registration fee?
The registration fee is required to run the organization (office space, computers, Internet, supplies and Staffs). Asia Horizon has country office in Cambodia and international office in USA to run the coordinated program. Part of the fee goes to maintaining these offices. The remaining money of the program directly goes to support the programs.
Are Master, Visa and other cards accepted?
There are several banks and money exchange services. You can bring Master card, American Express, Visa card, cash $/ Euro or travelers checks, these all are accepted in the main cities. However, facilities may be limited outside major cities. Traveler's checks may also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages. You also can withdraw cash from most international banks from ATM machines, but $2-4 USD surcharges apply for each transaction.
What is the local currency and how is the exchange rate?
The Cambodian riel is the official currency. US dollars and Thai bhats are accepted mostly. The exchange rate is generally about 4000 riel to one US dollar.
Who organizes my flights?
You will have to arrange your flights to and from Cambodia since you are not charged for airfare.
Do I need travel insurance?
Our program does not cover liability and insurance for our volunteers. Therefore, volunteers must have appropriate insurance before joining the program. Please obtain necessary health and travel insurance before coming to Cambodia. Talk to your travel agent about this or search on the internet to see what offers are available, and make sure you look into the details of the policy. Find out if it covers airfare in case of a medical emergency
What Should I bring for myself?
This will vary depending on what activities you want to participate in and how much you need to be comfortable during your placement. With the exception of medicine and first-aid-kit, you can buy everything that you would need for your placement in Cambodia. Here are a few suggestions:
- Sleeping Bag
- Mosquito repellent
- Sun cream
- Water purification tablets and/or good quality water purifier
- First aid kit
- Flashlight (torch)
- Penknife
- Books about your country
- Photos of your family / friends / home
- A few examples of your local currency
- Colored pencils and pens, drawing books, stickers
What should I bring for kids in project?
It is not obligation to bring gift for project but they would appreciate, if you bring any gifts. You could bring gifts like toys, books, chocolate, pencil etc.
Will there be any volunteers present during orientation time?
We receive 10-15 volunteers a month (depending on season) most long-term volunteers join the language and culture program. We offer language and culture program in fixed dates to make a small group. Usually there are between 3 and 10 volunteers at the orientation.
Will there be other volunteers at my placement?
This depends on the exact placement and your preference in this issue. If you want to stay with other volunteers, pleases inform us in advance.
What is the daily routine of the project?
Since we have been working in different projects in Cambodia, the schedule of the project varies from one another. Most projects are from Monday to Friday for 20-30 hours a week. Volunteers will have the weekends off and can explore Cambodia on their own.
What are the existing conditions of my placement?
You are provided with food and accommodations; your volunteer program fee covers them. During the training, you will stay at our hostel with other volunteers. We offer food and accommodation from the first day of the program to the last day. Local food trice a day is provided for you while training and volunteering. You are advised to buy your own bottled water once you arrive in Cambodia. For the volunteers who arrive earlier or who want to stay longer, it is not possible to offer accommodations and food, but we will help volunteers to find a quality, inexpensive place to stay.
The living conditions of the placement depend on the area. One should not expect luxurious accommodations with cozy bed, hot showers and a bathroom like in your home country. You will be placed within a family setting with your own room. Most placements have electricity. Our host families are mostly educated, well respected in society, and experienced with international volunteers.
Where is the project located?
Our volunteer projects in Cambodia are located in Phnom Penh. It is the capital city of Cambodia and main hub for government activities, culture and economy. It is a charming, rapidly developing city situated at the convergence of three great rivers: the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac. The town offers many tourist attractions such as the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, National Museum, majestic temples of Angkor Wat in Siem Reap province, Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, the beautiful coconut beaches of Sihanoukville and is an ideal initial point for daily or weekend trips to the provinces and the beach.
Note: Placements are also made throughout the country, in various towns and villages. You will receive this type of information in your placement details.
Will there be someone to pick me up from airport?
You need not be worry about airport pick-up. One of our representatives will be waiting for you at the airport terminal. He will be holding a sign with your name on it. Please do not forget to send your detailed flight itinerary in advance.
What happens, if I want to arrive earlier than the program begins?
You can arrive several days earlier or even up to a week early for your project, however, you will be responsible for these arrangements (including accommodations and food), and must still meet the Coordinator at the airport on the designated date.
Will I have time to explore Phnom Penh and other Cambodian cities during my language?
You will have plenty of time to explore Phnom Penh during orientation. As a part of the language program, we offer full day tour.
How much extra money do I need?
We manage food and accommodation for volunteers from the first to last day of program so there will not be need of more money. It depends on how much you want to expend. You may need some extra money if you plan to take part in activities outside the organization or if you just want to buy some souvenirs. You will need around $1 a day for transportation to your working place. You must also remember the visa fee (20 US $ for four weeks) when you enter Cambodia and the airport tax (25 US $), which you pay when you leave the country. Whilst traveling around the country, guest house rooms vary from around $5 to $30 a night, and for a meal in a restaurant you will pay anything between 5 US$ and 10 US$.
Will I have communications access?
Internet cafes, telephone booths and post offices are available in Phnom Penh and most localities around the project where you will be placed. Unfortunately, the communication is limited and very expensive in the provinces.
Can I bring my cell phone from my home country?
Please bring your cell phone. You can use most mobile handsets with a local SIM card in Cambodia. Moreover, cell phones are available in cheap price in Cambodia.
Can I accompany with other volunteers?
We allow people to come with a friend or even in a large group. We can place any volunteer near to another volunteer already working in the field. Please be reminded that two different genders of volunteers are not allowed to stay in same house unless they are a married couple. In this case, it is better to arrange a private apartment so that you will have complete freedom.
Is it possible to change placement if I get dissatisfied?
Asia Horizon will consider request of volunteer seriously for the change of placement to meet the expectation of volunteers. We cannot change placement frequently without genuine reasons.
What happens if I decide to return home before the placement is over?
Once the volunteer makes a decision and pays for the program fee, upon receipt of invoice, Asia Horizon does not refund any program fee under any circumstances. Nevertheless, if the volunteer have unavoidable circumstances (such as illness, death of in the family etc) may request to leave the program, we will consider to return 30% of the host family cost, if volunteer are registered for more than 30 days program. No refund will be made if program is less than 30 days and if volunteer leave program in their own decision.
Who will drop me off at the airport?
Asia Horizon does not offer airport drop service. You will need to arrange a taxi or bus ride to the airport after your project is finished. This is an easy process and our in-country coordinator in Cambodia or your home stay family will assist you.
Vaccinations and Medication
No vaccinations are required for entrance into Cambodia, however, you should consider the following vaccinations:
• Hepatitis A & B
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Rabies
• Malaria tablets
•Dengue Fever
•Typhoid
Are Asia Horizon programs only for International volunteers?
We mobilize national volunteers along with international volunteer as their counterparts.
Visa
Any traveler in Cambodia can obtain a tourist or business VISA for a month (25 US $). The visas can be obtained at the Cambodian Embassy in your country or at the Pochentong International Airport in Phnom Penh upon arrival. The tourist visa can be extended for one month (40 US $) and the business visa can be extended for a maximum one year (for 3 months 80 US $, for 6 months 160 US $ and for 12 months 290 US $). Please remember that it is the volunteer's own responsibility to manage their individual tickets and visa. We suggest volunteers to acquire tourist visa in their home country to avoid any redundant disturbances at the airport.
Where is the arrival and departure point?
Cambodia’s major international airport is Phnom Penh Pochentong Airport, so all international flights arrive and depart from there. Our representative will meet you at the airport.
Clothes and Climate in Placement Areas
Volunteers should dress conservatively when at their projects. Jeans and a t-shirt are acceptable. No high shorts and tank tops please. We suggest female volunteers not to wear short skirts in villages. Cambodian people dress modestly. Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket / sweaters). A solid pair of walking shoes is highly recommended for trekking.
Temperature in Cambodia ranges from 10° to 38°C. The country experiences annual tropical monsoons. Southwest monsoon brings moisture-laden winds from the Gulf of Thailand and Indian Ocean from May to October. The northeast monsoon in the dry season lasts from November to March. There is heavy rainfall from September to October and dry period takes place from January to February.
Emergency Contact
You have three parties available to you 24/7 in case of emergency, health-related or otherwise: Asia Horizon staff, your host family, and your program supervisor. You will have contact information for all three before you arrive.
What are the characteristics of good volunteer?
If you have attributes like Independence, Patience, Sense of humor, Tolerance Willingness, Flexibility, Self-motivation and Open-mindedness, you get the most out of your stay in Cambodia. |
