Volunteer in Cambodia: Most Affordable & Real Impact!

UBELONG was a great program to go through. This was my first time abroad outside the US, so you could imagine my hesitance, worry, and confusion. Beyond all that, my mentor was patient with my many questions and constant emails. UBELONG also had a great online community, especially the Facebook Page, which shared photos and experiences of other volunteers. The program helped to set me up with a project that related to my professional work and background, with I appreciated. I would definitely recommend UBELONG and already have to other colleagues and fellow students who desire a volunteer abroad experience.

UBELONG enables volunteers to engage in meaningful projects in areas such as Human Rights, Microfinance and NGO work in countries all over the world. UBELONG has a well deserved reputation of attracting extremely talented young people from all over the world. It offers great service with a mentor assigned to you that is always available. All at considerably lower prices compared to others organizations which it makes it seem as if money is used with purpose.

We would repeat our UBELONG experience again and again. We got to see a whole new part of the world and make an impact on the people while there. We loved our project. Through our experience we learned so much about the culture and grew from it. We made lasting friendships with the other volunteers from all over the world. The staff at the volunteer house was extremely helpful with anything you could ask, made great food for all the meals, and kept the house extremely clean and sage. UBELONG and the local staff took great care of us. My only regret is that we didn't stay longer!

UBELONG has changed my aim and the direction I would like to take with my life. I knew that volunteering would change my point of view, but with UBELONG, it was the best experience! After coming back home, I am 100% sure that I will keep on doing volunteering every year, visiting different countries and meeting with terrific people. Living in another country and adapting to a different culture really makes you so much more mature and strengthens up your awareness. With UBELONG, I became a better person, I didn't only help the people in Phnom Penh, but actually was helped and taught a lot by them.

Not only did I get to visit a new country for the first time, but I also formed relationships with local Khmer and volunteers from all over the world. The people, food, and countryside were absolutely beautiful. My only regret was not staying there longer.

I enjoyed my experience volunteering. Everything was painless beforehand so really not much to say. Price was really good and I liked going with an American company. I didn't except much going into the experience so was easy to please, but still came away impressed by the support of all the staff. It was a first time UBELONG experience for me and glad I did it as part of my gap year before freshman year. I signed up to work with disabled children but ended up teaching English. I found the first project to be a bit shocking, the children were in bad shape and I had in trouble adjusting. It was tough to leave but in of itself I learned a lot about myself. I found teaching to be very rewarding and working with the other volunteers very meaningful.

Review:
My trip to Phnom, Penh, Cambodia wouldn’t have been successful if it wasn’t for UBELONG Volunteer Organization. UBELONG offered amazing, helpful guidance throughout every step of my trip, starting with meetings before hand to talk about any concerns or questions I had, what to expect from the trip, safety, and even packing details. Traveling across the world, alone, at 19 years young can be a little scary, and frightening, I didn’t know what to expect and was a bit confused on what to do once I arrived in the city. Through UBELONG though all my worries vanished, I arrived at 1am and there was a UBELONG Worker waiting for me at the airport who then transported me to my volunteer stay home, on the way there he informed me of some Cambodian facts, and told me a little bit about the place. I felt so safe, and relieved once I met him and he made me feel so comfortable. The next day I met all the other volunteers and started my journey. UBELONG checked in with me constantly, asking how I was doing, how I liked my project, and if I had any questions throughout the whole trip. They even did a follow up after my trip as well. UBELONG really showed me that they care about their volunteers and that they are passionate about what a UBELONG Volunteer is, they are such caring, positive people and they really helped open my eyes, and take chances on my trip. My trip would not have been the same without the support from UBELONG that I received. Their passion for wanting to be a positive change, help others, and educate other people on their mission really makes volunteering for them all worth it. They have inspired me to want to continue to be a part of the UBELONG community, as I have decided to go on another trip next fall and to stay motivated to be a part of their impact on this world of ours.

My experience with UBELONG was fantastic. I could not have found a more well-organized or better prepared organization through which to volunteer and I'm incredibly appreciative of the support, guidance and encouragement I received along the way.

I chose UBELONG in large part because the organization's mission resonated with me and throughout my time in Phnom Penh, I found that both the UBELONG team and their local partners in Cambodia adhered to the values and practices they promoted in all of their online and printed materials. They encouraged us to be open-minded and gracious at all times and they reminded us of the importance of being volunteers and visitors rather than tourists. UBELONG promotes cultural sensitivity and encourages people to participate who are truly interested in making a positive difference in the world around them. Not only did I enjoy meeting the locals with whom I lived and worked in Phnom Penh, but I also felt a connection right away to the other UBELONG volunteers.

In addition to promoting the type of atmosphere I was seeking in an international volunteer experience, the UBELONG team also provides excellence service to its volunteers. Whenever I had a question or concern, Cedric responded promptly with a thorough response or explanation. Whether I reached out before, during or after my time overseas, I knew who to contact and I trusted that I would be acknowledged, supported and cared for as part of the UBELONG extended family and volunteer team.

Thank you, UBELONG - I could not have asked for a better experience and I look forward to participating again in the future and encouraging others to do the same!