AHHA Education Cambodia

Program Reviews

Mutiara
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Mutiara

It has been a truly wonderful and meaningful experience for me as a Muslim. Being immersed in a different culture has broadened my perspective, and I felt respected and welcomed throughout the journey. The cultural exchange and my interactions with the children were especially heart-warming—they are kind, curious, and full of positive energy. Through this experience, I learned not only practical skills, but also important life values such as patience, empathy, and adaptability. It has helped me grow personally and shaped the way I see people, cultures, and life itself.

Mohammed
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My great experience at AHAA schools Cambodia

Wonderful experience working with young Cambodian kids and teenagers last year. They are all very smart and keen to learn. School location is somewhat outside Kampot and the road is bumpy (unless its been improved) Very hot and steamy in November but the school was very kind and helpful at all times. Local mountains (Boko) is great to explore and the nearby beaches are great and usually empty. Lots of different foods to explore and, surprisingly, hot!

Muslim travels should note that there is a small Muslim community on the road between Kampot and the AHAA school and halal food is available from local restaurants. Alcohol is not generally abused as in Europe and driving style is pretty sedate too. Above all the people are very polite and kind and Buddhist culture was certainly was a revelation.

You need to be brave and ability to ride a motobike or scooter will help you to explore so much more.

What was your funniest moment?
Trying to sing along with VaanDa
Pros
  • Job satisfaction and children
  • culture
  • music
Cons
  • trying to cross the road is not easy.
Steph
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Eye-opening experience

We spent 3 weeks in Kampot working at the school. It was rough, real and so humbling to see how hard everyone works. From early morning they are cooking, building and teaching till after dark. The language barrier was tough at times but google translate and simple games helped. We enjoyed getting to know the dedicated past student who were now helping teach. They're generosity and smiles always warmed our hearts. We loved learning about the people and Cambodian culture - from water difficulties, to cooking food over the fire, to accessing basic school items- it was all etched fondly in our memories.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Standing in front of a class of 15 or so young kids and trying to teach them English was awe- inspiring and intimidating. Baby shark though is a pretty familiar tune in most languages and learning through play and song was so much fun with the kids.
Pros
  • Cultural learning
  • Expanding my skills
Cons
  • No toilet paper (bring your own!)
Maura
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My internship experience at AHHA Education

My time at AHHA Education has been truly unforgettable. During my internship, I learned so much – not only about communication and the nonprofit sector, but also about myself. I was given real responsibilities and had the chance to develop my skills in recruitment, content creation, video editing, and fundraising.

The people at AHHA Education made all the difference. From day one, I felt welcomed and appreciated. Everyone was incredibly friendly, supportive, and passionate about their mission. It was inspiring to work in such a warm and motivated team.

I’m very grateful for this opportunity. AHHA Education is more than just an organization – it’s a community. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to gain meaningful experience while making a positive impact.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment for me was flying all the way from Belgium to Cambodia on my own, not knowing anyone and stepping into a completely new environment. What helped me overcome this feeling was keeping an open mind and not letting fear take over. I reminded myself why I chose this experience and embraced every new moment with curiosity instead of anxiety.
Pros
  • Personal growth and independence
  • Meaningful impact
  • Cultural exchange and connection
ying
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful volunteer experience

We have spent three wonderful weeks here. Everyone here is very friendly and kind. Teachers and students eat and cook together. This is an amazing project that brings hope to the children of Cambodia. I hope AHHA will become more and more influential and help more children gain a foothold in society. I hope that the children and teachers here will have the best of luck and be happy every day.

We meet people from different countries, and I learnt a lot of new things from them. If you like peaceful places, this place is a really good choice.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
leaves
Pros
  • people are friendly
  • The learning atmosphere is very good
  • Organized and disciplined
Felipe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible experience with AHHA

It was awesome to spend 3 weeks in this place. We did an office job together with Peter and CD, we did good teamwork to develop some videos for the group.

The project is beautiful, and we felt that we were helping a lot of people to get quality education in Cambodia.
Personally, I created a friendship, especially with Pete,r because we spent a lot of time together developing the videos, and he was directly involved in everything we did.

We loved our experience there. Thank you, everyone. It was amazing to spend some time with all of you!

Best Regards,
Felipe and Lua

What was your funniest moment?
We had a barbecue together singing and dancing! Was super funny.
Pros
  • Interesting NGO
  • Surrounded by good people
  • Great social impact
Cons
  • The weather can be to hot sometimes
Camila
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Memorable experience, building the future

AHHA was my first experience volunteering and was by far the best, they’re really worried about the impact into the future of Cambodian childhood, I felt that my job really mattered there, all the staff and also the guys in the province center were incredible, since the first time they made me feel at home, they become my family during my more than 3 weeks there.

Peter and the management team are very committed to the project and also to the volunteers' well-being.

The project keeps growing, and if you have the opportunity to lend a hand, please do it, you’ll never regret it!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
How the teachers in training were able to manage everything, they become in managers with just 18-19 years, it empowers them in a society that shows them just poverty and stagnation.
Pros
  • Social impact
  • Personal growing
  • Work and impact children’s lives
Cons
  • Insects
  • Food
Emma
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Awesome AHHA

I volunteered for 1 month at AHHA Education in Pnomh Penh. I worked in de admin office inside the school. My main responsibility was to build a network of sponsors so they could help out financially or projectwise or organizations that have future opportunities for the students. I also supporter the other volunteers with writing some project proposals. I learned a lot and met amazing volunteers, locals and students. The accommodation is basic but nothing a traveler can't handle 😉. The people are golden and besides the very helpful and valuable work there is definitely room for fun 😊.

Neil
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Experience

I was a volunteer in April & May, 2024, at the school in Ou Chum, Ratanakiri province. The administration & arrangements through Peter in Phnom Penh were very helpful. The head teacher/manager Panha worked incredibly hard in both teaching and running the school. All the teachers were very competent, open to new ideas and easy to get along with. I also learned from them, English grammar for sure, as well as some teaching practices. The students were endearing, from the 4 year old to the teenagers. For me, the greatest reward was in working with the students, both 1 - on 1 and in teaching classes and seeing their learning & development!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
There are many different AHHA schools in Cambodia. Be clear on how rural/rustic an experience you want versus one in a city. Discuss this with Peter.
Pros
  • The wonderful experience teaching the students and watching their development.
Cons
  • Cambodia is a poor country and in the rural areas that will impact on your food.
Erika
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A volunteer experience that filled my heart!

The best experience I have had by far!!! 🫶🏽 now I feel like I have a big family in Cambodia. From the very beginning, I was warmly welcomed and felt part of something bigger.

I started volunteering in the province, teaching and helping with social media, and eventually moved to the main center in Phnom Penh. There, I supported video production, photography, graphic design, and ended my journey by painting my very first mural! an unforgettable moment for me!
The students, trainees, and teachers are truly inspiring, and I also had the chance to meet an amazing group of international volunteers. We shared beautiful memories and had so much fun together.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to live this experience. I will carry it in my heart forever. Thanks a lot!🫀

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
As life beautifully aligned, I had the incredible opportunity to celebrate Khmer New Year there. I experienced the heart of the Cambodian tradition; water fights, baby powder, joy, color, and deep-rooted customs.
We joined the celebrations with the other volunteers, and I even had the chance to visit the home of one of the NGO’s teachers, where I witnessed how families come together during this special time.
Thank you for opening your lives to me and making me feel truly part of it all!
Pros
  • REALLY deep connection with the local culture
  • Strong sense of community and belonging
  • Tangible and meaningful impact
Cons
  • Cultural adaptation challenges, I feel is not for everyone