Program Reviews

Cambodia and the teaching experience there helped me grow as a person. Having been a home maker most of my life I gained confidence and self respect by volunteering. Although I lost my phone to a pickpocket incident the rest of my time there was an overall pleasant experience. All of us volunteering at the time became one big family and spent many a happy hour in the volunteer house. The locals were very friendly and kind too and went out of their way to provide help and support. Last but not the least the students themselves were quite enthusiastic about their learning and were extremely respectful and looked up to us ... their teachers. Our break gave us the opportunity to explore the country and we had a great time learning about the history of the place and enjoying its natural beauty.

This was easily one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. I was 26 years old and travelling alone for the first time. The amazing staff welcomed me into the beautiful volunteer house. I made friends with the other volunteers (who were from all over the world) and I am still close with them today.

The accommodation and food is awesome. You are provided with bikes and you are living close to the Russian markets (great smoothies!) and a gym.

Of course, the most rewarding part of this experience is the teaching side. The students are so eager to learn and very respectful. It is impossible not to develop a really good working relationship with them and really invest in the classes. Don´t worry if you´re not an experienced teacher! I had never taught before but you are provided with detailed teaching materials and training and a lot of the time the students simply want to have a conversation with you.

The staff go above and beyond to introduce you to Cambodia. You really get a ´local´ feel and you are able to obtain great travel tips to the temples and beaches.

Great value for money for a rewarding and unforgettable experience!

Amanda Segedin

The CWF staff takes care of you--from stocking the teachers lounge with coffee and materials to helping you negotiate for a bicycle or booking busses for weekend excursions with your new friends. My favorite thing was the extras, like the time the volunteer house cook took me to the market shopping and then taught me how to cook Khmer-style curry.

My wife and I volunteered together while our five-year-old son was in a local daycare, and they helped us navigate all of that. The CWF staff helped us find an apartment at a good price and were just amazing overall.

I'm a non-native English speaker from Holland and this was the first time I taught. I figured that I needed a well-structured organization, able to provide me with all the support needed. I couldn't be happier with my decision to volunteer for CWF (Conversations With Foreigners) as it was the most amazing experience in my 21 years on this planet!

Why I definitely recommend CWF:

- The staff is incredibly kind and determined to help you with whatever you'll need
- CWF's managers are very accessible
- Motivated, adult students
- Teaching workshops are very helpful, especially for first-time teachers
- Free Khmer language classes
- Program lenght of three months is perfect to get to know the Cambodian culture
- Free. You'll only have to cover living expenses

I volunteered for CWF from June 1st - August 28th, 2016 and I definitely want to return someday.

Hopefully I will see you there!

I undertook this programme as a career break and am 100% satisfied with my choice. I elected to stay independently very close to the school and the cost of living is very affordable. $400 per month for a 2 bedroom apartment, weekly expenses just over $100 including eating out each night. $5 will get you a main meal at good restaurants within walking distance.
Was a first time teacher and found the support from CWF staff fantastic. And for those wanting to build fitness in your spare time, there is a Sports Club with gym and pool just 100metres from the school. I joined for 3 months for $150.
The students are great, ranging from 15 to 40's and very appreciative of what insight we provide as an overseas teacher.
Highly recommend CWF overall.

From start to finish the CWF adventure has been inspiring and transformative. The first time you set foot on Cambodian soil you feel welcome and appreciated. It started with a trip to Kratie, do!phin watching on the Mekong and a Khmer homestay.
Teaching the beautiful Khmer people is a heartfelt experience. There is so much gratitude and unconditional love given. They have a heightened sense of obligation to help the development of their beloved country. It is so rewarding to be part of all this. There are so many fabulous cafes and restaurants here as well as fascinating places to visit. The support provided by CWF makes you feel as if you are part of a very compassionate community. There will always be a special part in my heart for Cambodia and its wonderful people. A challenging and enriching time not to be missed.The friendships forged with both volunteers and Cambodians are so worthwhile and hopefully enduring. It will be very difficult to return home.

As I walked alone on the Monivong Boulevard, I felt the cool evening air on my face and I could sense that the night was coming to life. I was walking towards a friend, who was about to take me for a traditional Khmer barbecue. We strolled for a while along the busy road and finally reached a cozy place where we were welcomed and seated by the courteous staff. The food that we enjoyed in the next hour was probably one of the best I had ever had. After a delicious and filling dinner we decided to leave for a costume party at a friend's place. Since I had never met anyone in the party before I was a bit nervous, but it soon turned into excitement thanks to the cordial host and the awesome people in elaborate costumes. After spending a considerable amount of time at the party I decided to leave before midnight since I had morning classes the next day. My friend offered me her motorbike so that I could avoid the late night tuk-tuk and save some money. It was when I was riding the motor on the empty streets of Phnom Penh when I witnessed the majestic full moon shining in front of me. The cool night breeze, the motor ride and the full moon made me realize the beauty of this place. I was happy on Penh's Hill.

Living in Cambodia is a unique experience in itself. It is a blend of old and new, underdevelopment with progress, and the not so nice with the incredibly beautiful. The people are warm and welcoming. The travel to outside locations is affordable and a must so that visitors can experience the other more traditional aspects of the country besides the busy city lifestyle.

The river dolphin tour was one such side trip that is unforgettable. Boating down the peaceful river under the shining sun, while searching the rippling water surface for the massive shadows of these majestic creatures was an adventure not to be missed.

Siem Reap is another venture to be experienced. The various sites of temple ruins show the remnants of ancient civilizations, some of which have been invaded over the centuries by the unfolding beauty of nature.

I was a volunteer from december to february and I had an awesome time. The project is good and the staff is really helpful. The students are just lovely. It was my first experience as an english teacher and I will definitly do it again.
Kratie is a nice small town and you can find almost everything you need. I am happy that I decided to come here. There is a great cultural exchange also. We had Khmer cooking classes and did some outdoor activities with the staff. Awesome!

- The staff were pretty amazing and provided a lot of support - Mad props to these guys! The education services manager ran optional teaching workshops for the teachers every week or so which were pretty awesome.

- The students were pretty cool as well. CWF itself charges students which I think makes a heck of a difference in commitment levels and the motivation of your students.

- The staff accommodation is pretty bad. I would really not recommend staying there. If you wish to live independently the CWF staff will help you find a flat for the duration which is a way, way better option (one I really wish I'd taken!).

From what I gleaned from ex CWF volunteers I met (the expat community is really, *really* small in Phnom Penh) that had moved into paid teaching positions in Cambodia, CWF itself is a far better run than most of the language schools about.

Terrific experience overall and highly recommended if you're wanting to check out Cambodia or looking for some TEFL experience! :)