GVI, Ethical Impact: Volunteer in Cambodia

If you’re considering volunteering in Cambodia at all, my advice would be to go for it!

I was fortunate enough to have some free time between finishing university and starting on the next chapter of my life. I’d never been on a long haul flight or outside of Europe before and even after signing up to the Cambodia program, the idea of doing it all by myself was definitely quite daunting. However, from the moment I stepped foot in Siem Reap I was greeted with a smile and I never looked back.

The GVI Cambodia team are exceptional and made settling into the base so easy. Within only a few days, we were one big family of volunteers. I only stayed for a month, but I made some of my favourite memories in Siem Reap and hope to remember them forever. The GVI base was very comfortable and had everything you could need (including a swimming pool which is a huge bonus in the heat).

Teaching at the primary school and the community classes was also an amazing and refreshing experience. The children were so keen to learn and after only a month there, you could start to see a real difference in their English skills. The GVI Cambodia team work hard to ensure their relationships with partner organisations are sustainable and this was evident throughout my time there.

So, do it. Book the trip! I can’t recommend GVI Cambodia enough.

My experience with GVI was great! My program was very well organised and the staff were so friendly and helpful. I was able to engage in very rewarding work and I felt like I was really making a difference. I had the opportunity to meet some great people. I would definitely use GVI again and I highly recommend them!
The location of my program was great, as I was able to spend my free time exploring the city with other volunteers. (eg, going to the circus, visiting an elephant sanctuary, seeing a lotus farm)

I recently volunteered with GVI in Cambodia, Siem Reap. I focused on women’s empowerment and I worked with Banteay Srei, a Cambodian NGO supporting women. I can’t even begin to describe how amazing this experience was. From emerging yourself in a different culture and lifestyle, to constantly being challenged intellectually, to working with the greatest and most inspiring group of people, to getting to know the amazing, kind, and friendly Cambodian community, to having the best laughs with the other volunteers and the program coordinators. This experience made me want to keep travelling all over the world, volunteering, and helping women. It was truly eye-opening. I would advise anyone to get on this program without a doubt. :))

I have been wanting to volunteer for years. I did some research into what different agencies offered and GVI came out on top. I went to Cambodia for 2 weeks to teach English and work with an NGO supporting women! By the end of the first week, I was trying to rearrange flights to stay. The group I volunteered with was amazing, Pat the project coordinator was supportive, inspiring and down to earth, and the Khmer people were beautiful. The base GVI has in Cambodia felt like home and I would go back tomorrow if I could. The need is immense in Cambodia and the local community welcomes support and help with open arms. The teachers love having English speaking volunteers just as much as the students and you witness your impact almost instantly. Your contribution, opinions, and time is valued and greatly appreciated. I would highly recommend and encourage people of any age to participate in an opportunity and experience like this. It changes your perspective about what’s really important and opens your eyes to real world issues, and how each of us can really make a difference. I am committed to continuing to bring hope and support to those that need it.

This trip has provided me with so much. It has broadened my perspective on so many aspects of teamwork, creativity, and leadership. I ave loved being her in Cambodia and have felt so welcomed and accepted by not only GVI staff, but the community members as well.I have loved teaching English to such amazing and unique students. The best part of my trip has been developing friendships with so many people involved on my program.I would recommend this program to anyone who is looking for an experience to teach and help a local community of amazing people.

This is my 2nd time voluenteering with GVI, and both times they have been absolutely eye opening expierences. Not only giving me the resources and tools to teach and lead a classroom but also allowing me to immerse myself into the culture of these wonderful places. With wonderful staff who will provide you with thorough training so you always feel like prepared for any task they put in front of you. But they are not hovering over you they allow you to plan your lessons and lead class without being overbearing, but do not fret someone is always near by if you ever find yourself needing assistance. At the time i was the only non-staff volunteer which can be daunting, but the amazing staff helped lighten the load. Twice now GVI has astounded me and I'm sure they will continue to, because I hope on working with them in the future.

I did a 6 week short term development internship where I taught English to monks and local children. It was an amazing experience and I highly recommend it to anyone! In between lessons I did lesson planning and research for my project. The Kampong Cham hub is really friendly and welcoming. On the weekends we had opportunity to explore the country, I visited Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Kampot. In between lessons there is time to walk about and get to see Kampong Cham, the base is situated by the Mekong River which is a really nice view, especially at sunsets. Teaching everyday was a real highlight, it really improved my confidence in leading a class and improved my organisational skills by preparing lessons before hand. I gained a lot of valuable skills during the 6 weeks of my Internship.

Teaching English in Cambodia was undoubtedly a life-changing experience. While empowering the community and working towards sustainable development, I also felt empowered and experienced a tremendous amount of growth! All of my fears of being unqualified for teaching, having no prior experience, were quickly dismantled. The training we received and materials and outlines given for lesson planning made it so much easier than I anticipated! I had such an amazing time teaching in the classrooms and engaging with the children in fun, educational ways!
Apart from the volunteer work, I met the most incredible people that will end up being life-long friends (we're already planning a reunion!). Not to mention, Cambodia is a beautiful country full of rich culture, colors, and nature. I would definitely recommend GVI and this location/program for anyone looking to volunteer (ethically) abroad!