GVI, Ethical Impact: Volunteer in Cambodia

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!

It was amazing experience and the best travel that I ever have!
People in Cambodia are super nice and friendly. Stuff from GVI and others volunteers made me feel like home. Teaching younger kids English was amazing experience but also it was a lot of fun!
Teaching monks was actually the best, but it's hard to describe the feeling you have when you're doing it, but it's more then marvelousness.
Food here is really delicious, but you need to get used to it.
Cambodia is a beautiful country with a lot of beautiful places to visit. For these who are looking for a place to go and just look around i would definitely recommend Siem Reap- Angkor Wat which is old temple. We went there when the sun was coming up and the view was breathtaking.
I wish I could stay longer and made more beautiful memories and also can't wait to come back!

Teaching or being a teacher was never on the cards. It’s not me I would say. But wow what an experience it was. I feel in love with teaching- loved being with the kids. Not only was I a teacher, I was taught so much too. From Cambodia’s culture, speaking Khmer to personal confidence growth and open mindedness.

Overall, my expectations of this experience in Cambodia went above and beyond. From the amazing culture, most genuine locals, and grateful children to the best team and staff who were all just brilliant. I was lucky to experience so many things I would never have seen myself do or have the opportunity to do. This experience will be one that I will treasure forever and has provided me with confidence, passion and an open mind which are all skills I will use in my future endeavours. Thanks GVI Cambodia. 10/10 highly recommend.

Overall I had the most amazing cultural experience as part of my GVI volunteer trip to Kampong Cham, Cambodia which can only be achieved through living and working in the country. I felt very supported by GVI and received TEFL training and mentorship for teaching. As a volunteer I was privileged to teach English to monks in a Pagoda and facilitated discussions on women's health with students and staff at a University. Whilst volunteering I valued the mutual respect and benefit from working with such a warm and gentle community. I gained direct experience of GVI following the UN SDGs framework which made volunteering feel really worthwhile. Volunteering was also a great opportunity for travelling and my highlights included trips to local temples, Phnom penh, Angkor wat and Hanchey. Overall, volunteering with GVI in Cambodia has been a personally enriching which is giving my life perspective. I would highly recommend volunteering with GVI to everyone!

I volunteered with GVI in Kampong Cham, Cambodia and absolutely loved every second. From the minute I arrived in Phnom Penh, I felt welcome by the staff and quickly made friendships with volunteers. The staff at Moon River Guesthouse treat you like longtime friends and help you with every need you could ever have. I even attended one of their weddings! I had a blast in Cambodia and am so thankful for the stability and resources GVI gave me. If I were to come on my own, I would not have had as great of an experience. When I signed up to come, I had initially just thought I would come to help make other's lives easier and did not consider the impact that it would have on me. My three weeks flew by and I can't wait to come back. I would recommend GVI to anyone and hope to bring my family and friends with me on my next GVI adventure!

As a first time volunteer I was completely blown away by the work and passion present here in Kampong Cham. I came in as one of the 2 first Health volunteers and was not entirely sure what I would do day to day. The program included working with children to meet and understand basic health needs such as brushing teeth. This was one of the most satisfying work I have ever done as most children here have clearly never brushed their teeth before. Providing the opportunity to teach and help the rural Cambodian people have a sustainable and educated view on health topics was amazing.

I even got to teach English to children and adults, which I was entirely unprepared for but ended up being one of my most favorite experiences here. Everyone was so excited about learning and clearly enjoyed us being there and helping them. The staff gave us quick lessons in how to teach and gladly answered all of my many questions. I also feel like I made a real difference in the community as I saw the children actually improve their English with the progression of the course.

Adaptability is definitely required as plans would change almost every single days from weddings to surprise festivals. As a volunteer I got to experience Cambodia's culture in a way that I never could as a tourist. There was also plenty of extra time to go sight seeing to beautiful and historical places like Angkot Wat. The group here feels like family even though I have only been here on a short 2 week trip and I highly look foreward to working again with GVI in the future!