Teach English in Cambodia for 12 weeks

Although I was already teaching overseas, the novelty of Cambodia and the thought of going on my own, instead of as part of a teacher group was kind of nerve wracking. Then getting to Phnom Penh and finding a homestay before school started was so easy. Then when school started and David the school dean made his presentation, it was so relaxing. Then having all these polite students who were interested and interactive was really great. When students gave me a marker, and said, "Please teacher, just write in English, you talk too fast", that was such a relief. On my days off, I'd walk from CWF through the city the French built, all the way to the Mekong, then sit in the shade with the vendors and practice my Khmer street lingo. So many people I met are waking up to the magic of Cambodia. You gotta get there to see it!! If you like young people, and you enjoy teaching, you will really enjoy your experience at CWF.

What I remember most about my teaching experience in Cambodia is the sense of community. The people of Cambodia are warm, welcoming, and genuine. CWF does a wonderful job of immersing their volunteers in the culture, helping to make connections, and setting their teachers up for success. It was amazing to travel around the country with our CWF friends to see the wonderful work they are doing with partner NGO's to improve the availability of clean water to many Cambodian villages. The teaching environment is very professional and helpful, from the comprehensive trainings to the structured curriculums. The students are very engaged, funny, and caring. The atmosphere and living environment in Phnom Penh is educational, social, and energetic. Anywhere you explore, you are bound to meet someone with a smile on their face:) Overall, an amazing experience that I wouldn't trade for anything!

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.