My Time There: January to April 2014

I visited Cambodia with GapGuru January to April 2014, and experienced a lot. I planned a slightly longer duration trip than the majority of other volunteers travelling out at the same time, but to be honest that actually worked out much better for my experience and aims.

GapGuru were really helpful, helping me with all the preflight arrangements, to co-coordinating which room of the house I would stay in for the majority of the stay. I was one of the longer duration volunteers, staying with GapGuru in Cambodia from January to April 2014. Due to my life plan at the time, I organised with the team, prior to landing in country, that I would work the mornings as a medical volunteer, then teach Dance and English in the afternoon to a local NGO school.

Whilst in country GapGuru were very flexible, for example they organised a translator for me at the medical clinic, which, combined with my longer term stay, allowed me to progress a lot further, and to gain a much deeper understanding of the clinic.

At CAD1 (the school where I taught) I chose to focus on one class for the majority of the time, so that I could make an actual difference to their education, which I feel that I did. Although it is a challenging experience initially, and not for the shy (the children ask a lot questions and climb all over you!) if you're brave enough to travel to a new country, I'm sure you'll be fine!

I had a great time in Cambodia, and made many lasting friendships, some with other volunteers, some with expats and other Khmer (Cambodians).

Cambodia is a beautiful country, and on your time off from work there is so much you can see. If you respect the culture the Khmer people are very friendly and respectful. In Battambang there is a great community of expats, and there are multiple amazing places to go eat and enjoy yourself, despite the quite laid back feeling all the residents convey!

I have already been back independently once, and I can see myself living there in the future. GapGuru is a great company, and Cambodia is a wonderful country. I would recommend visiting Cambodia to anyone!