Amazing Experience in an Amazing Town

My placement was in the city of Siem Reap, Cambodia, which supports around 20 volunteers at any given time. I cannot speak to the program in Phnom Penh, which I understand is where the majority of IVHQ volunteers in Cambodia are placed, so this review will be limited in scope in that sense.

First, the city. According to the 21st century travellers almanac, tripadvisor.com, Siem Reap is the 2nd (!!) best city in which to travel in the entire world (!!). There aren't enough good things to say about Siem Reap, so I will simply say that there are activities available to suit any type of traveller and enough of them to never get bored. Your lodging is located in the heart of the city, a 5 minute walk from any shop or service you may require and only a 30 minute drive to the world renowned Angkor Temple Complex.

Second, the staff. IVHQ's local staff are unbelievable. They are extremely polite (as is the Khmer way), speak fantastic English, and are truly committed to ensuring your experience is exactly what you want it to be. A continental breakfast is served each morning, and the cooking/cleaning staff prepare fabulous dishes for lunch and dinner each day, including vegetarian options for those so inclined. Administrative staff can arrange weekend travel, excursions to the Temples, and are available to help you with really anything that might be on your mind. They are also very keen to impart generally useful wisdom to new arrivals, such as how to barter in the markets, stay safe when ordering a tuk-tuk, and general information to make sure your trip is productive, fun, and secure.

Third, the programs. I cannot speak to the child-care or English language instruction programs, as I was placed in an NGO, but my compatriots who were involved in those programs seemed to be extremely satisfied with their daily work. I was placed with Vulnerability and Illiteracy Reduction (VIR), which was an NGO dedicated to poverty alleviation in the countryside. My role was to assist them in the day-to-day operation. A short-list of my duties would include: editing English language documents, such as work plans and annual reports; seeking out new grant-funding opportunities and drafting grant-proposals; maintaining a social media presence; assisting with basic IT infrastructure (not necessary – I only did this as I have experience in the field); and perhaps most fun, assisting in the delivery of aid in the countryside. The staff at my placement took hospitality to a new level by inviting me to their homes for lunch and dinner on a weekly basis, and by personally picking me up for work in the morning if the weather was bad or my bicycle (which they provided to me) was being repaired.

Four, the people. The people in Siem Reap are known for being polite to a fault. They make Canadians appear rude. This applies to the salespeople in the markets as much as the staff at the volunteer placements. This precedent certainly rubs off on the volunteers too, who come together to make the atmosphere in the volunteer house very collegial and supportive. During my two months, we had volunteers as old as 75 and as young as 18, and they would not hesitate to go out for a meal or drink after work and share stores as though they were old friends. The people may have been the best part of the trip, but it really is hard to choose.

Overall, I can't recommend this program highly enough. IVHQ's New Zealand Headquarters takes care of you from start to finish, and their local staff in Cambodia make sure you are always on the right track. The work is rewarding, the city is beautiful, and the people are an absolute treat. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to travel responsibly and give back to the communities you so enjoy.