Description:
Explore the engaging culture of modern Cambodia as a volunteer on Projects Abroad's Khmer Project. The focus of the Khmer Project is to learn about the culture, history, and language of the Cambodian people while being immersed in Cambodian society. On the Khmer Project, volunteers not only get to learn about Khmer culture, past and present, but are also able to experience local communities in this fascinating country through spending a few days living in a traditional, rural village.
Cambodia is among Asia's poorest countries. By taking part in the Khmer Project you are contributing to the economic growth of local communities by living there and spending money on local products. Furthermore, through participating in activities and cultural projects in Cambodia, you are able to learn in depth about Khmer culture in a vivid and stimulating way.
The Khmer Project is available for up to one month and during this time volunteers take part in a variety of different activities.
During your first few days in Cambodia, Khmer Project volunteers visit many of the main sites of Phnom Penh. Exploring sites like the National Museum and the famous Killing Fields with our Khmer Project supervisor will provide thorough insight into the history and culture of Cambodia and its people.
Volunteers also take part in variety of both practical and observational sessions focusing on cultural activities geared toward gaining a basic understanding of Khmer culture. This may include cooking lessons, puppet-making classes, a copper molding workshop, and traditional music and dance classes. Learning some of the Khmer language is also a useful and integral part of this first stage of the project.
Volunteers can then spend a few days living with a rural village community, where your help with basic English classes for a couple of hours a day will be greatly appreciated. You will find if you are flexible and open-minded there will always be small ways for you to help out the local community.
Highlights:
Volunteers spending one month on the project will also get to visit the stunning temples close to Siem Reap, including Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm (the temple famous from the film Tomb Raider). While in Siem Reap youll also visit a flooded forest and stilt village on the Tonlé Sap Lake.
Many volunteers choose to take part in another project following their time on the Khmer Project. With your newly acquired Khmer language skills and a good understanding of the local culture you will certainly be well equipped to teach the local children or help in an orphanage in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
No experience or qualifications are required.
Language:
English
Cost in US$: Please go to our website for prices.
Cost Includes:
Food,
Housing,
In-country orientation/Training,
In-country staff support,
Medical insurance,
Medical services,
Pre-departure orientation/Training,
Registration fees,
Travel while in host country,
Written materials abroad
and Written materials pre-departure
The price of each placement includes all your food and accommodation, transfers to and from the airport, full travel and medical insurance plus support and 24 hour back-up from our staff based around the world.
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
academic reinforcement,
archaeology,
building maintenance,
community development,
culture,
teaching
and tourism
Typical Volunteer: Open-minded with a desire to travel.
Age Range: 16-80
This Program is open to
Worldwide
Participants.
This Program is also open to
Couples and Individuals.
Participants Travel to Cambodia
Independently
Or
in Groups
Typically Participants Work
Independently
Or
in Groups
Application Process Involves:
- Letters of Reference
- Written Application
Typically The Application Process Time Is 10 days
Post Services Include:
- Alumni Network
- Exit Debriefing Abroad
- Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
Projects Abroad's Mission Statement: As part of the global economy, Projects Abroad helps create local employment wherever we send volunteers. Employing local staff overseas and using their talents and knowledge is important to us. This local knowledge and support enables the organization to channel the skills of the volunteers from more affluent countries to regions around the world where they are needed. Volunteers also learn from their placements and the people they meet, and they gain experience in a chosen field. In the 21st century, we believe this mutual respect is what cultural exchange is all about.
Year Founded: 1992