You have probably heard and read it a million times: volunteering abroad (be it short or long-term) is an ultimately rewarding, once-in-a-lifetime experience. It sounds like a cliché, right? There is the truth to it though, and I’m happy to repeat it for the million+1st time – volunteering really is amazing.
When planning our travels we often get absorbed in what we want to do and see. Quickly, it’s all about indulgence, less about altruism. Volunteering abroad, however, gives you the chance to benefit both ways. I started off my experience in Cambodia as an English teacher for 2 weeks, but of course it could also take you to other places in Asia, Africa or South America. When I looked for an organisation to go with, I was shocked by the exorbitant fees some of them charge the volunteers. Often this includes a one-off registration fee plus contribution fees for each project. Not always do they give you a transparent explanation of what this money is used for, how it benefits the project in addition to your work, and how it might be used to give you the support you need as a volunteer. With many different NGOs and charity projects looking for volunteers it is definitely a jungle out there – not easy to separate the wheat from the chaff.
I registered with Original Volunteers, a trusted UK-based online agency. They offer a wide range of projects in various countries and they are somewhat efficient with replies. The account I signed up for set me back £275; money which – in retrospect – I could have saved by skipping the agency and contact trustworthy local NGOs directly. You can find them online, or in the back of your Lonely Planet guide-book.
Before setting out to Cambodia, my mind was troubled with the usual stereotypes of the country. High criminality rates, a dangerous place for female solo travellers – all that. Luckily, it turned out to be completely different. The Cambodians are some of the kindest and most helpful people I’ve ever met, and backpacking here on my own I always felt safe and at peace.
I eventually ended up volunteering for HOPE Agency, an NGO based in Barkod Village, two hours away from Phnom Penh. Many Cambodians live in slums or immigrate illegally to Thailand. HOPE’s mission is to teach children basic English language skills, so their chances at the job market are improved and they get a chance to break the pattern. Volunteers are expected to give 2-3 English classes per day either by buddying up with others or solo.
My experience with HOPE was very rewarding. The founder, Jason, is a friendly and laid-back coordinator, who always had an open ear for my issues and tried his best at answering my questions. Upon landing, he had arranged a taxi for me (roughly $40 to reach the village) and when my phone didn’t work he drove me to town to sort out my sim card. His sister is in charge of the kitchen and always whipped up great meals for all the volunteers. The family was very welcoming and caring, and assisted us in all things transport and day trips. Jason is also updating HOPE’s Facebook page with images of their project, fundraising events, the construction of a water system, the kids and surrounding farm animals. Up to date I have the feeling I know what’s going on in the village – that’s the kind of transparency I need.
Many have asked me what the biggest challenge was during my volunteering trip to Cambodia, and while at first I thought it would be hygiene, it turned out to be something else. All we had to shower was rain water, dust is literally everywhere and power cut-offs happen on a regular basis. There were also moments asking for endurance, for example when I got bored by the slow village life, but what was really disconcerting at times was the companionship of other volunteers. First up, many seem to come for the wrong reasons – to collect photo memories rather than dedicate their heart and soul to another community. Secondly, however, I felt particularly uncomfortable being the only Asian girl among a flock of British volunteers. I studied in the UK and have many friends from different countries, but I had underestimated the problem of blending in with their tight-knit group. Maybe it’s a question of cultural understanding and language skills, but the British vibe in the group was rather intimidating to me.
I hope my story will help you getting a better idea of what volunteering in Cambodia is like as an Asian girl. There were ups and downs, but in conclusion you should not feel discouraged to go – whether you are Asian or not. Finally, here are a few things to keep in mind, before you go:
- If you plan to volunteer at a school, make sure your preferred dates don’t coincide with school holidays. A teacher needs students to be a teacher.
- Smart is your best choice for a pre-paid sim card. It’s the network with the best coverage and the cheapest deals.
- Currencies used are the Cambodian Riel (KHR), but also US dollars.
*This is a guest post by Fiona Kee from Malaysia.
You are amazing.
I love how people help each other.
I love volunteering work to.
It's not about what you help them but the thoughts that count.
XO
http://thebandwagonchic.blogspot.ae/
This is a great insight about teaching abroad. I would like to have a volunteer experience abroad, it must really change you, and giving your time and energy for a greater cause than just a salary is so rewarding.
Thanks for the advice about going straight to the NGOs and not taking an intermediary, it can seem a bit difficult at first!
Lately I've been thinking about volunteering because I have so much free time I'd love to give something to the world. But I really don't know where to start :/
Hey there ,
What a truthful post. I paid £250 to volunteer in Battambang, Cambodia and had to raise a further £2,250 for the "charity" - they were very vague about where the money's going. The next time I go, I will be contacting the NGO directly. I never saw where the money went which was very upsetting. One thing though, I'm an Asian too and have lived in the UK for nearly six years. I didn't actually encounter any form of intimidation from the Brits I went with. We were all really close knit irregardless of race. The teachers nor the kids at the NGO treated me any different. I never actually saw race as an issue. Maybe I was lucky? I don't know 😊 I like your honesty!
Catherine
Www.handbagsandbackpacks.com
hey girls! thanks for reading :) We are all here for sharing our values and hope to inspire more in depth understanding abt volunteerism. Ah! high 5,Catherine! Yeah, i dislike the idea of compulsory "donation". Perhaps that close knit group just somehow happened while i was there tho i did try to blend in
Really like how you shared your experience and not just the picturesque side of it, I always appreciate it when a traveler devotes their time to volunteering abroad, they really are able to have an unparalleled experience. It's a shame that the other volunteers were not as welcoming, to me when traveling or volunteering the best part is to encounter new people...it's good to know you feel the same :)
www.recalcitrantgirl.com
Great article. I volunteered in Cambodia a few years ago for six weeks and it was the other volunteers who spoiled some memories for me. Although the majority were lovelying, there was almost a bullying culture going on from some of the older volunteers. As well as many who just came to take pictures to post on Facebook. It was a real shame, as it spoiled it for those who really did care.
Thanks for this post and information. There's always so much mixed info on the web about volunteering abroad. Always nice to hear first-hand experiences! I love Cambodia :)
www.adventurousappetite.com
Thanks for this honest post about volunteering abroad Fiona. I particularly like how you highlighted the good and the bad in a thoughtful way. One of my favourite organisations to work with is Free the Children, with projects all over the world.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I want to go back to volunteer in the future.
I went to Cambodia for 6 months and volunteered in an orphanage.
It would mean a lot to mee if you read my blog!
http://sprightlywanderer.blogspot.be/2015/04/my-little-adventure-2014.html
Catherine Chris - the NGO that you volunteered with actually sounds like they understand what is happening. I have managed a number of NGO's over my time in South East Asia and have to say that any volunteer teaching English is typically doing more harm than good for a tenure of less than one month - unless you are trained already to be an ESL teacher you spend weeks learning how to get your message across. The school is supposed to be a learning environment for the child.
I must say that I also hate to see westerners running around hugging Cambodian children. This would be unacceptable in a similar role in the west, for a good reason. Unfettered and unqualified access to a class room of children has been made available to a number of sex predators throughout the years I have been in Cambodia. We have seen them enter the NGO community and stay, sometimes for years on end - doing irreparable harm. Photographs of westerners hugging children is an advertisement to a child sex predator.
I think volunteering is a great thing, but I always believe it is best when you have a skill that you can contribute without taking employment from a local person (eg. NGOs building houses in Siem Reap with volunteers stripped almost 50% of the building labourers in 2004 - -8 of their jobs). As a result NGOs to to support their living were introduced. Sometimes the best of intentions can be harmful.
The NGO in Battambang probably charged the extra money because often they recognise short term volunteering is often counterproductive unless a financial contribution is made. Please dont take this as a sleight on any of your contributions... I am simply speaking from my experience to offer another perspective.
And anybody who has volunteered in an orphanage or plans to do so... please reconsider. Speak to the experts at Friends International or anybody who knows Cambodia a childsafe perspective. I can give you names and contact details if you would like. Orphanages are the worst things that you can contribute to in Cambodia. Below are some links about damage caused by these institutions:
http://www.thinkchildsafe.org/thinkbeforedonating/
http://www.thinkchildsafe.org/thinkbeforevisiting/
Pingback : Things to Know Before You Volunteer to Teach in Cambodia - TripZilla Magazine