Situated in the heart of Indochina, Cambodia has emerged from the results of years of civil war. It is a beautiful land with few roads and low industrial development. Fishing and rice cultivation are the main activities of the overwhelmingly rural population. The land is verdant and tropical with rich, green, paddy fields amongst the tall palm trees.
The thousands of Buddhist temples and orange-robed monks in towns and villages give the country a great sense of gentleness and serenity. Big black water buffalo wallow in cool ponds and rivers among the lotus flowers. However, the towns are emerging as centres of activity and energy, particularly Phnom Penh the capital. Here businesses operate next to charming restaurants set in streets with French colonial buildings and splendid royal palaces. Buddhists worship in ancient temples overgrown with plants, while the streets are a hive of activity from morning to dusk. Phnom Penh is built on the banks of the mighty Mekong river, which weaves its way from Burma, along the border of Laos and Thailand, through Cambodia and then into the South China sea through Vietnam.
Hundreds of new businesses are stimulating the economy in a country that has effectively been closed to the outside world during turbulent years of civil conflict in the 80s and early 90s. Culturally, Cambodia is alive with its customs and religion, dance, art and crafts and the remarkable jungle-temples of the previously ‘lost’ complex of Angkor Wat. Visiting Angkor Wat is an extraordinary experience; most visitors feel as though they are rediscovering the ruined temples for the first time.
All in all, volunteering in Cambodia represents a very special opportunity. If you want to gain work experience whilst discovering a fascinating new culture and a fast changing country, apply to intern in Cambodia today.
Location of Placements
Most internships can be joined in:
• Phnom Penh
• Siem Reap
Types of Placements
• Business
• Marketing
• IT
• Law
• Human rights
• Healthcare
• NGO/conservation
• Tourism
FAQ
Answers to popular questions about interning abroad in Cambodia.
Requirements
Companies demand a serious commitment from all interns, but at the same time recognises that the nature of placements demands a flexible approach, and they definitely want you to have an enjoyable as well as a rewarding time. You will usually need to be aged 18+.
Language
Participants will speak English on placements. It is advised to learn some basic Khmer before departing. This will teach you the basics of the language. Cambodian / Khmer lessons and a cultural orientation can be provided by a private tutor or in a class. Extra learn Khmer lessons can also be given once you have started your internship.
Paid Internships in Cambodia
You can find paid internships in Cambodia but these are more difficult to get for foreigners. Some international companies can arrange placements but charge fees.
Free Time
There are no rules about time off, but in most cases weekends are free and many interns choose to travel after placements have finished. You are however expected to be completely committed to your intern program and only take time off with the permission of your manager. Cambodia boasts more national holidays than any other country in South East Asia. All placements are linked to initiatives involving Cambodian staff, so you will quickly adapt to the Khmer style of working. The key here is to be flexible and to use initiative.
Accommodation
You will normally live in the large communal houses which are centrally located and you normally have your own spacious bedroom and bathroom. In the provinces you might share accommodation with the international participants. Phnom Penh is relatively small and full of temples, markets and restaurants. Rickshaws and mopeds are far more common than cars and it is a cheap place to live. It is far safer than most capital cities.
Food
The food is a mix of Vietnamese, Thai and Cambodian. There are, however, many outlets for western food as well as the various international restaurants offering Italian, French, and American food.
Safety
Westerners are very well treated and are rarely the victims of crime.