Teach in Cambodia Volunteer Feedback continued
Interesting Feedback from Ex-Volunteers
"My time as a volunteer at the school was one of the most rewarding, enjoyable and interesting experiences of my life. I have done similar things in other parts of the world but Cambodia was by far the outstanding. It is an excellent in-ditement of the organisation that many of the volunteers do more than one semester, staying on or returning at later date. As with myself many also maintain an active association with the school even after we have volunteered.
They are a very professional group of young Cambodian, who are true to the Vision, Mission and Objectives of their charter. A big plus is the one of the family atmosphere that seems to be a part of the overall operation. Their Volunteer Coordinator is an excellent example of how the role should be carried out. From the time you are met at the airport to the day you depart nothing is overlooked. Social functions, travel bookings, visas, health and well being, getting clothing made etc all with a smile nothing is too much trouble.
The volunteer house is well run, comfortable and far less expensive than living independently.
The whole point of volunteering is to teach English. This does require some effort and commitment on the part of the volunteers. The big plus is that it is conversational English and does not require the volunteer to be a trained teacher. The course books are good and being improved all the time. The model, speak and be understood, hear and understand is excellent. It works with all levels of ability to speak English. Support of the teaching programme is provided by past volunteers who live in Phnom Penh and work there as professional teachers in the commercial international schools.
Cambodia is a interesting place to visit and the people are amazingly friendly and hospitable. The country is small enough that volunteers are able to visit most of the areas in their free time. Travel is inexpensive and the bus services are good."
Best wishes, Rod Bourke
Having quit my job, given up my flat and heading to my first third world country, I was rather nervous as I made my way to Phnom Penh for a 12 week volunteer stint. From the moment I was introduced to the school and staff however, I knew that this 12 weeks was going to be an experience I would never forget.
Rickety street carts offering delectable donuts, banana fritters and hot waffles (all washed down with a sugar cane juice of course); children bursting at the seems to spend their pocket money on crispy crickets, spiders and snake kebabs; a forever growing abundance of tuktuks, speedy motos and their happy drivers ready to transport you anywhere, anytime; manicured green spaces filled with khmer elders moving and grooving to 80’s aerobics tracks; teenage boys skilfully knocking a football around; streets and schools overflowing with children in uniform, possessing a thirst for education; colourful markets supplying every essential need on every possible corner; the aroma of fresh sweet coffee wafting out from the hundreds of Khmer owned cafes and coffee shops….Phnom Penh is alive and addictive!
As a volunteer teacher you are adopted into the family of staff, students and fellow teachers, instantly forming a network of welcoming, caring, loving, and helpful friends. I will be forever grateful for the introduction to and experiences in Cambodia that they gave me. Visits to my students provinces, market shopping with staff, language lessons, group birthday and festival celebrations, shared dinners, weekend trips away, river cruises and cycle explorations of the city and its suburbs….all 100% genuine and authentic Khmer. These are the memories every tourist searches for but never creates.
The working model of the school and the relationship that they have with the Cambodian Rural Development Team allowed me to use my skills to benefit not only the students in my classes but also to indirectly support those with much greater needs in the rural areas - ensuring access to running water, adequate toilets and means for sustainable farming.
Not a trained teacher, I initially thought I might struggle to get through the 12 weeks. Although the teaching itself was not always a stroll in the park (this is your job for 12 weeks and like all jobs some days just don’t go according to plan), my students made every moment in the classroom enjoyable and rewarding. The students display nothing but the upmost respect for you as their teacher and just as much as they learn from you, you too will also learn from them - gaining an insight into the amazing and inspirational Khmer people and their culture.
Whether you live with the other volunteers in the volunteer house or you live independently, the staff make your experience pleasurable and memorable. They will do what ever they possibly can to give you advice, help and assist you to safely enjoy your time in Cambodia. From booking bus tickets to finding a regular moto driver, from getting clothes made to scouting the local area for the very finest street food….all you have to do is ask.
My time spent in Cambodia opened my eyes to a world I had never been privy too. My time spent there gave me the opportunity to do this.
Amy Alison
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