Volunteer teaching in Cambodia, Teach English and French with Projects Abroad

English Teaching Volunteer Work Abroad in Cambodia

Due to a turbulent past and years of devastation much of Cambodia's population haven't had the opportunity to receive a formal education. However, now that peace has been restored, many Cambodians have better access to schooling. Furthermore, education for girls, as well as boys, is now being encouraged. As with many Asian countries, there is huge enthusiasm to learn foreign languages and with the recent upturn in tourism and international trade, a grasp of the English language means access to better jobs and ultimately better futures.

Projects Abroad works to improve the lives of some of the most neglected children in Cambodia who live in orphanages. The number of orphans or abandoned children in the capital city of Phnom Penh is very high, and the orphanages that do exist are overcrowded, understaffed and poorly resourced. Because of the difficulties associated with sending these children to schools, they often receive their education within the orphanage, and it is here that English teaching volunteers can really make a difference.

Volunteer teaching in Cambodia is an ideal way to gain some truly rewarding Development work-experience. You do not have to have any formal teaching qualifications or a TEFL certificate, nor do you require previous teaching experience. Whether you want to volunteer teaching during your gap year, career break or as part of an extended holiday, you will have a role to play and you will be needed.

The impact you have on the lives of the children you work with will be obvious and long-lasting, and you will also be part of a much wider volunteer network, which is making a really positive contribution to the communities in which we work.

Teach English Language in Orphanages with Projects Abroad

Teaching in the bustling city of Phnom Penh as a volunteer will open your eyes to the mix of great prosperity and poverty within this vibrant city. All our placements are based in and around the capital city, where you will teach children ranging in age from about 5-16 years old.

Voluntary teaching in orphanages in Cambodia will give you the chance to help these children improve their prospects. You'll teach free English lessons in the classrooms at the orphanages, and many volunteers choose to also spend time with the children outside of the classroom, helping with the many duties and activities the orphanage provides. Please see our Care in Cambodia page for more information.

Classes are normally small with about ten to twenty children in a class, enabling you to give plenty of personal attention to each child. Due to the shortage of teachers, you'll normally teach alone without a teaching assistant, but there will be other staff around to help or translate if needed. The staff themselves will also benefit from being able to learn from you and practice their English too.

Volunteering on a Teaching Project in Cambodia

Whatever skills and talents you have, teaching in Cambodia will give you the opportunity to put them to good use. Be imaginative with your teaching to make learning fun and enjoyable. Through the use of materials, games and songs you can engage the children and make them eager to learn. There are also opportunities for volunteers to get involved with teaching other subjects, especially music and dance, since a number of orphanages support themselves by putting on traditional dance shows to generate vital funds.

The ability to speak English will help the children to improve their futures. You will help the younger children grasp the basics whilst helping the older students to improve their skills and their confidence. The attention and time you give them is of enormous benefit and we hope that you will take the time to prepare and structure lessons. Being prepared will help to give you confidence and ensure that you and your students get the most out of the experience as a volunteer in Cambodia.