As a volunteer teaching English in Cambodia with PMGY, you’ll help students build a vital skill that can open doors to their future ambitions. Engaging with fluent, native English speakers significantly enhances their language abilities, which are crucial for future employment opportunities. This program is an excellent chance for volunteers teaching English in Cambodia to put their leadership skills into action while making a meaningful and lasting difference in the classroom.
Teaching Volunteer Program Highlights
- Support The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 Through Education
- Build Teaching Skills In A PMGY Top Pick Location For Teaching & Impact
- Teach English & Help Local Students Develop Skills For Future Opportunities
- Explore More Of Cambodia With Weekend Trips To Siem Reap & Angkor Wat
- Experience Cambodian Culture Through Local Markets & Village Traditions
Background to the Teaching Program
The Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s left Cambodia’s education system in ruins. Since then, the Cambodian government has made significant efforts to rebuild it, but progress has been slow. Cambodia continues to have one of the lowest literacy rates in Asia, especially among women. High dropout rates, a shortage of qualified teachers, and overcrowded classrooms remain major challenges facing the country’s education system.
Cambodia’s economy is transitioning from traditional sustenance farming to one driven by industry and services. However, this economic shift has widened social inequality. Less educated and economically disadvantaged individuals are often pushed into lower-paid jobs with limited opportunities for career progression. The growing need for skilled labour has made English language proficiency increasingly essential, particularly in the service sector, which is critical to Cambodia’s expanding tourism industry.
For many children in rural villages, learning English is viewed as the key to improving their lives. It opens doors to better job opportunities in fields such as accounting and hospitality, offering a higher standard of living for themselves and their families. As a volunteer teaching English in Cambodia, you will play a vital role in providing free English lessons to children from low-income families. While the children attend public school in the mornings, they continue their education in the afternoons through our English education program. This project focuses heavily on developing English language skills.
During your time teaching English in Cambodia, it is important to bring energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to your lessons. Many students benefit greatly from learning directly from a fluent English speaker, helping them to build confidence and improve their future prospects.
Teaching Volunteer Placement Examples
Hope School - As a volunteer teaching English in Cambodia, you will be based at a community education program set up by our local team in 2010. The school aims to provide accessible English lessons to children from underprivileged villages. The opportunity to learn English is scarce in this rural area, so children are willing to travel up to 7km each way for just one hour of lessons each day. The school typically has over 150 children attending daily.
Volunteers teaching English in Cambodia are responsible for preparing, delivering, and leading lessons and activities for the children. Classes are organised by ability and age, with group sizes ranging from 5 to 30 children. The children are aged between 7 and 18 years, with younger students usually attending in the afternoon and older students coming in the late afternoon.
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Teaching the same classes at consistent times helps you establish a structured routine and build rapport with the children. It also allows you to observe the students’ progress over time, from the beginning of your program to the end. After lessons, many students stay behind to socialise and play games, and some may even ask for one-to-one tuition with volunteers.
As a volunteer teaching English in Cambodia, you are encouraged to make your lessons fun and interactive. This might include storytelling, singing songs, or engaging in arts and crafts activities. There is plenty of outdoor space where you can take the class for playtime at the end of a lesson. If you have a special skill or interest, you are welcome to incorporate this into your lessons too. The project provides a range of resources and textbooks to support your teaching. As a volunteer with children in Cambodia, you are also encouraged to introduce creative and engaging methods for managing the class.
To make the most of your time teaching English in Cambodia, it’s important to plan your lessons in advance. Proper planning will ensure that you deliver the best learning experience for the children. The more time you dedicate to preparation, the smoother your classes will run. You can use the mornings before the project starts or your afternoon break to plan and prepare your lessons.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Teaching Day
As a volunteer teaching English in Cambodia, your role will involve preparing, delivering, and leading lessons for students. The typical working hours are from 1pm to 6:30pm, Monday to Friday. During this time, you’ll usually teach 1-hour lessons with a 1.5-hour break in between. As a volunteer teaching English in Cambodia, you will also need to dedicate time to plan your lessons.
Most volunteers lead their own classes, but if you prefer, our team can pair you with a more experienced volunteer to guide you at the start. Please note that this depends on volunteer availability at the time.
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Volunteers and coordinators have introduced a Fun Friday initiative to the program. On Fun Fridays, volunteers can come together to organise exciting activities for the children. Occasionally, volunteers also arrange and fund an afternoon trip for the children outside of the program. While contributing to these activities is encouraged, participation is completely voluntary, and the cost is typically shared among the volunteers.
Other Things to Consider Teaching in Cambodia
Return Airport Transfer – Your return airport transfer is not included in your Program Fee. However, our local team can assist in arranging onward transfers to the airport or another destination. Making arrangements once you’re in-country allows for greater flexibility, especially as plans can often change, and some participants may share similar flight schedules. Alternatively, ridesharing apps are a common and cost-effective option. Many participants travel during their final days and may not return to the airport directly from the accommodation. Costs will vary depending on your chosen method of transport and destination, and they can often be split if you’re travelling with fellow trip participants.
Experience – Prior teaching experience is not required for the English Teaching program, as the presence of a fluent English speaker is invaluable. As long as you are creative, determined, and resourceful, you will have a positive impact on the children's educational development.
TEFL Course – We recommend that volunteers prepare thoroughly for their teaching program overseas. To maximise your impact, consider completing our convenient, affordable, and internationally accredited 60-hour Online TEFL Course.
Accommodation Setup - Our Cambodia volunteer programs are based in Takeo Province, a rural setting approximately two hours south of Phnom Penh. Accommodation is basic, located in a remote area, and set up in a dormitory-style format. The program fosters a sense of community, with volunteers taking responsibility for cleaning and maintaining the shared living spaces. Morning chores may include tasks such as gardening, cleaning, or small renovation projects. This collective effort helps ensure a comfortable and welcoming Volunteer House for everyone.
High Impact Volunteer Location - The rural nature of this program makes it a highly authentic and rewarding experience. Volunteers often find a clearer sense of purpose and feel more connected to their contributions to the local community. This sense of impact can be highly motivating, making it easier to engage and get involved each day. The Cambodia program is ideal for those who want to maximise their volunteer experience away from the tourist-heavy distractions of more urban locations.
Weekend Trip Opportunities
Home to the world’s largest religious monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat, Siem Reap is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling through Cambodia. Beyond the iconic temples, the city offers plenty to explore – from floating villages and lotus farms to the mesmerising Phare Circus, performed by talented local street children. Siem Reap is also a lively backpacker hub filled with great food, vibrant nightlife, and bustling markets that capture the spirit of Cambodia.
Getting There
• 10 hours from Takeo
• Overnight Bus – 13 GBP
Where to Stay
• Hostel Dorm – 3–8 GBP per night
• Small Hotel/Guesthouse – 10–20 GBP per night
• Hotel – 40+ GBP per night
Things to Do
• Angkor Wat Day Pass – 28 GBP
• Floating Villages – 23 GBP
• Lotus Farms – 12–25 GBP
• Phare Circus – 22 GBP
Known as the adventure capital of Cambodia, Kampot is the perfect weekend escape for nature lovers. Just a short two-hour drive from Takeo, it offers a mix of outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and river tubing. After a day of exploring, unwind with a sunset cruise on the river or enjoy the relaxed charm of this riverside town filled with cafés and boutique guesthouses.
Getting There
• 2 hours from Takeo
• Private Taxi – 38 GBP
Where to Stay
• Hostel Dorm – 2–7 GBP per night
• Small Hotel/Guesthouse – 8–20 GBP per night
• Hotel – 25+ GBP per night
Things to Do
• Sunset River Cruise – 7 GBP
• Hikes/Waterfalls – 5 GBP
• Kayaking Tour through the Mangroves – 21 GBP
• River Tubing – 3 GBP
Koh Rong is Cambodia’s island paradise, famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s a favourite among backpackers looking to relax, explore, and enjoy island life. Spend your days paddleboarding, snorkelling, or joining a boat trip to see the glowing bioluminescent plankton at night. Most volunteers stay on Long Set Beach, which offers easy access, beachside accommodation, and a welcoming social scene.
Getting There
• 4 hours from Takeo
• Private Taxi & Boat – 90 GBP
Where to Stay
• Hostel Dorm – 8–15 GBP per night
• Small Hotel/Guesthouse – 20–40 GBP per night
• Beachfront Hotel – 50+ GBP per night
Things to Do
• Snorkelling – 10 GBP
• BBQ & Sunset Trip – 8 GBP
• Bioluminescent Plankton Boat Tour – 5 GBP
• Waterfalls – 7 GBP (Transport)
Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh, offers a powerful and reflective experience through its historical landmarks. Just an hour away from Takeo, volunteers can visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields to learn about the Khmer Rouge era and Cambodia’s path to recovery. It’s an emotional yet vital trip that provides deep insight into the country’s history and the resilience of its people.
Getting There
• 1 hour from Takeo
• Private Taxi – 38 GBP
Where to Stay
• Day trip from Takeo
Things to Do
• Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum – 6 GBP
• Choeung Ek Killing Fields – 5 GBP
A two-day trip to Battambang offers a beautiful mix of culture, history, and adventure. After a five to six-hour drive, explore the town’s colonial architecture, lively markets, and the famous Bamboo Train. Visit nearby temples such as Wat Ek Phnom and Phnom Banan, and catch the spectacular bat exodus at dusk. On your second day, take a scenic boat ride along the Sangker River or visit the local museum before heading back to Takeo.
Getting There
• 6 hours from Takeo
• Bus – 9 GBP
Where to Stay
• Hostel Dorm – 3–8 GBP per night
• Small Hotel/Guesthouse – 10–15 GBP per night
• Hotel – 25+ GBP per night
Things to Do
• Bamboo Train – 5 GBP
• Bat Caves/Killing Caves – 15 GBP
• Full Day Tour (Wat Banan + Phnom Sampov) – 15 GBP
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- Two happy women in colourful bikinis enjoy a sunny beach with turquoise waters and distant island views.
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- Joyful friends relax and swim at a tropical waterfall surrounded by lush greenery in Cambodia.
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- Eight friends celebrate sunrise at Angkor Wat, sharing joyful moments against a vibrant sky and lush tropical scenery.
Accommodation - Shared & Comfort Options Available
Volunteer House
On the Cambodia volunteer program, you will stay in our Volunteer House, located in the rural village of Bakod. The accommodation is approximately a 20 minute tuk tuk ride from Takeo, where you can find local restaurants, convenience stores and ATMs. Most of our main volunteer projects are based on the same grounds as the Volunteer House, making it convenient to combine your daily project work with life alongside other international volunteers.
Wi-Fi is available at the Volunteer House, although volunteers may also wish to purchase a local SIM card for use with an unlocked mobile phone. Communal spaces include hammocks and areas where you can relax and socialise with other volunteers. A small café is located just offsite, while a local laundry service is available for a small cost. Handwashing facilities are also provided onsite.
Both shared and private room options are available. Bedrooms have air conditioning and bed linen is provided. Air conditioning is usually turned off between 10am and 4pm to help manage the local power supply, with fans remaining operational during this time.
The Volunteer House is located on the same campus as the local coordinators’ residence. This allows you to have your own volunteer living space while benefiting from having the local team close by for support throughout your stay. It also provides plenty of opportunities to learn more about Cambodian culture and everyday life in the local community.
🛏️ Shared Option - Standard Offering (Recommended for 18-25 Year Olds)
Our Shared Option offers a social living experience, with same sex dormitory rooms accommodating up to 8 volunteers. Sharing with other participants makes it easy to get to know the group and enjoy the communal atmosphere of the Volunteer House.
Cupboard space is not available within the dormitory rooms, but each volunteer is provided with a trunk for storing personal belongings. We recommend bringing a small padlock to secure this, while valuables can also be stored securely with the local team.
Bathroom arrangements depend on the room allocated and availability. Where possible, volunteers will have access to a private bathroom, although some bathroom facilities may be shared with other volunteers. Bathrooms have western style facilities and showers. Hot water is not available, which is common locally given Cambodia’s warm tropical climate.
🔒 Comfort Option - Private Room Upgrade 150 USD100 GBP120 EUR210 AUD170 CAD Per Week (Recommended for 26+ Year Olds)
For volunteers who prefer additional personal space, our Comfort Option provides a private bedroom while still allowing you to enjoy the social environment and communal areas of the Volunteer House.
Comfort rooms can accommodate a solo traveller or up to 2 participants travelling together and typically contain a double bed. Comfort rooms also provide cupboard space and a fridge for additional convenience during your stay.
Bathroom arrangements depend on the room allocated and availability. Where possible, your Comfort room will have a private bathroom for your use, although in some cases bathroom facilities may be shared. Bathrooms have western style facilities and showers, with cold water rather than hot water.
Wi-Fi
Yes (Free)
People Per Room
Up To 8 (Shared) or 1 (Comfort)
Single Sex Rooms
Yes
Western Bathroom Facilities
Yes
Airport Transfer
1.5 Hours
Nearest ATM & Shops
20 Minute Drive
Meals
During your volunteer trip to Cambodia, you will be provided with breakfast and dinner from Monday to Friday at the Volunteer House. Breakfast typically includes toast, eggs, jam, noodles, tea, and coffee. Dinner is a mix of traditional Cambodian dishes with the occasional western meal. Filtered drinking water is available at no cost.
You will need to purchase your own lunch during the program. Volunteers often visit the local town or market a few times a week to stock up on supplies such as noodles, pasta, or snacks, which can be stored at the accommodation. Some food options are also available from the café just off-site.
If you choose to remain at the Volunteer House over the weekend, please note that meals will not be provided during this time. You will need to prepare or purchase your own food. However, many volunteers take this opportunity to travel and explore Cambodia during their free time.
* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.
Here’s an example of the meals you can expect:
Breakfast
Toast, Eggs, Noodles, Tea/Coffee
Lunch
Not Included
Dinner
Chicken Curry, Pasta, Noodles, Jacket Potatoes
Program Location
FAQ's
PMGY welcomes teaching volunteers in Cambodia of all nationalities, religions, and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 18, with no upper age limit. Additionally, all volunteers need to have good English, although it does not need to be your first language. While it’s not necessary to speak the local dialect, you’ll find that learning a few local words during your time in Cambodia will go a long way in building connections and enriching your experience.
As a Cambodia teaching volunteer, you must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering with us abroad. This ensures the safety and well-being of the children and communities we work with. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept anyone with previous criminal convictions.
In general, no formal experience or qualifications are required to join the teaching projects — just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to preparation!
Volunteering overseas can be a rewarding yet demanding experience. It can be physically and mentally challenging, so all participants must be fit in both areas. If you have any medical or mental health conditions that may affect your participation, these must be disclosed to us during your online application. This ensures we can best support you and assess the program’s suitability.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding your eligibility or suitability for the Cambodia teaching program, we recommend that you contact us before committing to the program. Our team is always happy to assist you in making an informed decision and ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all involved.
For your volunteer trip to Cambodia, you should book your flights to Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh (airport code KTI). This is the official arrival day for the program, ensuring a smooth and well-organised beginning to your experience as a Cambodia teaching volunteer.
Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport by a member of our local team or an appointed driver. They will be easy to spot, holding a sign with your name to ensure you feel welcomed from the moment you land. From there, they will escort you to your accommodation, where you will have the rest of the day to relax, settle in, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
The program officially ends on the Sunday of your final week. This means you will need to vacate the accommodation on this day to make way for new participants arriving for their own life-changing experiences. Our local team will be available to assist with arranging transport to the airport or providing guidance for any onward travel plans you may have.
Whether you’re just arriving or bidding farewell to Cambodia, our team is here to ensure your transition is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Your time as a Cambodia teaching volunteer will leave you with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a lasting impact on the communities you’ve helped.
You can apply anytime for most of our programs, including the Cambodia teaching volunteer program. However, we highly recommend applying soon to secure your spot. Some of our programs have limited capacity, and spaces can fill quickly, especially during our peak travel period from June to August. If you plan to join us during this time, applying early is even more important to avoid disappointment!
When you embark on this experience, you must be 100% committed to joining the program. To apply, locate the “Apply Now” button on the individual project page. This will guide you step-by-step through our online Application Process. We’ve made it as straightforward and user-friendly as possible so that you can easily secure your place.
Based on feedback from previous Cambodia teaching volunteers, we’ve found that 4-6 weeks is the ideal amount of time to fully immerse yourself in the experience of volunteering in Cambodia. This duration provides ample opportunity to integrate into the local community, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to your chosen project. Over this time, you’ll be able to make a lasting positive impact while having plenty of time to explore Cambodia’s incredible sights and culture during your weekends.
Many of our Cambodia teaching volunteers who joined us for just 2 weeks often expressed that their time was too short. They leave wishing they had stayed longer to further engage with the projects they’ve grown passionate about. If your schedule allows, we highly encourage you to consider a longer stay to make the most of this life-changing experience!
While our programs are available for longer durations, volunteers can initially sign up for a maximum of 12 weeks in each destination. In the past, we’ve found that some volunteers commit to extended placements but later wish to adjust their plans for independent travel or to join another program. Please note, however, that Program Fees are non-refundable once committed. If you arrive and find yourself loving the program (as many do!), you are more than welcome to extend your placement. Extensions are subject to availability at the time of your request, but our team will do their best to accommodate your desire to stay longer and continue making an impact.
For those considering an even more adventurous journey, we recommend exploring our Encounter Programs. These unique opportunities allow you to experience 2-4 week stays across 3-10 destinations, offering a perfect balance of travel, cultural immersion, and volunteering.
At PMGY, we understand the importance of safety, especially for first-time travellers, and we work diligently to ensure that all our programs, including those in Cambodia, provide a secure and enriching experience. Our programs are carefully designed to balance structure and independence perfectly. This means you’ll enjoy a guided and supportive environment while free to explore and immerse yourself in local culture. For further details, please refer to our Safety & Wellbeing page.
Volunteer safety in each destination is a top priority and is monitored regularly. A member of our International Team has thoroughly inspected every PMGY program to ensure it meets our high standards. We also stay current with advice published by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. Through constant communication with our local teams, we ensure that our volunteers are always placed in secure and stable regions.
Our International Team has personally visited and participated in every program we offer, paying close attention to every detail—from the living conditions and local neighbourhoods to the food you’ll enjoy. These meticulous checks ensure that all aspects of your stay meet our rigorous standards. Additionally, our local teams are experienced professionals with years of experience hosting international volunteers. They serve as PMGY’s trusted representatives, offering 24/7 support to all volunteers throughout their stay. To further enhance your safety, PMGY provides a 24-hour international emergency line accessible at all times. In-country staff also maintain connections with local medical professionals, ensuring that immediate assistance is available should it be required during your placement as a Cambodia teaching volunteer.
Before you embark on your journey, you’ll receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which covers key topics such as health, safety, visas, and dress codes. If you have additional or specific questions, our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to assist. Furthermore, on a monthly basis, PMGY hosts an Introductory Webinar and a Safety Webinar. These interactive sessions offer invaluable information about our projects and practical tips for staying safe abroad.
When you arrive in-country, you’ll participate in a detailed orientation session. This introduction will cover the general volunteer program and your specific project, including essential safety advice tailored to your destination. During this session, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card — a step we highly recommend to ensure you remain contactable at all times. Additionally, you’ll receive a comprehensive list of essential contact numbers to keep on hand during your stay.
While no travel experience can ever be guaranteed 100% trouble-free, PMGY has taken every precaution to ensure that your time as a Cambodia teaching volunteer is as safe and enjoyable as possible. We strongly suggest following the local team’s guidance and advice to ensure your safety throughout your journey.
