Info

Teach English or other subjects to children on the tropical paradise island of Koh Rong Samloem. This location is breathtaking. The school is tiny and the children range from 4 years old up to 16.

You'll teach disadvantaged children in a rural village school on the paradise island Koh Rong Samloem off the coast of Sihanoukville. There are approximately 80 children on the island who are in desperate need of education. They range from Kindergarten (4 years) through to teenagers aged 16.

The school itself is very small with just two class rooms. The children who attended the school are very poor and many also do other jobs on the island at the same time, such as fishing and farming. Although some English is taught in the school, it often taught by local people (Khmers) who also have difficulty with the language. The teachers are in desperate need for any help they can get.

Due to the recent popularity of Cambodia and the increasing tourist demand, learning English is now not only popular, it is also essential to learn as it can often lead the children to better opportunities in the future. Thus having exposure to you as a native English speaker to help them with their pronunciation and speech is very beneficial to the children and also to the local community. You'll probably be much in demand from the locals as well who will want to practice their English on you!

You may also get involved in other subjects, like Drama, Arts or Sport. Like most children, they also love sports. Just imagine ... you could be playing either beach volley ball or soccer by the crystal clear waters while at the same time helping the children to improve their English in an informal setting.

Many of the children at the school are not used to seeing Westerners, so you may find yourself being the centre of attention - they'll welcome you into their school and you'll soon find that Cambodia feels like a second home. All of the children and teachers are incredibly welcoming and friendly!

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into beautiful Cambodia and it's fascinating South-East Asian culture.
• The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them.
• New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
• An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market

And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

WORK CONTENT:

Working Hours: You'll normally work around 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. However, you can do less or more, should you wish. Initially, you may act as an assistant to the English teacher, helping take small groups and practice conversational English. Once your confidence grows, you may be put in charge of the class and asked to help within other areas, such as sport or drama, if you have an interest in these.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS IN CAMBODIA:

School holidays can differ quite widely. Normally there are 5 term breaks in the year for schools throughout Cambodia. The term breaks vary from state to state, but generally they fall roughly during the later part of the months of January, March and October, with a three month break over July, August and September. However, because this is an independent school, classes tend to go on throughout the year, regardless of holidays, so you will be able to do your placement at any time through the year.

ACCOMMODATION:

You'll live on Koh Rong Samloem Island in bungalows where the volunteers sleep. These consist of 4 bedrooms (two bunk beds) and double-bed rooms for couples. The rooms all have electricity, mosquito nets, a private bathroom with a Western toilet and bucket shower. There is a large communal area where the volunteers eat (fantastic food!). Meat and vegetarian dishes are available and there are hammocks where you can relax. You'll share a room with other volunteers.

The island has no firm roads as of yet and is simply sandy tracks. There are 2 bars on the island (one with a pool table) and plenty of shops where you can buy drinks, cigarettes, etc. The locals are super-friendly and very pleased and happy to have you there. This is, in fact, the only island that is fully and actively protected by the government.

Food is included on this project.

Duration

Available all year round during school term time. Our placements are very flexible, you can choose your own start and finish dates.

Start Dates

Flexible start and finish dates you choose. Our placements are flexible and can be tailored to match your preferences. For availability please contact the office.

Costs / Benefits

Costs vary depending on length of placement, but starts at £725 for two weeks. You can participate for up to one year, subject to visa requirements.
Included is full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. All meals are provided, unless otherwise stated. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).
You’ll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you’ll see them frequently.
Pre-departure you’ll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Requirements

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.