Volunteer
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What placements can we offer?
We are currently looking for:
- Qualified native-speaking English teachers to work with the local staff at the Foreign Language School.
- Fashion design teachers and sales/marketing specialists to work at the Hotel de la Paix/LHA Sewing School.
- Life skills teachers to work at the Program Advancing Girls' Education.
- English/arts teachers and social workers to work at the Children's Developmet Village (should be able to drive a motorbike or arrange your own transport).
- Sports/arts/qualified English speaking teachers and training specialists in organic agriculture to work at the Angkor Thom Junior High School (should be able to drive a motorbike or arrange your own transport).
- Architects/civil engineers to help in the construction process of a new PAGE boarding house.
If you have other skills or interests, please contact us and we will try to find a placement based on your background.
What is the application process?
Please, send us your CV and indicate what activities you would be interested in.
For how long are you expected to commit?
It is totally up to you how much time you would be able and willing to give. Long-term volunteers are always preferred, however, we understand that you may have other commitments and/or may not have sufficient resources for that.
Why volunteer at LHA?
- You will work with Buddhist monks in a temple - a life-time experience!
- The organization is based in a central location, only 200m from the Old Market and 7km from the famous Angkor temples!
- It is a well-established organization operating 6 large projects and benefiting hundreds of disadvantaged Cambodian people.
- As contrary to many volunteering programs, LHA does not charge any fee to its volunteers. It is completely free!
- Volunteers are welcome to share their knowledge and skills and take initiatives. Their opinion and recommendations are always taken into serious consideration.
- Foreigners always describe Cambodians as very friendly people. If you want to work with young and friendly staff, do not look any further.
- If you read the forums about Siem Reap, you will realize that it is a very safe and peaceful place!
- Cheap living. You can get a bed for as little as $2 and a meal for $1.50! Can it get cheaper than that?
- LHA needs volunteers. Please, look at the section on the top of this page, what skills are needed most.
What are the working hours of LHA?
LHA is open from Monday to Friday at 08:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00.
Is there a dressing code?
Because the office is located in the Buddhist temple and some of the staff members are monks, please keep your shoulders and knees covered.
Where can you stay?
There are many guest houses, hostels and hotels in the city. You can get a bed in a dormitory for $2 and a private room for $4.
Discounts for volunteers may be available as well as a free pick-up from the airport.
As for the budget accommodation, our previous volunteers recommend Siem Reap Hostel, Smiley Guest House, Happy Guest House, Cambodia Backpacker Guest House.
The nearest acommodation includes Siem Reap Hostel, Backpacker Hostel, Mekong Boutique Hotel, Cambodia Packpacker Guest House, Royal Crown Hotel, Golden Temple Hotel, and Ta Prohm Hotel.
You can find more accommodation in Siem Reap at: www.booking.com; www.hostelworld.com; www.laterooms.com. LHA is located in Wat Damnak, so you may look for something within a walking distance from the Old Market and Pub Street.
If you are planning to stay for a longer time, you may consider renting an apartment:
http://www.angkorrealestate.com
http://siemreap-properties.webs.comWhere can you eat?
In the Old Market, you can get a meal for as little as $1.50. Some of the better restaurants include Sugar Palm, Abacus, Mr. Grill, Australian BBQ, Soup 89, Silk Lounge, Viroth, and Touich.
What can you do in your free time?
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Visit Angkor temples |
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Visit Cambodian Cultural Village |
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Go to the waterfall and the river of 1,000 lingas on the Mount Kulen |
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Visit the floating village of Kampong Phluk |
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Visit Artisans d'Angkor silk farm |
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Watch Apsara dance in a local restaurant or orphanage |
What other Cambodian cities can you visit?
You can also visit the capital Phnom Penh (Royal Palace, Wat Phnom Temple, National Museum of Cambodia, and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum) or rest on a beach in Sihanoukville.
What should you know about health?
About 90% of medicine sold at the local pharmacies is said to be fake. You can buy medicine at a Western pharmacy U-Care, which is next to the bookshop and Blue Pumpkin.
Healthcare at the local hospitals is very poor. If you have serious health problems, you can visit NAGA Healthcare International Medical Center located near the Central Market. A consultation with a doctor costs $20. Do not forget your travel insurance!
Please, discuss with your GP what vaccinations are needed for Cambodia. Normally you would need to be immunized for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus-Diphtheria. If in your childhood you were not immunised for Polio, then you will need to do so. Depending on your work and location, you may also be advised to get vaccinations for Hepatitis B and Japanese Encephalitis. Please, bear in mind that it takes a while for vaccinations to become effective, therefore plan you visit at a GP much in advance.
What should you know about visas?
Visas can be obtained through embassies or on arrival. Tourist visa is valid for up to 30 days. If you are planning to stay in Cambodia for longer, you should apply for a business visa. It is again valid for up to 30 days, but can be extended for up to one year. The extension can be arranged through local travel agencies.
What should you know about climate?
September and October are the months when it rains most. The coolest months are December and January and the hottest month is April. The avarage temperatures for Phnom Penh and Siem Reap can be found here.
Where can you use the Internet?
The wireless Internet connection is available at LHA office, Blue Pumpkin, KFC, and Pub Street. There are also a number of Internet cafes near by.
What language is spoken in Cambodia?
The local language is Khmer. Many people speak at least some English, so it is quite easy to get around.
What currency is used?
The local currency is Cambodian riel. The U.S. dollars are also accepted. 1 USD is equal to 4,000 riel. The ATMs are widely available.
