Asia Internship - Culture Immersion Programs in Asia

Program Description 

 

Working in a School/Childcare (from 1 week)

Teaching English 

The Cambodian government is currently not able to provide all its citizens with education. Both young children and adults are keen to develop their skills, especially English, as a way out of poverty. This has led to a large requirement for volunteers to help teach specific skills, including English, but also computer literacy, mathematics and arts, among others.

 

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers teach English at a level suited to their skill and experience. In this programme, volunteers may work on their own, teaching a whole class or small groups, or alongside other teachers and volunteers. In some schools volunteers prepare and correct tests and exams.

 

Caregiving

After many years of war in Cambodia, many children were left without their parents or other family members. As a result, orphanages were established to help foster and raise the Cambodian youth. Even after the wars, many children are sent to live at these centres due to their family’s poverty and because their parents hope they will receive a good education in the orphanage. We want to try our best to support families in keeping their children at home while also helping the children still living in child care centres.

 

Volunteer responsibilities

Volunteers working in centres help with the general work. The type and duration of work depends on the project chosen and the centre location, with a standard volunteering day being 4-6 hours. Depending on your individual interests and skills as well as the needs of the local staff, your daily activities might include caring for the children, playing games, helping with homework, teaching English, drawing pictures, teaching geography or sports, singing and teaching songs or creating activities. Volunteers may also need to help with practical tasks including preparing meals and cleaning up.

 

Caring for Disabled Children

As the health care system in Cambodia is still very basic, treatment for people with disabilities is lacking. It is difficult for families to care for their disabled children at home, so a large number of disabled children live in care facilities. The centre provides more appropriate living conditions for the children including housing, food and nursing. Daily medical care is also available. Recreational activities are created to improve the living environment. Volunteers assist the local staff to help care for the children.

 

Volunteer responsibilities

Volunteers will help in the centre wherever it is needed. Volunteers work approximately four to six hours a day. Most centres expect the volunteers to play with the kids, create activities for them and help with tasks including feeding, moving and cleaning up. Volunteers may assist with rehabilitation and therapy exercises depending on their skills and experience.

 

 

Medical and Health(from 2 weeks)

HIV/AIDS Awareness

The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Cambodia is among the highest of any Asian country. We advocate for community action against HIV/AIDS, bringing together health centres and community personnel to work together and to focus on HIV/AIDS prevention and support.

​

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteers work with the local staff and are encouraged to introduce new ideas and activities. Depending on the needs of the organization, volunteers also help with creating marketing materials as well as administrative and operational work such as basic website maintenance and report writing.

 

Working in a Hospital

During the Vietnam War at the end of the 1960s, Cambodia was hit by civil war. Subsequently, the Khmer Rouge led by Pol Pot seized power and started experimenting with social engineering, completely destroying the social structure in Cambodia. Many doctors and educated medical professionals were killed. Nowadays, medical facilities and services in Cambodia do not meet international standards. Volunteering in Cambodia is an excellent way to become involved in some of the poorest medical institutions in the developing world. Cambodia has a limited number of internationally-run hospitals that can provide basic medical care and stabilization.

 

Volunteer Responsibilities

The responsibilities at the hospital will vary depending on your background and previous experience. Volunteers generally work alongside the nurses and doctors and will have the opportunity to observe work in many departments.