 Work in Local NGOs
For the last 10 years, committed Cambodians have set up many Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to aid the reconstruction of the country. They are going through various constraints to carry on their programs due to limited and almost non-existing financial resources and as a result they often struggle to run their programs and to raise funds from international donors.
Because CBO’s themselves have limited (if any) financial resources Rustic Volunteer Travel collaborates with many local NGOs to support their efforts of community development. This program would is the perfect choice for those desiring real hands-on experience while working in developing country while simultaneously honing their personal, career-based/oriented skills pertaining to international development agencies
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FAQs Cambodia
| Application Process: |
Please read Rustic Volunteer and Travel's 4 steps of application
- You can either apply online or download the application and mail it to us after filling out the form. To complete your application process, we’ll need an application fee of $200. Without the fee, you’re application won’t be complete and we will not process it.
- Your application will then be forwarded to the country coordinator of Cambodia for processing. The coordinator will thoroughly check your application and search for the project you mentioned. The coordinator will also fix the details regarding your accommodation and meal. Your accommodation will either be fixed in a home stay, where you’ll stay with a Cambodia family and enjoy local food, or you’ll be accommodated in a project hostel.
- After the country coordinator finalizes the details of your program, the information is then passed on to us. We then forward the details to you, along with the final invoice. You will have to make your final payment six weeks before the start of your program. If your application has been expedited, the payment has to be done as soon as possible. The placement details have local contact information, which you can use while applying for Cambodia Visa or to get in touch with the local staff and host family.
- You’ll then start to prepare for your trip to Cambodia. You’ll have to immunize against diseases found in Cambodia, get a visa to enter the country (for details on this, check the Visa section of FAQ) and book air tickets. If you want to contact us any time during your preparation, we’re only a phone call away and eagerly waiting to help and advise you.
- Once you have confirmed your tickets and arrival details please pass on the information to us (US Office). We’ll inform your flight timing to the Cambodia country coordinator and you will be picked up at the airport, upon arrival. You can also email the country coordinator directly.
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| Visa : |
Rustic strongly suggest that all volunteers apply for a tourist visa, in a timely manner before departing for Cambodia. Please call our office or contact the local Cambodia embassy to learn more about visa, visa fees, and visa extensions. Getting your tourist visa is your responsibility.
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| Health and safety : |
Please read about health and safety and become aware about what you should and shouldn’t do before travelling to Cambodia. Remember, you’re priority while traveling abroad should always be safety first. We recommend you to visit the websites listed below. Please read the content thoroughly.
WHO website for international travelers( http://www.who.int/csr/ihr/en/)
WHO Cambodia ( http://www.who.int/countries/en/ )
General Health Tips for volunteer in Cambodia
- Avoid drinking tap water directly. Do not also drink fountain drinks and ice cubes. Always drink bottled or boiled water or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles.
- There have been cases of many fake bottled waters being sold in Cambodia. They don’t stand up to the standards. Make sure the seal of the bottle isn’t tampered with.
- Do not eat hot or very spicy food. They can create stomach upset. Stay away from salads also as leaves not cleaned properly can contain bugs also. Eat for good, clean restaurants and don’t try your luck with roadside vendors.
- Always use an insect repellent if you find yourself in a mosquito-prone area. But remember, not every place is mosquito-infested and low temperatures in winters (when most tourists come to Cambodia) kill most bugs in the northern plains and hills.
- If traveling in scorching heat, remember to drink enough water, use hats, sunglasses & UV lotions. Beware of the health effects that the mid day sun may cause, most importantly SUN BURN or DEHYDRATION.
- If you need doctor, ask your host family, hotel or our country coordinator. You’ll find plenty of helping hand. Most of the towns and villages in Cambodia have pharmacies and chemists, if you want to purchase any medical supplies. The medication and the fees for the doctors are usually low.
Bring drugs you require with you. Although you can find most modern medicines in the drugstores of Cambodia, they can be named differently and come with different level of dosage. Carry a health kit and include medications for upset stomachs, some antiseptic cream, mosquito repellant, sun block, band aids, etc. |
| Vaccination : |
You should be vaccinated before traveling to Cambodia. To see which ones you need to, visit: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationCambodia.aspx
You should also discuss your travel plans with your health-care provide and determine vaccinations you will definitely need. We suggest the following:
- Routine Vaccination: You’re not up-to-date with your routine shots, vaccinate against measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, etc.
- Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG): For all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in countries with an intermediate or high level of hepatitis A virus infection (see map) where exposure might occur through food or water. Cases of travel-related hepatitis A can also occur in travelers to developing countries with "standard" tourist itineraries, accommodations, and food consumption behaviors.
- Typhoid: For all unvaccinated people traveling to or working in Southeast Asia, especially if visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas and staying with friends or relatives where exposure might occur through food or water.
- Polio: Recommended for adult travelers who have received a primary series with either inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) or oral polio vaccine (OPV). They should receive another dose of IPV before departure.
- Japanese encephalitis: Recommended if you plan to visit rural farming areas and under special circumstances, such as a known outbreak of Japanese encephalitis, see country-specific information.
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for all unvaccinated persons traveling to or working in countries with intermediate to high levels of endemic HBV transmission (see map) and who might be exposed to blood or body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment, such as for an accident, and for all adults requesting protection from HBV infection.
- Rabies: Recommended for travelers spending a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural areas, involved in activities such as bicycling, camping, hiking, or work. Also, children are considered at higher risk because they tend to play with animals and may not report bites.
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| Money Matter : |
What is the exchange rate? Where should I change my dollars? Can I use my debit card or credit card? Should I bring traveler's checks?
To find the exchange for Cambodia Riels, visit: http://www.xe.com/ucc/convert.cgi
Cambodian Riel is the official currency of the country. Change your money at Phnom Penh International Airport when you land there. You’ll find bank counters where you can exchange your money into Riels. Start by exchanging $400 first.
We advise you to carry a credit card for large and emergency purchases so you won't go broke if something goes wrong. If you've requested a pin number for your credit card, you can use it to get cash advances at the ATM.
You can also carry a debit card that can be used at ATM's to withdraw local currency. Debit card is the best way of getting money and ATM vendors are available in major bank and department store in Phnom Penh. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in some of the large stores and hotels in larger cities but not accepted in smaller cities.
How much money you bring depends on your personal spending habits. Thrifty people can get by on less than $10/day. Your budget should also include money to explore Cambodia in free time as well as for your personal use. A good rule of thumb for money management is the 1/3 method, bring 1/3 cash, 1/3 traveler's check and leave 1/3 of your money in your account - plus a credit card for emergencies.
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| Field Support and supervision: |
Once the volunteer program starts, our local staff will stay in touch with volunteers. We visit our volunteers every 2-4 weeks (in Phnom Penh). During busy season and when a volunteer's project is a long distance from the office our local staff maintains communication by email and by phone. Our Cambodia coordinator maintains a 24/7 mobile phone so you can call him at any time. In many occasions, our local partners assign a local mentor or support volunteers. |
| Communication : |
Volunteers are requested to bring their mobile phone. Once you arrive in Cambodia, you can change sim-card and use it. This is the perfect way to stay in touch with your family and Rustic Volunteer Travel office in Cambodia. Internet Café's are available in most areas of Phnom Penh. |
| Climate of Cambodia: |
Take advantage of the Web which can bring you current weather and forecasts for your destination:
Cambodia has a diverse climate; summer is normally the hot, humid and rainy season. Winter is cold in the morning and warm during the daytime. The temperature drops during winter nights. Volunteers should bring appropriate clothing according to the season and activities. The months of fall and spring are wonderful.
*Please bring a raincoat in June-July-August
Temperatures in Degrees Celsius (maximum - minimum Temperature)
AVERAGE RAINFALL IN CAMBODIA
Take advantage of the Web which can bring you current weather and forecasts for your destination:
Situated in the tropical zone, Cambodia is bathed in sun almost all year around. There are two main seasons: the rainy season and dry. Each season brings about a refreshing change. The humid, rainy season lasts from April to October. Temperatures range from 27-35 degrees Celsius. The hottest month is April when the temperature can reach 41 degree C these days. The cool, dry season lasts from November to March, with temperatures ranging from 17-27 degrees C. December to January is the coolest period at about 27 degrees C. |
| Materials to Bring |
Most of stuffs of daily use are available in Cambodia at a cheaper price. However, we suggest volunteers pack the following things.
• Camera
• Mobile phone (you can use mobile phone after changing sim card)
• Sleeping bag
• Mosquito repellents
• Insect repellents
• Sun-block
• Working gloves (if you are joining conservation or construction project)
• Some books about Cambodia
• Map of Cambodia
• Toiletries
• First aid kit
• Flash light
• Electricity adopter/converter
• Sun glasses
• Footwear (for work and travel)
• Towel |
| Gift for Host Family and Project |
It is a common courtesy to bring a small gift for the family that will be hosting you. You are not required to do so, but if you choose to bring something it can be pretty simple. We suggest a box of chocolates, a t-shirt with a hometown logo, or pictures of your family and some local post cards.
If you want to bring gifts for your project and if you are working for an orphanage or a school please bring pencils, pens and paper, art supplies like markers and construction paper pads, and games. Remember that every child will need these items so you may wish to bring a bunch of one thing. |
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