Teaching in Cambodia, Samraong

• Teach English to students in a remote in Cambodia, Pul village of Samraong!
• Give back to a local Cambodian community whilst improving your teaching skills and engaging with children
• Prepare lessons and take charge of your own class
• Learn all about the rich and diverse Cambodian culture

To book an activity with us we require you to participate for a minimum of two weeks. Therefore, you would need to book a quantity of two for this activity, unless you choose a separate activity to go with it. See the ‘Related trips…’ section for more options.

Greenway School Teaching Opportunity in Samraong, Cambodia

Every day, more than 400 children arrive at the Greenway School in Samraong to attend one of the two sessions offered. All of them are eager to learn and are extremely appreciative of those who can assist them with their educational development. The school was designed, built and completely operated by people like you, under the guidance of our native Cambodian manager and teacher Mr. Ya Nuth.

No matter how much experience you have teaching or working with children this programme will teach you invaluable lessons, learning about Cambodian culture and also about yourself.

Since beginning his work with this rural Samraong community in 2008, Mr. Ya Nuth has become a leader in the local community. His efforts in developing local schools and hospitals, with the help of those like yourself, has had an immeasurably positive effect on the community. In 2013, the Greenway School was opened, offering a free educational/learning opportunity for those who couldn’t otherwise afford it.

Students attend a regular public school for three hours per day, where they don’t get the chance to learn a lot of English. The public school shifts are divided into a morning group and an afternoon group, giving the children a chance to come to our school during their free time (e.g. the morning group can attend our afternoon shift and vice versa). What is so unique and amazing about the Greenway School, is that the children come of their own accord and truly enjoy their time here.

Participants can expect to work alongside other local teachers or participants. This could mean 3-5 participants taking turns with providing instruction during the course of the session. This could allow for smaller group engagement and when needed, one-on-one help for students who may be having challenges with the material. There will be an orientation before starting your work with students. During that orientation, the exact size, level of assignment and members of the teaching team will be determined.

CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) Check
It is required that participants complete a CRB/DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) check in order to take part in this project. 

Start dates are every week of the year with your activities starting on a Monday. Saturday or Sunday between 06:00 – 22:00 to be met upon landing by our team. Flight arrivals after 22:00 will incur an additional fee for pickup. Saturday arrivals need to book one extra night at our accommodation, so arriving on the Sunday will be your better option.

Your trip will finish on the Saturday morning when you will need to vacate the accommodation.

Aims & Objectives

• Improve village children’s educational prospects
• Provide learning tools that empower students to create a better future for themselves
• Gain invaluable, practical experience in teaching
• Facilitate a cultural exchange which broadens the perspectives of all engaged
• Assist the local staff by providing an extra hand

Schedule

Monday to Friday

Teaching time with the students is divided into two shifts, with lunch and free time back at the accommodation in between. The first shift begins in the morning from 08:00 -11:00 while the afternoon shift is from 14:00 – 17:00. You should also expect to spend time working on the next day’s activities/exercises, so that you are prepared and comfortable for the duration of the lesson.

Location

Samraong, which name translates from Khmer into “impenetrable jungle”, is a town located in northwestern Cambodia, close to the border with Thailand. You will be located in a small, rural village located in the outskirts of town. This remote location will give you a taste of what rural Cambodia looks and feels like, while at the same time allowing you to explore some of Cambodia’s highlights, as Siem Reap is located only two hours away.

About the Accommodation

The accommodation in Samraong is simple and natural. There are no laundry facilities, so expect to wash your clothes by hand. However, there are some places that you can do laundry in the town for a small cost. All locations have a communal area where you can eat, relax, meet fellow participants or use the free Wifi. Requests for specific locations or room configurations cannot be guaranteed. There are bikes available, which you can use to explore the area during your free time!

For participants desiring more comfort and/or privacy, families, couples, and more mature participants, we recommend upgrading to a comfort room. These rooms have more amenities and may be in a different location than the standard rooms, which means that it may be noticeably quieter.

Available room types

* 3 meals on weekdays, 2 on weekends
** Drinking water, coffee and tea
*** At an extra cost in local launderettes

Food Arrangements

Prepare your palate! During your stay the meals will be typical Cambodian style, which includes plenty of rice and noodle dishes. On a few occasions there may be meat, but generally speaking there is no western food served. Vegetarian options are available..

Facilities

There are ATMs in Samraong, as well as a bank. There are numerous local shops where you can get all the basics you might need during your stay. Depending on the location of your accommodation, these may be accessible within a 10 – 15 minute bike ride or walk.

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule

• Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
• Khmer Do’s and Don’ts, Khmer Culture Lessons and Khmer Language Lessons.
• Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
• Lunch
• Introduction to the Project, Project site and start participating on the project.

Activities & Events

No scheduled activities outside the programme.

Sights & Surroundings

There is a nearby park where you can relax or play volleyball with locals during your free time. Further away is Siem Reap, which is two hours away from the accommodation. Participants often choose to head there during the weekends to explore the famous Angkor Wat and more!

Transportation

From this location we provide free transport to your next program at the following location(s):

• Siem Reap
• Kampot
• Banteay Chhmar

Accommodation
You will live at a shared volunteer house, basic but comfortable; with a shared bedroom, toilet and shower and communal area for socialising and relaxing.

Food
Three meals a day on weekdays and two meals a day on weekends.

Airport Transfers
Included on arrival and support provided on your departure. Ask us for details if you are arriving early.

Induction
Full project induction and local orientation on arrival.

Project Coordinator
You will have someone who can help translate for you during your project.

Donation
Part of your fee is used to buy decent equipment for the project and community you work with. If you wish to bring further donation, please make sure that this is in the form of equipment and not monetary donations.

• Flights
• Travel Insurance
• Visas; Vaccinations
• Spending Money
• Independent In-country Travel
• Extra Activities not on the itinerary

Preferred Duration
There is no preferred duration but we believe that the longer you can stay the more you will experience and benefit.

Pre-requisites
No prior experience or qualifications are required, but an interest in teaching, community projects, and a desire to help others is required. It is important that you can speak English. All participants require a CRB check to take part in the project activities.

Ideal for
Teaching Holidays and Placements in Asia; Community Work and Activity Breaks in Cambodia; Volunteer Gap Years and Career Breaks in Asia; and Student Summer Holidays in Cambodia.