Work in schools across rural Cambodia to encourage health education by teaching about sanitation, hygiene, bodily health and more! This program is aimed at those with a background in medicine and looking to gain work experience abroad. Your role will be based on your level of experience. The program is set in rural Cambodia, where access to good health centres is limited.
Please note we are in the process of moving this activity from Samraong to Siem Reap so check back for updates.
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.
Medical Teaching Project in Cambodia, Siem Reap
We work with several local schools to encourage the development of health education in cooperation with the provincial health department. In a country such as Cambodia, especially in rural areas, this is of extreme importance. Our program is designed for those with a medical background, your role will be based on your level of experience and the judgment of local doctors. We encourage participants to prepare work and lessons before their arrival. Topics like the following should be your main concern: Sanitation/hygiene, Body Health.
Keep in mind that you will be teaching in rural schools and working with basic resources, you will need to get creative!
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. We can provide this service for you at an additional cost because some people may already have one that is valid (please get in touch for more details).
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 the development of health education in rural areas of Cambodia
- Give you invaluable, practical experience in teaching
- Assist the local staff by providing an extra hand
- Develop your teamwork and creativity skills through practical work
Example Schedule
Monday to Friday
You can expect to work from 08:00 – 17:00, with a lunch break at around 11:00. Your tasks and activities will vary based on your skill level and experience.
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.
Accommodation & Food
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
|
Standard Room |
Aircon Room |
Private Room |
Comfort Room |
All meals included |
Yes * |
Yes * |
Yes * |
Yes * |
Free beverages |
Yes ** |
Yes ** |
Yes ** |
Yes ** |
Persons per room |
4 |
4 |
1-4 |
1-2 |
Wifi in public areas |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Laundry facilities |
No *** |
No *** |
No *** |
No *** |
Safety box |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Lockable rooms |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Hot shower |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Private bathroom |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Western toilet |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Bed linen |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Towels |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Mosquito protection |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Fan |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Air conditioning |
No |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
* 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 familiarise 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 program.
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 opt 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.
- 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
A medical background and having prior knowledge about sanitation and hygiene is very useful. However, anyone who is serious and dedicated to the cause is welcome. It is important that you can speak English. All participants require a CRB check to take part in the project activities.
Ideal for
- Medical Volunteer Projects and Placements in Asia
- Medical Electives Abroad for Students
- Internships in Medicine
- Community Work and Activity Breaks in Cambodia
- Volunteer Gap Years and Career Breaks in Cambodia
- Student Summer Holidays in Cambodia
Suitable for ages 18 to 65
Most participants are between 20 and 25.