Cambodia experienced a devastating period where one-third of its population was killed under the leadership of the Khmer Rouge. The deaths of the intellectuals caused the collapse of Cambodia's economy and society, hindering its economic development. However, Cambodia is a country that is striving to overcome its tragic past and create a hopeful future.
What does Cambodia need to escape poverty and develop its local economy?
To improve its economy, Cambodia needs various advancements, such as microloan management plans to ensure stable income, education to learn English, and resource export strategies to utilize its resources. Through this project, participants will have the opportunity to apply their expertise in economic development projects and engage in various volunteer activities.
English Proficiency Required ★★★☆☆ |
*This project allows participants to choose between participating in a microfinance (small loans) project or two different volunteer activities, depending on their involvement.
1. Microfinance (Small Loans) Volunteer Project
- Assist with the microfinance (small loans) project run locally, helping with the project manager's duties.
- Assist with accounting, management support, banking tasks, and financial projects.
2. NGO Local Economic Development Support Volunteer Project
- Write reports and proposals for local economic development.
- Visit local economic communities.
- Teach English to local children in Cambodia.
The organization running this project is a non-profit, non-governmental NGO established for the economic development of urban and rural areas in Cambodia. It provides opportunities for education and plans to enhance economic power for the poorest and disabled individuals in Cambodia. The organization's staff are actively involved in Cambodia's economic development and are composed of employees with a strong sense of civic solidarity.
The organization executes various projects for economic development, including regular education projects, small loan investment projects, agriculture-related projects, and projects to adapt to climate change.
Participants will stay in accommodations with volunteers from various nationalities. The accommodation is located about a 5-minute walk from the Russian Market, a landmark in Phnom Penh. The building has facilities including a restaurant and relaxation areas where volunteers can interact and spend time freely. Meals are provided at the accommodation, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
2-3 person room / In-room private bathroom / Wi-Fi provided / Kitchen available / Laundry service (1 USD / kg) |
* The accommodation will generally have fans, but if you wish for air conditioning and a private room option, you can request this during the application process.
#A Little Tip on Cambodian Transportation
Cambodia's transportation infrastructure is underdeveloped, and public transportation systems like city buses or subways are not well established. The main modes of transport in Cambodia are motorcycle taxis, where you sit on the back of a motorcycle, and tuk-tuks, which are three-wheeled vehicles modified from motorcycles. Motorcycle taxis are very unsafe, so we recommend using tuk-tuks for safety, even though it might cost a little more. Unlike regular taxis, tuk-tuk fares are not fixed and are determined through negotiation with the driver. Typical one-way fares start around 2 USD and can vary greatly depending on distance, time of day, and number of people.
You might be confused by the unfamiliar transportation system compared to our country, but if you understand and adapt to the relatively poor Cambodian transportation system and follow the local culture, you'll have a more enjoyable experience in Cambodia!
ㅣ Location : Cambodia, Phnum Penh
The official name of Cambodia is ‘Kingdom of Cambodia’ and it is located in Southeast Indochina, bordering Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand.
The capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, is the center of economy and politics, where the painful past of French colonial times and modern development coexist. The city is full of attractions such as the National Museum, the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the Independence Monument.
On the other hand, behind the rapid economic development, you can see the hardships of Cambodian people. Most of the Cambodian population follows Buddhism and lives according to its teachings. While walking around the city, you will often see monks in their robes. Therefore, cultural activities are centered around temples, and many travelers visit Cambodia to see its temples and Buddhist culture.
1. Koh Rong
Although Cambodia may seem like a hot land without beaches, it actually has hidden paradises. Despite being surrounded by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, Cambodia also borders Thailand. The city of Sihanoukville is a hidden paradise in Cambodia. Surrounding Sihanoukville are beaches and islands that attract many travelers. Among them, the large island of Koh Rong offers natural environments and seas similar to those in the Maldives, making it a perfect travel destination for those seeking a resort.
2. Tonle Sap Lake
Cambodia is home to Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Southeast Asia. It measures 16km in length and 36km in width, making it one of the largest lakes in the world. Surrounding this lake are floating villages. Floating houses are built on water, and various buildings such as schools, stores, and playgrounds are found on these houses. People living in floating houses use small boats like canoes to travel between their homes, markets, and schools. Additionally, about 80% of the people living in these floating houses are engaged in fishing, and many are of Vietnamese descent, having settled in Cambodia after the Vietnam War. Visitors to Cambodia can explore the floating villages and experience their way of life through boat tours.
3. Bayon Temple
Bayon Temple can be seen as a representative architectural site of Angkor Wat. It features a similar style to Angkor Wat and was built to appease the souls of those who died in wars. Many travelers visiting Cambodia often include Bayon Temple in their Angkor Wat package tours. If Angkor Thom is seen as a large square fortress city, Bayon is the temple located in the very center of Angkor Thom. Bayon Temple is a sculpture made by fitting together about 200,000 stones. Visitors can explore the various faces depicted in the sculptures and enjoy the artistic heritage of ancient Cambodia.
- The minimum participation period for this project is 8 weeks. (Project starts on the first and third Monday of every month) |
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* Participation Fee 8 weeks 1,920,000 KRW
10 weeks 2,180,000 KRW
12 weeks 2,450,000 KRW
* For popular projects, there may be no available slots, so please apply early to secure your spot.
* Eligibility
1. Healthy adults over the age of 18 2. Individuals who major in or have basic knowledge of finance, accounting, or related fields 3. Individuals who can communicate basic ideas in English 4. Individuals with an open mind 5. Individuals interested in and willing to support Cambodia's economic development 6. Anyone wishing to gain experience in the fields of economics, finance, or accounting 7. Individuals with experience in economics, finance, or accounting 8. Individuals wanting to experience microfinance systems firsthand
* If you are unable to pay the full amount, you can prepay a registration fee of 500,000 KRW and pay the balance within 2 weeks. The process to confirm your participation in the project, including checking availability and slots, will begin based on the date of the registration fee payment. Securing a spot quickly is important to participate on your desired date and duration! (Non-refundable upon confirmation of participation) *However, the payment schedule for the balance may change depending on the situation if the start date is imminent.■ Early Bird Discount and Urgent Application
We recommend applying for all gap year projects at least 3 months before the project start date to allow for normal processing and preparation time, and in principle, applications should be submitted at least 2 months before. In case of unavoidable circumstances or urgent need to participate in a project, an urgent application service is available for an additional fee to expedite the processing as much as possible.
*We strive to expedite the process as much as possible, but there is a minimum amount of time required for communication with local institutions and confirmation of participation, and all procedures are conducted the same as for regular participants, so participants using the urgent application service must actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year operations team.
**Participants who apply 180 days before the start date can receive an early bird discount.
*** The urgent application service can be requested in the selection options above, and for inquiries related to the urgent application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
**Note: In case of urgent applications, there may be no slots available depending on local circumstances, and subsequent procedures will be conducted in accordance with the gap year refund policy. Additionally, issues arising from the participant's non-cooperation are the responsibility of the participant.
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Included
1. Local project execution and training costs
2. Local orientation costs
3. Accommodation during the project period
4. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the project period
5. Airport-to-accommodation pickup fee (one way)
6. Korea Gap Year overseas career certificate
7. Participation fee
8. Registration, placement, training, and project execution costs
9. Project application and processing fee
10. Online orientation fee
Excluded
1. Round-trip airfare
2. Visa issuance fee
3. Transportation cost between accommodation and volunteer activity site (round trip)
4. Individual travel insurance
5. Other local living expenses
* Please book your flight and transportation after receiving final confirmation of your project participation and departure schedule.
(Per Week)
Item |
Details and Remarks |
Amount |
Category |
Round-trip airfare (including tax) |
Varies by flight |
Approximately 350,000 ~ 800,000 KRW |
Excluded |
Visa issuance fee |
Visa processing and issuance costs |
$30 |
|
Individual travel insurance |
Varies by insurance company and duration |
Approximately 10,000 KRW |
|
Airport usage fee |
- |
- |
|
Local living expenses |
- |
- |
* Airfare may vary depending on the flight.
* Local living expenses are based on average standards and may vary depending on the participant's preferences.
* Participants' travel expenses and personal spending money are separate.
● Reference (Estimated Local Costs)
Accommodation |
Per Night |
Meal |
Per Meal |
Guesthouse |
Approx. 10,000 KRW |
Local Meal |
Approx. 2,000 KRW |
Hotel |
Approx. 20,000 KRW |
Restaurant |
Approx. 5,000 KRW |
* The estimated local costs are based on average standards and may vary depending on the participant's preferences.