Project Introduction
Cambodia is one of the most heavily mined areas in the world due to the long-lasting effects of civil war. Even today, people continue to die or lose their limbs because of landmines. Due to landmines, diseases like polio, and inadequate nutrition, less than 5% of Cambodia's population lives with disabilities. Because of their disabilities, they often cannot earn wages and remain trapped in poverty. If they were given educational opportunities to gain employment, they could achieve self-reliance and take responsibility for their own lives instead of relying on others for support.
Project Activities
■ Activity Content
The organization where this project is conducted has a high ratio of children with disabilities. Your main activities will include assisting these children with their needs and playing with them. The goal is to interact with the children genuinely, not with pity or discrimination, but with heartfelt sincerity. You will participate in activities where you play with disabled children and spend quality time with them. |
- Project activities take place from 8 AM to 4 PM.
- Project activities are conducted from Monday to Friday every week.
(The project schedule may change depending on local circumstances.)
English Proficiency ★★☆☆☆
- You will help care for disabled children and assist them with their meals.
- You will help children aged 0 to under 6 with their meals, bathing, and changing clothes.
- For children over 6 years old, you will assist with simple meals.
- For elementary school students, you will help with school assignments and packing their school bags.
- You will participate in play and outdoor activities with the children.
- We recommend starting the project on the first or third Monday of each month.
* You can read detailed reviews from participants at Gap Year Stories (Click Here).
* More reviews from participants are available at the bottom of the project page under "Participant Reviews."
Support
Local Orientation | Online Orientation | Online Consultation | Certificate of Completion |
KGY Certification | Pre-Departure Care | KGY Consultation | KGY Mission |
24hr Emergency Care | Flight Ticket Booking Assistance | Real-Time Consultation Service | KGY Note Book |
Project and Participation Costs | KGY Mission Scholarship | OT Documents | Local Volunteer Accommodation |
Airport Pickup Service | Local Meals (3 times a day) | Local Manager | Project Progress and Training |
WiFi in Accommodation | Room Fan |
Not Included
- Round-trip airfare
- Transportation costs between accommodation and internship site (Tuk-tuk)
- Visa issuance fee
- Individual travel insurance
- Other local living expenses
Institution Introduction
This project is conducted at an orphanage established by the Cambodian government. It is located in Phnom Penh and was founded in the 1980s to take care of abandoned children and those who lost their parents in Cambodia. There are 118 children living here, both with and without disabilities, ranging from ages 0 to 20. About 70% of the children living here have disabilities, and 20% are HIV positive. The institution provides home, food, and medical treatment to disabled children and abandoned children without disabilities. It also offers necessary education to disabled children and young children aged 4-6, helping them participate in economic activities when they enter society.
A word from the local coordinator
I am Mey, the local coordinator who manages the volunteers. I have been running this program for a long time and have worked with a variety of international volunteers. What I really want to tell the volunteers is, don't hesitate to ask for help whenever you face a difficult situation or problem. Feel free to speak up!
My staff and I are dedicated to helping you overcome cultural differences and other challenges. The accommodation and the institutions where you will volunteer are very safe and verified. Just don't come with too high expectations about Cambodia. Through this activity, you will make new friends and won't feel lonely. It will be great if you come with an open mind!
Accommodation Introduction
During the project, you will stay in a guesthouse-style volunteer accommodation with other participants. You can enjoy communal living and make friends from various nationalities.
The accommodation is directly operated and managed by the local partner organization, located in the city, ensuring a safe living environment. The rooms are shared by an average of three people and each room is equipped with a private bathroom, fan, and basic furniture. The common area has tables, chairs, and a balcony for relaxation, where you can unwind or spend time with friends in the evenings or on weekends.
Meals are provided at a designated restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can choose your preferred menu and take a packed lunch with you. Breakfast is usually light, with bread, eggs, and fruit served with tea. Lunch and dinner feature a variety of dishes such as fried rice, noodles, curry, and meat. The accommodation is located in downtown Phnom Penh, making it convenient to participate in the project during the week and explore the area on weekends. It takes about 30-35 minutes to reach the project site by tuk-tuk, Cambodia's mode of transportation.
Shared room (3-5 people) / Private bathroom (hot water available) / Three meals a day (breakfast/lunch/dinner) provided / Fan / Wi-Fi |
* Participants wishing to change accommodation options can choose single, double, or triple rooms with air conditioning at an additional cost, depending on availability.
For your information, Cambodia is hottest from March to May, and spots fill up quickly between July and August.
* Travel time to the project site may vary depending on traffic conditions.
* The photos provided are examples for understanding, and the room layout and furniture may vary depending on the season and local conditions.
* If you are sensitive to heat, you can pay extra to switch to an air-conditioned room, subject to local availability.
A Few Tips on Transportation in Cambodia
Cambodia's transportation infrastructure is underdeveloped, so public transportation systems such as city buses and subways are not well developed. The main means of transportation in Cambodia are motorcycle taxis, where you sit on the back seat of a motorcycle, and tuk-tuks, three-wheeled vehicles modified from motorcycles. Motorcycle taxis are very dangerous for safety. Therefore, we recommend using tuk-tuks for safety reasons, even though they are a bit more expensive. Unlike regular taxis, tuk-tuks do not have fixed fares, and the price is determined through negotiation with the driver each time. Recently, it has become common to book and pay for tuk-tuks using mobile apps.
Typical one-way fares start at around 2 USD, and the cost varies greatly depending on the distance, time of day, and number of passengers. You may find the unfamiliar transportation system in Cambodia confusing at first, but if you understand the relatively poor transportation system and follow local customs, you will have a more enjoyable experience in Cambodia!
Location Introduction
Location : Cambodia, Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s official name is ‘Kingdom of Cambodia’, and it shares borders with Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand in Southeast Indochina. The capital city, Phnom Penh, is a center of both economic and political activity where the painful past of the French colonial period 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, you can also see the struggles of Cambodians living behind the rapid economic development.
Most Cambodians practice Buddhism and follow its teachings. As you stroll through the city, you'll see many monks in traditional robes. Cultural activities are centered around temples, and many travelers visit Cambodia to see its temples and Buddhist culture.
Top 3 Recommended Travel Destinations by the Planner
The Silver Pagoda is named for the over 50,000 silver tiles embedded in its floor. While the interior may seem plain with just simple tin pieces, closer inspection reveals intricate patterns crafted in silver tiles, so be sure to pay attention to these details. Inside the pagoda, you’ll find a 90 kg gold Buddha statue and various other Buddha statues on display with elaborate decorations. As with the Royal Palace, dress codes are strictly enforced, so be sure to wear long sleeves and long pants.
3. Tuol Sleng Museum
This museum preserves Cambodia’s heartbreaking history. Originally a school, it was used as a security headquarters during the Khmer Rouge regime, which was responsible for mass executions. The site retains records of the killings, including torture and interrogation rooms, beds where victims were executed, and skulls. Visiting this place offers a chance to learn about Cambodia’s painful history through guided tours and to pay tribute to the deceased.
1. Healthy adults aged 18 and over
2. Anyone who wants to care for disabled and orphaned children with a warm heart
3. Those interested in volunteer work with disabled children
4. Anyone interested in the profession of assisting disabled children
5. Those who want to volunteer and interact with friends from various countries
6. Anyone looking for a special experience during their vacation
7. Individuals who can communicate in basic English
8. Open-minded individuals
Schedule and Prices
■ The minimum participation period for this project is 4 weeks or more .
■ Project Fees
4 weeks 1,990,000 KRW
8weeks 2,630,000 KRW
12 weeks 3,530,000 KRW
16 weeks 4,420,000 KRW
* For popular projects, there may be no availability, so please apply as soon as possible to secure your spot.
■ Gap Year Mission Scholarship (▶ More Details)
■ Installment Payment Information
If you are unable to pay in full, please make a prepayment of 500,000 KRW and pay the remaining balance within 2 weeks. Based on the date of the prepayment, we will process the confirmation of your participation and check availability and spots. To participate on your desired dates and duration, early spot reservation is important! (Refunds are not possible once participation is confirmed)
* Note that the remaining balance payment schedule may vary depending on the timing of your application.
■ Early Bird Discount and Urgent Application Information
We recommend applying for all Gap Year projects at least 3 months before the project start date for normal processing and preparation. Applications should be made at least 2 months in advance. If you need to participate urgently, you can use the urgent application service to expedite the process with an additional fee.
* While we strive to expedite the process, there may be time required for communication with local agencies and confirmation of participation. All procedures will be the same as for regular participants, so those using the urgent application service should actively cooperate with the Gap Year Operations Team.
** Those who apply at least 180 days before the start date can receive an early bird discount.
*** Urgent application services can be selected from the options above, and inquiries about urgent application services should be sent to koreagapyear@gmail.com.
- Provided Services: Automatic application for Gap Year Mission and notes / Full provision of OT materials upon confirmation / Additional urgent personnel allocation / Support in preparing documents if needed, etc.
* If you have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver date calculator >> Naver Date Calculator
** Note: For extremely urgent applications, spots may not be available depending on local circumstances, and the process will proceed according to Gap Year refund regulations. Additionally, any issues arising from the participant's non-cooperation are the responsibility of the participant.
■ Estimated Additional Costs (Per Week)
Item | Details and Notes | Amount | Category |
Round-trip Airfare (Including TAX) | Varies by Flight | Approx. 350,000 - 800,000 KRW | Not Included |
Visa Issuance Fee | Visa Processing and Issuance Fees | $30 | |
Individual Travel Insurance | Varies by Insurance Company / Duration | Approx. 10,000 KRW |
*Airfare may vary depending on the flight.
*Travel expenses and personal spending for participants are additional.
■ Reference (Estimated Local Costs)
Accommodation | Per Night | Meals | Per Meal |
Guesthouse | Approx. 10,000 KRW | Local Meal | Approx. 2,000 KRW |
Hotel |
Approx. 20,000 KRW |
Restaurant | Approx. 5,000 KRW |
*Estimated local costs are based on average standards and may vary depending on individual preferences.