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Joyful and Unique Volunteering with International Friends at a Convent in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

A Joyful and Meaningful Volunteer Experience with International Friends at a Convent in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.gif

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    Recommended Duration: Every Mon (Arrival Sun)

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    ACPH0011
    Asia/Cambodia/Phnom Penh
    • Program Period: Available Year-Round
    • Application Period: Open Year-Round
    • Number of Participants: Unlimited
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    Program Creator / KoreaGapYear Global
    We are a social enterprise that develops Gap year programs related to Internship, Volunteering, Traveling, and Education.
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    4.5
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    Program Introduction

    Project Introduction

     

     

     

    1. To those who are afraid of adjusting to unfamiliar environments, there's no need to fear overseas volunteering. 

     

    This volunteer organization was founded by nuns and has a calm, female-friendly atmosphere. Communication between the nuns and volunteers is active, with frequent conversations, and the facilities are well-maintained, clean, and pleasant. Since the nuns live on-site and manage the volunteers, they pay particular attention to the safety of female volunteers, so you don't need to worry about safety during your volunteer period. If you have wanted to participate in overseas volunteer work but have hesitated due to concerns about activities with international friends, whether you could manage alone, or safety issues, this is the most suitable project for those who have hesitated due to various concerns about new experiences.
     
     
    2.It’s an NGO organization managed by professionals with specialized training, offering systematic and diverse content
     
    Did you know that becoming a nun requires a lot of study? The nuns at this organization have studied abroad to become nuns. Typically, NGOs in Cambodia may lack structure and expertise due to the lower educational standards in Cambodia, but this organization is run by nuns who have received professional training, ensuring that it operates systematically with a variety of content. Through volunteer work with these professionally trained nuns, who have undergone inner growth and maturity, you too can achieve personal growth and maturity!
     
     
    3.It doesn’t matter what religion you are! Let’s make sure to have a special and meaningful experience at least once in our lives
     
    This project is open to everyone, regardless of whether you are Catholic, belong to another religion, or have no religious beliefs at all. While there are some basic rules to follow since it is a Catholic institution, there is no pressure to practice Catholicism. If you have only visited churches as tourist sites and want to learn more about churches and Catholicism, if you've always been interested in Catholicism or nuns, or if you simply want a unique experience of living with nuns at least once in your life, you are very welcome to join!
     
     
     
     
     
    Cambodia's culture is based on Buddhism and Hinduism, with a variety of Buddhist traditions and cultural practices. National holidays are associated with Buddhism, and the Buddhist mindset has historically played a central role in the country. Today, Cambodia has embraced other religions, including Christianity and Catholicism, maintaining harmony without religious exclusion. This project is a volunteer activity conducted at an orphanage established by nuns who wish to care for children. Cambodia experienced a tragic event known as the Killing Fields, where 2 million people were killed under the regime of Pol Pot. Many children lost their parents due to this atrocity. The nuns at the orphanage provide meals, education, and care for these abandoned children.
     
    Although the children are young and small, many have not received the loving touch of their parents. Please extend your care to these children in need of love, so they can feel affection and care!
     
     
     

    Recommended Duration by Participants

    8.9 Week

    Based on past participants’ experiences, we’ve organized the common themes of learning, reflection, and growth by time period.

    4Week
    Discover
    6Week
    Learn
    Recommended 8Week
    8Week
    Grow
    12Week
    Move Forward
    16Week
    Transform

    Why This Project

    What makes this project special

    #Rest & Recovery#Self-Esteem & Confidence#Inner Peace & Fulfillment#Growth Through Love#Transforming a Child's Life#Change in Life Attitude#Improved Communication#Real Project#Convent Volunteering#Saving Lives#Creating Love in the Heart#Educational Planning#Practical English Use#Expressing Myself#Regaining Confidence#Being Loved#Healing Emotional Wounds#Discovering a New Me#Growing#Recovering Self-Esteem
    3 Step

    8Week

    Grow

    We plan and carry out programs tailored to the real needs of the local community. We deeply understand communal life in the convent and feel a sense of responsibility. We become accustomed to the process of loving someone and feel our lives changing. We learn communication skills to wisely resolve conflicts that arise during volunteering. Loving and expressing affection becomes part of everyday life, and we discover a new self. We gain deep fulfillment and confidence from knowing that our volunteer work has a positive impact on society. We are recognized as a member of the convent and feel a strong sense of belonging. We receive unconditional love and are moved by the children and the nuns. Through genuine interactions with local people, we develop broad interpersonal skills. We feel the joy of contributing to others’ growth and grow with an altruistic heart. Maturity grows as we view life from the new perspectives gained through volunteering. Our direction in life gradually becomes clearer. The children’s laughter heard each morning becomes a great strength that helps us get through the day. In caring for the children, we realize we are people of deep patience and love. Tasks that began clumsily become familiar, solidifying our confidence and sense of responsibility. Watching the children’s changes, we relearn the meaning of ‘living together.’ Through caregiving, we are also healed and come to truly understand the meaning of growth.

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    Program Activities

    Project Activities

     

     

    - Activities in the project involve participating in 4-8 hours of work per day from Monday to Friday (usually 6-7 hours).

    - According to Catholic rules, Thursdays are dedicated to extended prayer sessions by the nuns. Therefore, participants will have a break from activities on Thursdays. However, if you wish to volunteer on this day as well, you can discuss this with the local staff who can accommodate your request. Please note that activity schedules may vary on this day due to prayer time.

    - The children at the center range from infants under 5 months to those up to 10 years old. For children under 5 years old, who cannot feed themselves, you will assist with their meals.

    - You will participate in cleaning the children’s bedrooms, kitchen, and other areas. This will allow you to bond with the children while doing the cleaning.

    - You will help take care of or play with the children in the schoolyard.

    - Various activities such as singing, drawing, playing English games, and reading books to the children will be part of your time spent with them.

    - The recommended start dates for this project are the first and third Monday of each month.

     

    English Proficiency ★★☆☆☆

     


     

     

     

     

    Project Coordinator’s Visit Story!

    When I first arrived at the center, I was impressed by the spacious playground and play area where the children could run freely. The facility was large and clean, and seeing the children and international volunteers playing together, I hoped that friends back in Korea could come here and have a joyful and carefree experience. Being in a Cambodian convent offers a unique experience that's hard to find elsewhere, with self-reflection, joy, and happiness shared with the nuns and children. The satisfaction of past volunteers is reportedly quite high compared to other volunteer activities :)

     

     

    * Detailed participant reviews can be found at Gap Year Stories (Click Here).

    * More participant reviews can be found at the project bottom "Participant Reviews".

     

     

     

     

    Program Inclusions

    • On-Site Orientation
      On-Site Orientation
    • Professional Training / Education
      Professional Training / Education
    • Daily Meals (3 per day)
      Daily Meals (3 per day)
    • 24/7 Emergency Contact Support
      24/7 Emergency Contact Support
    • Real-Time Support Service
      Real-Time Support Service
    • Personal Growth Support (Missions / Scholarships / Consulting)
      Personal Growth Support (Missions / Scholarships / Consulting)
    • International Admin Support
      International Admin Support
    • Orientation Materials
      Orientation Materials
    • Accommodation Included (See Details)
      Accommodation Included (See Details)
    • Wi-Fi / Internet Access
      Wi-Fi / Internet Access
    • Basic Home Appliances Provided
      Basic Home Appliances Provided
    • One-way Airport Pickup (Arrival)
      One-way Airport Pickup (Arrival)
    • Host Institution Certificate
      Host Institution Certificate
    • Local Support / Inquiries
      Local Support / Inquiries
    • Partner Discount Benefits
      Partner Discount Benefits
    • Official Certificate of Completion
      Official Certificate of Completion
    • Pre-Departure Orientation (Korea GapYear)
      Pre-Departure Orientation (Korea GapYear)

    Support

     

     

     

    Not Included

    - Round-trip airfare

    - Transportation costs between accommodation and the volunteer location (Tuk-Tuk)

    - Visa issuance fee

    - Personal travel insurance

    - Other local expenses

     

    About the Provider

    Institution Introduction

     

     

    The project is hosted at an orphanage operated by Catholic nuns in Cambodia. Around 20 children, ranging from infants under 5 months to school-aged children of about 10 years old, live together in the orphanage. The facility is well-maintained with a large yard, making it a great place for playing with the children. The nuns and local staff take great care of the children, giving their best efforts to provide attention and love in every aspect of the children's lives. The organization follows Catholic rules as it is operated by Catholic nuns, and it is dedicated to caring for the children with love.

     

    Accommodation

    Accommodation Introduction

     

     

    During the project period , you will stay in a guesthouse-style volunteer accommodation with other participants . Generally, there are more international participants than Koreans, so you will have the opportunity to meet friends from various nationalities and experience the joys of communal living . The accommodation is run by local Cambodian families and has been in operation for a long time. It is located in the city center, so you can live safely here.

     

    Rooms are shared by up to 3 people, and each room is equipped with a private bathroom, a fan, and basic furniture. On the 2nd floor of the accommodation, there is a common area with sofas, tables, and chairs, so you can relax or spend time with friends after work, in the evenings, or on weekends..

     

    Meals are provided for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you can select your preferred menu in advance. Lunch can be taken as a packed meal, and breakfast usually consists of tea, bread, eggs, and fruit. Lunch and dinner include a variety of options such as sandwiches, fried rice, noodles, curry, and meats. The accommodation is located in Phnom Penh city center, which is great for participating in the project during the week and sightseeing on weekends. It is about a 10-minute walk to the activity center, or about 7 minutes by tuk-tuk, which is a common mode of transportation in Cambodia.
     
     

    Shared Room / Private Bathroom (Hot water available) / Three meals a day (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinnerprovided / Fan provided

     

    * Participants who wish to change their accommodation options can pay an additional fee according to the accommodation TO, and choose to add air conditioning or opt for single, double, or triple rooms.
    Note that Cambodia is generally hottest from March to May, and availability tends to fill up quickly between July and August.
    * Travel time to the activity center may vary depending on traffic conditions.
    * The photos above are example images for reference, and the room layout and furniture may vary depending on the time of your stay and local circumstances.
    * If you are sensitive to heat, you can pay an additional fee locally to switch to a room with air conditioning, though availability may vary depending on local circumstances.
     


     

    Here are a few small tips for navigating transportation in Cambodia  

    Cambodia has a weak transportation infrastructure, and public transport systems like city buses and subways are underdeveloped. The main modes of transportation in Cambodia are motorbike taxis and tuk-tuks (three-wheeled vehicles modified from motorbikes). Motorbike taxis are very dangerous for safety reasons. Therefore, we recommend using tuk-tuks for safety, even if they cost a bit more. Unlike regular taxis, tuk-tuks do not have fixed rates; the price is negotiated with the driver each time. Typical one-way fares start from around 2 USD and can vary greatly depending on distance, time of day, and number of passengers. You might be a bit confused by the unfamiliar transportation system at first, but understanding Cambodia's relatively poor transportation system and adapting to local culture can make your stay in Cambodia much more enjoyable!

    Location Overview

    Location Introduction

     

    Location  :  Cambodia, Phnom Penh

     

    Cambodia's official name is the Kingdom of Cambodia, located in Southeast Asia bordered by Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. The capital, Phnom Penh, is the center of the economy and politics, where the painful past of French colonial rule and modern development coexist. The city is full of attractions such as the National Museum, Royal Palace, Water Pavilion, and Independence Monument. On the other hand, you can also witness the challenging lives of Cambodians struggling behind rapid economic development. Most Cambodians follow Buddhism and live according to its teachings. As you stroll through the city, you'll see many monks in traditional robes. Consequently, cultural activities often revolve around temples, and many travelers visit Cambodia to experience its temples and Buddhist culture.

     

     

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    Participants

     

    1. Adults aged 18 and over who are in good health

    2. People who enjoy playing with children

    3. Individuals who want to teach English to Cambodian orphans and young children

    4. People looking for a unique experience during their vacation

    5. People who can communicate in basic English

    6. Individuals who want to volunteer with friends from various countries

    7. People with an open mind

     

    Participation Dates & Fees

    Schedule and Prices

     

      This project starts on the first and third Monday of each month.

    The minimum participation period for this project is 4 weeks or more   .

     

    Participation costs

    4 weeks 1,990,000 KRW

    6 weeks 2,270,000 KRW

    8 weeks  2,630,000 KRW

    10 weeks  3,070,000 KRW

    12 weeks   3,530,000 KRW

     

    * For popular projects, there may be no available slots, so   please apply quickly to secure your spot.  

     

    4 weeks rate  2,245,000 KRW   >>

    All of this for 1,790,000 KRW  + additional discounts!

      For the 4-week rate, this cost is based on the estimated expenses calculated with local prices.

     

     

      Gap Year Mission Scholarship   (▶ Learn More)

     

     Payment Installment Information

    If you cannot pay in full, please pay a registration fee of 500,000 KRW in advance and settle the remaining balance within 2 weeks. The process for confirming your participation will then proceed based on the date of payment. This helps to check availability and slots. To participate on your desired dates and duration, early registration is important!   (No refunds once participation is confirmed)

    * However, if the start date is approaching, the balance payment schedule may vary depending on the situation.

     

    Early Bird Discount and Urgent Application Information

    All Gap Year projects recommend applying at least 3 months before the project start date for normal procedures and preparation periods. The principle is to apply no later than 2 months before the start date. However, in case of urgent needs, you can opt for the urgent application service to expedite the process by paying an additional fee.

    * While we strive to expedite the process, there are basic times required for communication with local agencies and confirmation of participation. Therefore, those using the urgent application service must actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year operation team.

    ** Participants who apply 180 days before the start date can receive an Early Bird Discount.

    *** The urgent application service can be selected from the options above. For inquiries regarding the urgent application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.

     

     

    - Services Provided: Gap Year Mission and Note auto-application / Full provision of OT materials upon participation confirmation / Additional urgent personnel placement / Support for document preparation if needed, etc.

    * For those having difficulty calculating dates, refer to the Naver date calculator >> Naver Date Calculator

    ** Note: For ultra-urgent applications, there may be no available slots depending on local circumstances, and the process will proceed according to Gap Year refund policies. Also, issues arising from the participant's non-cooperation are the participant's responsibility.

     

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    For any additional inquiries about the project, please contact our operations team via email (program@koreagapyear.com )
    or consult with one of our program consultants via KakaoTalk.

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