Inspire Change In Cambodia

Volunteering in Cambodia

A country steeped in history

When people think of a gap year in South East Asia, they typically imagine Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. But Cambodia, the area’s lesser-known gem, is rich with culture, history and adventure and is quickly becoming one of the must-sees on any gap year.
There’s so much to discover in Cambodia, from ancient Buddhist temples to stunning white-sand beaches with dazzling azure waters.
But the people of Cambodia face a crushing poverty cycle.
GapGuru team member with a child on his shoulder in Cambodia

Volunteer in Cambodia

After a turbulent recent history, Cambodia is one of Asia’s poorest countries. With 17.8% of the nation living under the poverty line and thousands earning under $ 2 USD per day, many still go hungry and lack the proper education to help them break the cycle.
And that’s where you can help.
Our programs are more than just volunteering abroad. You’ll make a real impact on the lives of the community you’re working with, helping them live healthier, better prepare for their future, and give them key life skills to help them live their best lives.

Cambodia Departure Dates

We have the following group departure dates scheduled for Cambodia:

  • Saturday 14th October 2023
  • Saturday 24th February 2024

Places on each trip are limited so apply today.

Children having fun at a Cambodian school posing for a picture - GapGuru

Why Gap Year in Cambodia?

Children having fun at a Cambodian school posing for a picture - GapGuru
A large group of gap year students and local Cambodian children sat on the steps of a large statue of Buddha waving their arms and smiling - GapGuru

Why GapGuru?

Extensive Gap Year Experience

Over the past 18 years, we’ve guided more than 6,000 students through unforgettable gap year experiences.

Ethical Gap Year Programs

All our programs work towards the UN’s Global Sustainable Development Goals and are backed up by our charity, the FutureSense Foundation.

A community of support

You’ll be guided by our GapGuru Advisors and Mentors before, during and after your gap year experience.

Don’t just take it from us…

Why visit Cambodia

This was an amazing experience

This was an amazing experience, loved every second even through the challenges. Working on improving the environment and volunteering at the park where so rewarding but also the workshops carried out as a team where great to experience.

5

Sarah

Travelled in 2022

I loved experiencing new cultures

This was such an amazing experience that changed how I look at the world and taught me more about what it means to be a global citizen. It also made me realise how much I want to travel in the future.

5

Mia

Travelled in 2022

A wholesome, fulfilling experience

I’d highly recommend this experience to any students. Not only does it look great on a CV but it was tremendous fun to do as well. Overall, a really fantastic experience.

5

Harrison

Travelled in 2022

learnt so much and had an amazing time.

Absolutely amazing. Any issues I had in organising the trip, eg flights or vaccines, they told me exactly where to go for the best info. I was completely prepared for my trip, what I would be doing, and the expectations. I learnt so much and had an amazing time.

5

M. Gray

Travelled in 2022

Your Gap Year in Cambodia

All you need to know

Cambodian quick facts

Battambang
When on a GapGuru experience in Cambodia, you’ll be based in the charming city of Battambang. Located in north-western Cambodia on the Sangkae River, Battambang is off the main tourist trail, making it less chaotic than the capital.
This provincial town is full of wonderful French colonial-era architecture and historic pagodas. The surrounding countryside harbours not only ancient temple ruins but also offers some of the most picturesque rice paddy and village scenery in the country. It’s even been dubbed ‘the rice bowl of Cambodia’ due to its vast rice production.
Language
The national language of Cambodia is Khmer. The language dates back to the early 7th Century, originating in South India.
Today, around 18.5 million people speak Khmer, largely in Cambodia but also in areas of Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
Learning at least a few phrases of a local language can dramatically improve your gap year experience. Locals of any country are usually appreciative of people making an effort as it shows you’re embracing their culture.
Here are a few phrases of Khmer to get you started, but we encourage you to try and learn a few more from our team and the community while in Cambodia.
English
Khmer Pronunciation
Khmer
Good morning
aroun suostei
អរុណសួស
How are you?
anak sokhasabbay te?
សូមអរគុណ
Thank you
saum arkoun
អកសុខសបយេទ
My name is…
chhmoh robsakhnhom ku
េះរបស់ខុំគ

Things to do in Cambodia

Your Cambodia Bucket List

Angkor Wat Temples

Cambodia is home to the incredible UNESCO world heritage site Angkor which contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire. Dating back to the 12th century, the site includes the most famous temple, Angkor Wat, an architectural masterpiece and the largest religious monument in the world.

There’s no better time to experience Angkor Wat than at sunrise, with the iconic temple silhouetted against a fiery sky. Angkor Wat is a must-see when in Cambodia and we include it as a weekend excursion on most of our Cambodia programs.

Angkor Wat Temple Cambodia - GapGuru
Statues at Angkor Wat temple - GapGuru

Angkor Wat

The FutureSense Foundation

Be a part of something bigger

When gapping with us, you’ll be supporting our partner charity, the FutureSense Foundation.
Through our programmes and initiatives, the FutureSense Foundation works towards achieving a ‘Fairer World’, a world in which each person has the opportunity to meet their aspirations for a better future.
On your gap year, you’ll see first-hand the work that the FutureSense Foundation does and be a part of our long-term, sustainable programs.
A group of Cambodian children racing in the street laughing with lots of others cheering on - GapGuru

Cambodia volunteer programs

How do you want to make your impact?

On our programs, you’ll be immersed in our community development projects to help increase our impact in the area. That could be through health promotion workshops, teaching conversational English and life skills to school children, planting trees with the community, or building new classrooms.
However you want to make your impact, we’ve created the best programs to help you leave your handprint in Cambodia.
Help bring awareness of vital health issues to improve the lives of the children and adults of the Battambang community.
Work with local schools to deliver workshops on a range of topics, from conversational English to Environmental Awareness.
Work with children and adults to raise awareness of climate change and turn that awareness into action.
Become an activity leader to give the local children skills that they can take on into adulthood for a better chance of employment.

How it works

The GapGuru Way

At GapGuru we have the experience to keep things simple for you. With close to two decades shaping over 6,000 trips, we know exactly what makes an impactful, meaningful and memorable gap year. Simply choose your start date then follow these three simple steps:

STEP 01

Choose where you'll make your impact

Pick from five incredible destinations, electing the number of weeks you want to spend in each. You’ll be playing your part to help create a brighter future for some of the most disadvantaged communities around the world.

STEP 02

Decide how you'll make a difference

Select from four activity types that have been designed to be as impactful as possible. All of our programs are built off the back of the FutureSense Foundation, ensuring you’ll be a part of creating lasting change for our communities.

STEP 03

Choose your add-ons

Select additional programs to add to your gap year experience. These can be in the same country as your core activity or in any of our other unique destinations across the globe.

What to learn more about Cambodia?

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Contact Us Todays

Chat to our Gap Gurus

If you have any questions at all about what to do, where to go, or how to plan your gap year, get in touch with our GapGurus today. With nearly two decades in the business, we’ve probably had the question before!
A smiling woman with curly dark brown hair wearing a white t-shirt, standing in front of a tropical tree - GapGuru

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