Location:

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Program Type:

Intern Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Year Round

Work Types:

Business, Education, Medical, Social Sciences

Program Overview

Program Description:

Global Service Corps works with a children’s center outside of Phnom Penh to provide support and life skills for orphans affected by HIV/AIDS to help them successfully integrate into Cambodian society when they leave the orphanage. In an effort to increase the self-sufficiency of the children’s center, GSC is implementing and improving a new Sustainable Agriculture Program with sustainable projects to boost food security, provide healthy food for the children, as well as train local community members in sustainable agriculture techniques. The goal of the program is not only to provide healthy food for the children but also to train local community members in agriculture techniques that will help them to increase their own food yields for consumption and sale. As the Sustainable Agriculture Program is just getting started, much of the work will be development oriented and volunteers will boost garden production, establish a demonstration plot, and build relationships with local community members and organizations. Along with working on agricultural projects, volunteers will also have the opportunity to spend part of their time playing with, supporting, and mentoring the children at the center. GSC is currently accepting volunteers with a background and relevant experience in agriculture who are self-starters able to work with minimal supervision. The Sustainable Agriculture Program is available throughout the year and ranges from a minimum of four weeks to six months or longer. In these early stages, this program requires a minimum commitment of four weeks to provide ample time for volunteers to make meaningful contributions to this developing project.

All participants begin their program with a five-day cultural orientation and training. Khmer language lessons are included in the orientation as well as a guided tour of historical and cultural sites that will provide insight into the storied history of Cambodia.

Participants discover Cambodia by living, working, and learning with Cambodian people in their own communities. They are immersed in the local culture and enjoy language lessons, cultural orientation, and technical trainings. By sharing their time, talents, experience, and knowledge, volunteers transform their own lives as well as the lives of the local community members.

Setting Description:

During the first week of orientation, participants will be housed in a local hotel/guesthouse in Phnom Penh. After orientation, you will either stay in a guesthouse or in your placement’s on-site accommodations (for the Orphanage Care and Buddhist Immersion Programs). All accommodations are shared with same-sex volunteers.