Trip Details

Medical Outreach Volunteer in Cambodia

Our Medical Outreach Volunteer programme is primarily for those with a medical background (eg., studying or qualified), so if you’re looking to study in this area, this project is ideal for you! Here, you will work with local schools to encourage the development of community health education. In a country such as Cambodia, especially in rural areas where health education is rare, this is of extreme importance. From the outset, your role will be based on your experience, and depending on what is needed.

Teach Health Education in Rural Areas where it is Most Needed

In the main, you will be working in the area of sanitation, hygiene and body health, so we encourage volunteers to prepare lessons (roughly) prior to arrival. Further, as you are teaching in rural schools, it’s important to remember the level of understanding that you will be working at! For this reason, a little creativity and a lot of patience goes a long way! However, you will also work closely with the coordinator and with the principal of the school, so you’ll have plenty of support! During your stay, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to shine, as you develop classes and plans to discuss methods of dealing with the different situations that are common in rural Cambodia.

Discover Cambodia’s Many Hidden Gems as you Volunteer!

Plan your weekends well! Here, in Cambodia, there is much to do – from Phnom Kulen Waterfalls, to the Park Zip Line Adventure park or even a sunset jeep journey! Further, we suggest you board the Bamboo Train and visit the many temples around the Killing Cave – an important part of Cambodia’s history. And if that all seems too much, there is plenty to explore in and around Samraong, where you will be staying. Peaceful walks, local markets with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, statues and temples – they’re all here for you to discover during your stay as a Medical Outreach Volunteer here in Cambodia!

Medical Outreach Volunteer in Cambodia

  • Improve the development of health education in rural areas of Cambodia
  • Improve your medical teaching skills, from lesson planning to delivery
  • Take a journey through Cambodia’s fascinating culture and history
  • Stay at our basic but friendly accommodation in a quiet rural village
  • Enjoy Cambodian cuisine with meals and beverages* included

*tea, coffee and drinking water

Get in touch to find out more or browse through our many other volunteer experiences.

Trip Itinerary

As a Medical Outreach Volunteer in Cambodia, you will teach basic healthcare concepts, so ensure that you come prepared to teach class and answer questions!

The standard schedule for the Medical Outreach Project has you working Monday to Friday, with the last Thursday of the month off. It is worth remembering though, that changes can sometimes be made, and a full-time project coordinator is on hand to cooperate with you to maintain as flexible a timetable as possible.

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarise yourself with the surroundings as well as the local culture. Your programme will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Schedule

  • Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
  • Khmer Do’s and Don’ts, Khmer Culture Lessons and Khmer Language Lessons.
  • Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary.
  • Lunch
  • Introduction to the Project, Project site and start participating on the project.

Tuesday to Friday

Your workday will be from 08:00 – 17:00, with a lunch break at around 11:00. Daily tasks can differ drastically from week to week during the course of this programme, so a degree of flexibility is needed! During your programme, you will work with your project coordinator to develop lessons for students, so you’ll have plenty of support if teaching is new to you! Further, you will also have the opportunity to introduce elements of your own health care knowledge, using creative means to engage with your audience.

Evenings and Weekends

At the end of a day on this Medical Outreach Volunteer project, you can choose to explore the area or simply relax with new friends back at your accommodation. Many of our volunteers enjoy mixing with their new volunteer friends during the week and plan their weekend adventures together!

Please note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Transportation

From this location we provide free transport to your next program at the following location(s):

  • Siem Reap
  • Kampot
  • Banteay Chhmar

Places to Visit

Nearby, you’ll find a park where you can relax or play volleyball with locals during your free time. Further, bikes are available at our centre which you can use to explore your surroundings and get about.

Further away is Siem Reap, which is two hours away from the accommodation. Our volunteers often head there at the weekends to explore the famous Angkor Wat, zip-wire through rainforest canopies, discover breathtaking waterfalls and do a little trekking!

Trip Accommodation

Samraong, which name translates from Khmer into “impenetrable jungle”, is a town located in northwestern Cambodia, close to the border with Thailand. Here, you will stay in a small, rural village where you will get a taste of authentic rural Cambodian life!

About the Accommodation

Life in Samraong is simple and natural and your accommodation reflects this lifestyle. You will have a communal area where you can eat, relax, meet fellow participants, and Wifi is also available at the centre.

Rooms are single-gender dorm style, sleeping up to 4 people, but you may request a comfort room that has more amenities and may be a little quieter. However, these rooms are not guaranteed, so do note your preferences with us at the time of booking. Facilities for all rooms include:

  • WIFI in public areas
  • Lockable rooms
  • Private bathroom
  • Bed linen
  • Mosquito protection
  • Private rooms available on request

Food Arrangements

Your meals will be typical Cambodian style, including plenty of rice dishes, meat and at times, as well as western food. Vegetarian options are also available – just let us know. Please note our Agriculture Development Volunteer programme includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, and brunch and dinner on the weekends.

Facilities

There are ATMs in Samraong, as well as a bank, and numerous local shops where you can get all the basics you might need during your stay. Depending on the location of your accommodation, these may be accessible within a 10 – 15 minute bike ride or walk.

Trip Country Info

Cambodia

Capital: Phnom Penh
Language: Khmer
Currency: Riel (KHR)
Time zone: UTC +7

Once known as the Khmer empire, Cambodia is perhaps best known for its monumental temples, especially that of Angkor Wat – finalist in the election of the new 7 wonders of the world in 2006. It is without doubt a country of incredible beauty, scattered with these temples, fertile rice fields and a rich and interesting history. For this reason it is unsurprising that Cambodia has taken a firm place on the tourist map. Having been a protectorate of France for almost 100 years, the country gained its independence in 1953. Following this however, Cambodia experienced years of civil war, turmoil and political corruption, as well as suffering from its involvement in the Vietnam war.

Despite holding this dark history, Cambodia really is an extraordinary country and has prevailed due to what has been described as the unbreakable spirit of the Cambodian people. The people here are known for their friendliness and their smiles.

Gap year travel to Cambodia is on the rise as more and more people discover its culture, traditions and historic treasures. A relatively unexplored country compared to its neighbours, Cambodia opened up for tourism very recently.Troubled by extreme poverty, Cambodia is one of the poorest countries in Asia according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with over 75% of the population living on less than 2 USD a day. Things such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education are lacking in quality and are often not available to their fullest extent.

With a wide range of volunteering opportunities, Tru Experience wants to help you find the volunteer experience that’s perfect for you whether you are looking to work & travel in Cambodia or go on a road trip across the country. By visiting Cambodia, you can find yourself in a world where you can help those less fortunate than yourself while exploring the many cultural treasures of the nation and getting to know the people in a way that can’t be compared. If you are looking for a gap year holiday in Cambodia, a road trip, conservation work, teaching, community work  or other work & travel in Cambodia have a look at our latest experiences below.

Participant Criteria & Requirements

Standard Requirements

Under 18, Parental Consent is Required
DBS, Police Background Check
Travel Insurance

Additional Requirements

Team Player

What's included

  • 24/7 support in case of emergencies
  • Accommodation
  • Airport Pick up
  • English speaking coordinator
  • Meals
  • Orientation

What's not included

  • Airport drop off
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Vaccination
  • Visa