Boomers Abroad

Highlights

Volunteering abroad in Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Phnom Penh, once considered to be the loveliest of Indochina's French-built cities, was called the "Pearl of Asia". The city has a mix of French colonial and Khmer architecture, and sits at the base of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonle Sap Rivers. Phnom Penh has a number of Wats (temple-monasteries), museums and other places of interest in and around the city. These can be found in the heart of the city where French villas and street-side cafes border the tree-lined boulevards and outdoor market stands.

For some, the capital city can be quite a shock. Phnom Penh can be a very hot and dusty, the streets are busy with cars, people, motorbikes and street children begging for hand outs. In the past 30 years the country has undergone extreme challenges, war and destruction.

But things are changing, and improvements are growing. The infrastructure is improving rapidly - fewer power outages, streets are paved, traffic is flowing and rubbish is collected more frequently. There are beautiful wide boulevards, fine colonial architecture and a park like riverfront with cafes and restaurants that make Phnom Penh a unique destination.

There is real poverty in Cambodia, especially on the streets of Phnom Penh, where many wary countryside villagers end up in search of a better life. Rural poor people generally have small plots of low-quality land or are landless, and opportunities for off-farm employment are scarce. As the came into the city looking for opportunities they end of living on the streets, begging to make a living and supporting their families. Poor households tend to include more dependents, especially children. Among age groups, poverty disproportionately affects children.

Poor people, particularly ethnic minorities, are often uninformed about their rights and lack access to legal assistance, health care and especially education.

Our programs focus on orphan children, rescued from a life on the streets. Providing a home based, love and support, and some education will help break the vicious poverty cycle that these kids would otherwise be destined for.

We offer the following programs in Phnom Penh:

* Program Length: From 1 to 12 weeks
* Accommodations: Local Host Family
* Meals: Lunch and dinner daily
* Program Date: Flexible Start and End Date
* Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 35-40 hours per week.
* Requirements: 17 years and up, open-mindedness to new adventures

Qualifications

- Proactive: Jump in and maintain a positive attitude.
- Patient: Life in your host country moves slower than one might be used to. Relax and enjoy the slow pace. Remember, not everything is as organized and predictable as life in the US or UK.
- Flexible: Plans change, roads get flooded, and electricity goes out. Realize that not everything goes as planned, but good intention is always there.
- Considerate: Respect those around you and be a reliable worker at the program site. Tell your host family if you will be late. Advise the Project Coordinator if you are sick and can not work.
- Respectful: Remember that the local people you are working with, side by side, do so with little or no salary. They do this work because they believe in it. There are times when you may not agree with or understand the organizations decisions or direction. Although your suggestions are always welcome, your faith, respect and consideration for their long term work and commitment is appreciated.
- Friendly: In order to truly help someone you must get to know them. Do not be afraid to make friends with the local people. Smile, wave and see how fast you are welcomed into the community.
- Tolerant: The food, the culture, the smells and the sounds will be unfamiliar to you at first. We recommend that you dive in and experience life head-on. You will be surprised at how quickly you will adapt.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

895 - Check Our Website for updates

Cost Include Description:

- Pre-departure Orientation Guide. Includes detailed travel, safety and cultural information and many tips that will make your trip planning easier.
- Detailed Fundraising Guide that will help you raise the funds needed to travel, as well as provide donations to the project. Ask us about a Widget
- Accommodations: Home stay, shared volunteer residence, guesthouses. Safe, clean, comfortable local housing, inspected by our local coordinators.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Special meals at request.
- Airport meet and greet by our ABV project coordinator (At any time, any day!)
- First night hotel accommodation *some programs
- Guidance and support of a local project coordinator, 24/7 in case of emergency
- Orientation/city briefing on arrival by our ABV project coordinator.
- Placement in a quality project, allowing you to maximize your time and efforts in a good cause.
- Transportation to project site with our ABV project coordinator. Includes introduction to local staff and community members with whom you will be working with.
- Volunteer Program: Half day (4 hours only) Spanish refresher Lesson. Part of volunteer orientation on arrival. (*Some countries)
- Departure transfer by our ABV project coordinator.
- A Feedback page on our ABV website with pictures of your trip.
- The Presidents Volunteer Service Award lapel pin (Bronze, Silver or Gold)
- Personalized Presidents Volunteer Service Award certificate of achievement.
- Letter of completion from A Broader View Volunteers Corp
- By request, A Letter of Recommendation provided by the local organization detailing the activities developed by the volunteer during his or her stay.

Credit Available

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

This Program is open to

American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Guest House

Participants Travel to Cambodia

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

A Broader View Volunteers Corp's Mission Statement

Decided to create an affordable, safe and worthy program so that anyone who wished to travel and volunteer - could easily afford to do so.

Year Founded

2007