Please read the roles below. At this time we are only able to consider applicants who have qualifications or significant experience in these roles described below.
All volunteering enquiries should be directed to the volunteer coordinator. To find out more about any role, or apply, please email your CV (including the dates you propose to volunteer)
Please note: most volunteer placements are part time, on a 3 month minimum/6 month preferred basis.
We are currently looking for:
Required for the Park Hyatt Siem Reap & LHA Sewing School
If you have other skills or experience with an NGO, in a developing country or a volunteer/fundraising capacity and can visit long-term (3 months or longer), please contact us and we will try to find a placement based on your background.
Q: How does the application process work?
A: Once your CV has been received, we will contact you to discuss possible roles. If your application is proceeding we will send the application forms for you to complete and return. Once accepted, volunteers are sent a Welcome Kit, which explains everything you need to know about Siem Reap and working with LHA. You will also be introduced to your program director or manager.
Q: How long do I need to commit?
A: We generally seek volunteers for a 3-6 month minimum.
Q: What is volunteering like?
A: It is a very rewarding experience, knowing that you are helping disadvantaged people but doing so in a sustainable way. LHA is a well established organisation that runs 5 programs benefitting the community. Volunteers are respected and have the opportunity to contribute ideas to the programs.
Q: Do you provide food, accommodation or other expenses?
A: No. We have limited resources and therefore these must, wherever possible, be directed into the programs that benefit the poor and disadvantaged people of Cambodia. People who come here to help us are buying into our vision for the people and therefore only give of themselves. It can be a wonderful experience but it is not ‘voluntourism’.
Q: Do you charge volunteers a fee?
A: No, volunteering at LHA is free.
Q: Is Siem Reap cheap to live in?
A: For most foreigners, yes. Simple accommodation and meals can cost as little as US$15-20 a day, total.
Q: Is Siem Reap safe?
A: Yes. Cambodians are warm and friendly people, and although there is poverty and the problems that follow; begging, scams and petty theft, violence is rare.
Q: Where can I find more information about coming to Cambodia and Siem Reap?
A: Click here for more about Siem Reap, accommodation options, eating out, health, climate, currency, visas and other services.
Q: What do volunteers do with their spare time?
A: There are many activities and sites for volunteers to see. Some are listed below.
Visit Angkor temples
Visit Cambodian Cultural Village
Go to the waterfall and the river of 1,000 lingas on the Mount Kulen
Visit the floating village of Kampong Phluk
Visit Artisans d’Angkor silk farm
Watch Apsara dance in a local restaurant
There are many guest houses, hostels and hotels in the city. You can get a bed in a dormitory for $2 and a private room for $4.
Discounts for volunteers may be available as well as a free pick-up from the airport.
As for the budget accommodation, our previous volunteers recommend Siem Reap Hostel, Smiley Guest House, Happy Guest House, Cambodia Backpacker Guest House.
The nearest acommodation includes Siem Reap Hostel, Backpacker Hostel, Mekong Boutique Hotel, Cambodia Packpacker Guest House, Royal Crown Hotel, Golden Temple Hotel, and Ta Prohm Hotel.
You can find more accommodation in Siem Reap at: www.booking.com; www.hostelworld.com; www.laterooms.com. LHA is located in Wat Damnak, so you may look for something within a walking distance from the Old Market and Pub Street.
If you are planning to stay for a longer time, you may consider renting an apartment:
http://www.angkorrealestate.com
http://siemreap-properties.webs.com
In the Old Market, you can get a meal for as little as $1.50. Some of the better restaurants include Sugar Palm, Abacus, Mr. Grill, Australian BBQ, Soup 89, Silk Lounge, Viroth, and Touich.
You can also visit the capital Phnom Penh (Royal Palace, Wat Phnom Temple, National Museum of Cambodia, and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum) or rest on a beach in Sihanoukville.
About 90% of medicine sold at the local pharmacies is said to be fake. You can buy medicine at a Western pharmacy U-Care, which is next to the bookshop and Blue Pumpkin.
Healthcare at the local hospitals is very poor. If you have serious health problems, you can visit NAGA Healthcare International Medical Center located near the Central Market. A consultation with a doctor costs $20. Do not forget your travel insurance!
Please, discuss with your GP what vaccinations are needed for Cambodia. Normally you would need to be immunized for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus-Diphtheria. If in your childhood you were not immunised for Polio, then you will need to do so. Depending on your work and location, you may also be advised to get vaccinations for Hepatitis B and Japanese Encephalitis. Please, bear in mind that it takes a while for vaccinations to become effective, therefore plan you visit at a GP much in advance.
Visas can be obtained through embassies or on arrival. Tourist visa is valid for up to 30 days. If you are planning to stay in Cambodia for longer, you should apply for a business visa. It is again valid for up to 30 days, but can be extended for up to one year. The extension can be arranged through local travel agencies.
September and October are the months when it rains most. The coolest months are December and January and the hottest month is April. The avarage temperatures for Phnom Penh and Siem Reap can be found here.
The wireless Internet connection is available at LHA office, Blue Pumpkin, KFC, and Pub Street. There are also a number of Internet cafes near by.
The local language is Khmer. Many people speak at least some English, so it is quite easy to get around.
The local currency is Cambodian riel. The U.S. dollars are also accepted. 1 USD is equal to 4,000 riel. The ATMs are widely available.