Volunteer in Orphanages in Cambodia!

Orphanage Volunteer Cambodia

Angkor Wat especially is famous for being the world’s largest religious complex, and beautiful scenery can be found both in the hilly interior and on the sandy beaches of the southern coast.

The people are also incredibly warm and friendly, eager to present a new face of Cambodia that is not defined by its tragic past.

Sadly, the effects of the devastating genocide are still felt in every part of Cambodian society. Because of its past, Cambodia is an incredibly resource-poor country compared to its neighbors, and rampant poverty and exploitation has led to a large number of orphaned children.

Orphanages have been established to resolve this problem, but unfortunately, these orphanages are underfunded and understaffed, and thus volunteers are desperately needed. This is where you come in.

By volunteering in an orphanage in Cambodia, you can provide love, care, and attention to orphans who are otherwise overlooked and neglected by society. Through these efforts, you will greatly motivate and inspire the children to break the cycle of poverty and improve their lives and the lives of future generations.

Orphanage Volunteer Cambodia: At a Glance

Skills and Qualifications

The only qualification for participating in this orphanage project is a strong love and passion for working with children and providing them with care and hope to better equip them for a happy adulthood. While you don’t need any official training or experience, you are expected to be comfortable with and enjoy being around children, and possess a deep passion for providing them what they need.

You should also be a kind and flexible person, with a great degree of patience, especially for children, as well as enjoy tackling new and exciting challenges on a daily basis.

Volunteer Responsibilities and Impact

As an orphanage volunteer in Cambodia, you will help support orphans and disadvantaged children by teaching them English and assisting with daily activities. You will also help organize creative and extracurricular activities like writing, drawing, singing, dancing, crafts, sports, and games. Furthermore, you will assist the orphanage with various administrative duties when needed.

Through this work you will provide the orphans with the care and attention they crave, inspiring them to pursue exciting lives and helping them find their passion. This will alter their entire outlook on life, and they will carry this positive change with them and spread it to others, greatly increasing your positive impact over time.

Volunteer Schedule

Volunteering in an orphanage in Cambodia will be an exciting experience and each day will be fun-filled as you tackle new challenges leading to a sense of achievement and get to know the amazing children and local staff.

First Day : On your first day of volunteering in Cambodia in orphanage project, your local coordinator will bring you to your orphanage placement and introduce you to the local staff and your fellow volunteers. The rest of the day will be spent getting to know the kids, the facilities, and your tasks for the rest of the project.

Weekdays: Your work at the orphanage begins on the second day of the project, and while each day is sure to bring new and exciting challenges, this is what a day usually looks like:

7.00 to 7.30 AM: Start the day with a wonderful Cambodian breakfast either with your fellow volunteers at the volunteer house, presenting a great chance for some cultural exchange.

7.45 AM: Once you’ve enjoyed breakfast and learned more about your fellow guests and hosts, you set out for a rewarding day of bringing joy to orphans’ lives.

12.00 PM: Around noon you will get a break for lunch, which you brought with you from your accommodation, and this is a great time to get to know your charges and colleagues a little better.

3.00 PM: Your work with the orphans usually ends around this time, and you’ll have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to explore all the local area has to offer.

Dates and Fees

Program Dates

Cambodia volunteer programs start on the Mondays of each month. You can still start it any day of the week if you have travel constraints.

Our Fees

Since 2006, IFRE has been the most trusted and respected volunteer abroad organization in the world, and also the most affordable. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality volunteer programs at the lowest fees, which make it possible for everyone, especially students, to volunteer internationally and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

We believe in 100% transparency. Rest assured; we never use middlemen. Your one-time registration fee of $299 covers our administrative costs. The low weekly fee is paid in the host country directly to your host family and project (via country coordinator), and includes housing, food, and minor expenses. IFRE is a non-profit organization, so your program fees are tax deductible.

Volunteer Program Fees (US$)

Accommodation and Meal

During your time volunteering with children in Cambodia, you will stay in a safe and comfortable volunteer house in Phnom Penh. The house is well-maintained, offering a secure environment with modern amenities, and is designed to provide a supportive community for volunteers. You’ll share a room with volunteers of the same gender and have access to shared bathroom facilities.

You will be provided with three delicious and nutritious meals a day, giving you the opportunity to enjoy authentic Cambodian cuisine. The volunteer house also offers a great space for cultural exchange, allowing you to connect with fellow volunteers and engage in meaningful conversations. With comfortable living arrangements and home-cooked meals, your experience in Cambodia will be both rewarding and enriching.

Read more about our excellent accommodation and meals for volunteers in Cambodia.

Program Location, Free Time, and Weekend Exploration

The Cambodia orphanage volunteer program is based in Phnom Penh, the country’s lively capital known for its fascinating history, riverside atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage. Depending on your placement, you may also be located in other cities like Siem Reap, Battambang, or Pursat—each offering its own unique charm and local experiences.

You’ll have plenty of free time to explore your surroundings. Weekday afternoons and evenings are yours to enjoy, whether it's visiting local markets, exploring temples, trying Cambodian street food, or simply relaxing at a riverside café.

Weekends are completely free, giving you the perfect opportunity to travel further across Cambodia. You can visit the world-famous Angkor Wat temples in Siem Reap, take a boat tour on Tonlé Sap Lake, or relax on the beaches of Sihanoukville. Since Cambodia is a relatively small country, you’ll be able to see many of its highlights during your time as a volunteer.

Learn more about some of the exciting places you can visit during your volunteer project in Cambodia.

In-Country Support

IFRE works hard to ensure the safety of our volunteers. Our accommodation is selected based primarily on the safety and comfort it provides its guests, and we go to significant lengths to support you every step of the way, from the moment you book with us until you finish your volunteer work. Our dedicated in country coordinator will be available to you at any time, night or day, to help you with anything you need or answer any questions you have.

Read more about our safety standards and in country support.

Cultural Immersion Opportunities

While volunteering in Cambodia’s orphanage program, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the country’s rich and resilient culture. Depending on your placement, you may interact closely with local communities and staff, allowing you to experience Cambodian hospitality, daily routines, and traditional values in a deeply authentic way.

Cambodia is steeped in cultural heritage, and during your stay, you may have the chance to witness or take part in traditional festivals, ceremonies, or even explore ancient temples like Angkor Wat. These moments offer powerful insight into the country’s spiritual and historical depth—adding a culturally enriching layer to your volunteering experience.

Frequently Asked Questions-FAQs

Where are the orphanage volunteer placements located in Cambodia?

Our Cambodia orphanage volunteering placements are located in Phnom Penh, where registered childcare centers operate. This location allows volunteers to experience authentic Cambodian culture while also having access to essential facilities, transportation, and support services.

Who can join the orphanage volunteer program in Cambodia?

The orphanage volunteer program in Cambodia is open to people from all backgrounds, including students, gap-year travelers, working professionals, retirees, and families. Compassionate, patient, and genuinely interested individuals are welcome.

Is prior childcare experience required to volunteer in an orphanage in Cambodia?

No previous experience is required to volunteer in an orphanage in Cambodia.

How does this program support ethical orphanage volunteering?

Our volunteer abroad Cambodia orphanage program works only with legally registered childcare centers. The program ensures that volunteers contribute positively without creating dependency or disrupting local care systems.

Can students volunteer in Cambodia orphanages?

Yes! Students are highly encouraged to join Cambodia orphanage volunteering programs. This experience is ideal for students seeking international exposure, cultural exchange, and hands-on learning.

Is this a good option for first-time volunteers abroad?

Yes. The Volunteer Cambodia orphanage program is well-structured and supported, and is a great choice for first-time volunteers abroad.

What age groups do volunteers work with in Cambodian orphanages?

You will work with toddlers or school-aged children, depending on the specific orphanage. Most Cambodia volunteer with orphans’ projects involve young children who need care, play, and learning support.

How does volunteering benefit Cambodian children?

Orphanages in Cambodia are understaffed, and volunteers provide much needed care and attention to the children and encouragement to local staff. Through volunteer Cambodia orphanage programs, children benefit emotionally, socially, and educationally from positive role models and social interactions.

Can families volunteer together in a Cambodian orphanage?

Yes, families are welcome to participate together. Volunteering in Cambodia with children as a family is a great experience.

What makes this orphanage volunteer program in Cambodia meaningful?

This program emphasizes sustainability, cultural respect, and child-focused care. Volunteers are not just visitors but contributors who support long-term community development.

Are background checks required for orphanage volunteers in Cambodia?

Yes, due to the sensitive nature of working with children, volunteers are asked to present a police clearance.

What should I pack for volunteering in an orphanage in Cambodia?

Volunteers should bring comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather, modest attire for cultural respect, closed shoes, personal essentials, and any educational or creative materials they wish to share.

How do I know this orphanage volunteer program in Cambodia is right for me?

This program is suitable for compassionate, patient, culturally respectful, and motivated individuals who want to learn and experience Cambodian life.

How far is the project from the accommodation? How do I commute daily?

Depending on which orphanage you are placed with, the commute will vary. However, most of our projects are located within a 20 to 40-minute ride via local transportation (tuk-tuk) and will cost you roughly $1-2USD per day.

How many children are in the orphanage, and what are their ages?

IFRE works with several Cambodian orphanages, with the number of children and their ages varying. They all have between 20 and 30 children of all ages, from 5 to 18 years old.

Why do Orphanage Volunteering in Cambodia with IFRE?

Trusted since 2006 – Join over 22,000 volunteers who’ve chosen IFRE for safe, life-changing volunteer experiences around the world.

Affordable and impactful – Starting at just $420/2 weeks, this program gives you the chance to uplift children's lives without stretching your budget.

Your safety matters – Our Cambodia orphanage volunteer program is thoroughly vetted to ensure your safety, comfort, and peace of mind throughout your stay.

Dedicate your time to a humanitarian cause – Support the daily care and development of children in need while making a genuine difference in their lives.

Travel with purpose – Discover Cambodia’s rich history, ancient temples, and welcoming communities while engaging in meaningful service.

Develop long-lasting relationships – Become a positive presence in the lives of orphans and create deep, heartfelt connections that stay with you forever.

For detailed information about volunteering in Cambodia, please visit: volunteering in cambodia

Other Volunteer Programs in Cambodia

There are many ways of making a difference in Cambodia with IFRE. Such as:

• Work with local NGO’s
• Help with community development
• Teach English to disadvantaged kids
• Help raise awareness of HIV/AIDS