5 Lessons I've Learnt Volunteering in Cambodia

For some, travelling alone with new people to a foreign country may seem like a daunting experience for those who have never done it before. It may also be an exciting and fulfilling prospect for some! Thankfully for me, it was the latter.

Tough it was short, the experience was one that changed my perspective on many things. Our first night arriving in Phnom Penh we were instantly faced with adversity, slight misunderstandings with our coordinators meant staying up in a student hostel for the night, to running out of the same hostel hours later because of an enormous rat. Not fun.

Nonetheless the week was filled with beautiful lessons as well as harsh realities and by the end of it here are the top 5 lessons I've learnt:

1. When teaching, understand that no matter where you are in the world, kids are kids. Classrooms are filled with personality and character and they come in bursting with energy and sometimes they don’t like to listen to you, which is ok! Try and make your lessons and fun and engaging as possible. Bare in mind these kids have a hectic schedule, getting up at the crack of dawn to help out with chores in the village and still attend Khmer school, which leads me to my next point.
2. Most Cambodian children to go Khmer school half the day and English school the other half. Majority of things they learn in Khmer school will be taught in English. On top of this, they are likely to play a sporting activity or learn a musical instrument. So sometimes, when silly classroom jokes are made, its better to enjoy the moment with them rather than control the class!
3. If you’ve ever visited Cambodia or heard anything about it (besides the horrific stories of the Khmer Rouge era) you’ll know that Cambodians are genuinely some of the friendliest people in the world! Take the time to really understand and immerse yourself into daily tasks/activities. Try and engage as much with the locals by using basic Khmer words, it’s always appreciated!
4. To stress less about trivial things- many of the first world problems we encounter daily cease to exist here, and surprisingly I prefer it. My deep-rooted western ways incidentally began to disappear day by day. And also, living in a more lawless society, you sort of learn to accept the culture and adapt to the Cambodian lifestyle.
5. Cambodia is a developing country and like any developing country, signs of vulnerability can easily put you in danger. Generally, you have to have your wits about you and be street smart. Exercise common sense and safety precautions when out and about during free time. Keep an eye on your personal belongings, don’t flash your cash and stay in groups and you’ll be just fine.

 It is amazing, it is scary, it is uncomfortable, it is beautiful and it is personally challenging. But most importantly – it is well-worth the trip (maybe minus the long haul flight).

Being a teacher volunteer in South East Asia and surrounding areas is perfect for those who want to grow their knowledge of the world, and gain a valuable teaching experience at the same time. You’ll make friends for life, while doing something truly amazing by helping children . These children may have lacked the education that many of us take for granted, and you can be a part of shaping them a brighter future. 

I’d like to thank Birmingham City University for offering me the International Travel Scholarship to aid this trip. I’d also like to thank my fellow volunteers who shared this journey of a lifetime with me, we all stepped into unfamiliar territory and chose to return a selfless act in what sometimes can be a selfish world.