Cambodia is an 'unsung' holiday destination, but this country has a rich and long history that was once a powerful empire. Cambodia has recently opened up for tourism, yet many regions are still relatively unexplored. Different from other countries in South East Asia, Cambodia still has a lot of traditions and historic treasures. Cambodia has her share of relaxing beaches, laid back country side, scenic hills, and strong historical cultural sites. Plus, the people of Cambodia are extremely friendly and will warmly welcome you to their country.

Cultural Embrace partners with local humanitarian and travel organizations to share our knowledge and passions about the people and cultures in Cambodia. Have an authentic experience and learn what the Cambodian culture is all about. The Orientation Week is an action-packed and fun-filled week that is dedicated to getting to know Cambodia in all its cultural aspects, with a first-hand live in experience. Our local center is located in Samraong, in the Oddar Meanchey Province. Then select additional week(s) volunteering to at-need students wanting to learn and improve their English; or travel around central Cambodia to explore its main attractions; or relax on the beautiful beaches. The choice is yours, but we know that all of the offerings are a delight--so we recommend that you do it all! 

Discover the Similarities - Share the Differences!

Orientation
This action packed and fun filled week is dedicated for you to get to know Cambodia. You will be introduced to many cultural aspects of Cambodia and meet local people, taste the local cuisine and get familiar with the local customs. Orientation will take place in Samraong, in the Oddar Meanchey Province, where you will meet and share room and meals with other volunteers from around the world and the local staff. Additionally, you will be informed about the details of your program and the different projects and activities.

Volunteer
If you are interested in volunteering during your time in Cambodia, Cultural Embrace can organize week-long projects for you to teach/tutor English local students. This program consists of helping students, aged between 7-18 years old, at various schools. Accommodation is generally in home stays with carefully screened and selected local families or in a local hostel.

Trekking
This week is spent trekking in the jungle & rainforest, a part of Cambodia not often visited by other tourists. The week also includes the chance to experience the difference life style in Hill tribe village nearby. This will be a unique experience; you will be roughing it in beautiful surroundings, surviving with the basics whilst at the same time having a great time! The guides are very friendly and you will really enjoy yourself in this experience to see Cambodia in a totally different way.

Central Cambodia Tour
Cambodia is a country of considerable contradictions. After going through a troublesome and violent past with extreme poverty, Cambodia still retains it undeniable charm and glory. During this week-long tour, we will visit the archeological and world famous sites of Angkor Wat,. We will also visit the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, and a visit to the National museum. And let’s not forget another highlight—tasting local Cambodian cuisine throughout the region!  Accommodation in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh will be in basic local guesthouses located close to the city centre. This week-long adventure is available every third week of the month.

Sample Itinerary
-Monday: Siem Reap
-Tuesday & Wednesday: Angkor Wat
-Thursday & Friday: Phnom Penh Visit
-Saturday: National Museum
-Sunday: Sihanoukville with evening moonlight beach party

Beach
Our Beach week takes place in Sihanoukville, Cambodia's premier beach town. This is also the time for everyone to relax in the company of the other volunteers and a great way to reflect on your experience abroad.

  "Discover Cambodia" Offers:

• An unforgettable experience helping and improving Cambodian communities 
• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
• An opportunity to participate in and learn local cultural activities (e.g.: language, crafts, dancing)
• Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about 
• The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe
• A valuable work experience that strengthens your resume, exhibiting your diligence, independence, and intercultural experiences 
• A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills   

  Cultural Embrace Offers:

• Guaranteed Program Placement Prior to Departure
  Cultural Embrace pre-arranges your volunteer project, travel arrangements and cultural exchanges before you leave home to ensure an easy and hassle-free transition to your new life abroad.   
• Accommodations
  All accommodations are included during the program. Housing will be located with either a carefully screened and selected host family, guest houses/hostels or volunteer sites.
• Meals
  Most meals are included during your volunteer placement. Meals for allergies or special dietary restrictions will be met.
• Visa Assistance
  Cultural Embrace will assist you with information to obtain a visa (if necessary), but we have no control nor the ability to guarantee government issuance and/or visa availability.
• Arrival Assistance 
  An airport pick-up and transfer in Phnom Penh to your orientation site.
• Arrival Orientation
  An one-week all-inclusive comprehensive orientation will be included. The orientation introduces the local community, Cambodian cultures, social taboos, basic language, and cuisines/gastronomy.
• Local Transportation
  All ground transportation related to your program will be included in your host country
• Excursions & Activities  
  Enjoy a variety of activities and visit local sites in this beautiful country.
• International Traveler's Insurance 
  A comprehensive medical insurance is included during your program dates. 
• Cultural Embrace Kit
  Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of living and working abroad.
• Full-time Representation
  Cultural Embrace provides English-speaking representation in the United States and Cambodia prior to, during, and after your placement. 
   

• You must be at least 18 years of age.  Or, if younger than 18, you must have parental or guardian consent  
• Minimum volunteer commitment is 2 weeks; maximum is 6 months
• Enjoy working and serving others in an underprivileged and struggling environment.
• Open to foreign cultures and living abroad
• Dedication to the full term of commitment 

Program	2 Weeks (Incl. week of Orientation)	+ Extra Week
Volunteer	US$1305	US$265
Central Cambodia Tour/ Trekking	US$1435	US$450
Beach	US$1435	US$450

 * Note: prices are subject to change according to world currency exchange rates

Start Dates: Every 1st Monday of the Month

1. Obtain the Volunteer Abroad Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:

(a) Download the forms:  Volunteer Application (pdf) and Volunteer in Cambodia Program Details and FAQ (pdf). 

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be e-mailed to you within 2-3 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089/(US toll-free) 1-888-214-8570 to have the forms mailed to you in 7-10 days.

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to:

CULTURAL EMBRACE
7201 Bill Hughes Road
Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include:

• Volunteer Program Application
• Signed Volunteer Agreement
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• Copies of transcripts, diplomas, or certificates related to field of interest (if applicable)
• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter explaining why you want to join this program and what your expectations are of Nepal and this program
• Two References: preferably professional and/or character references
• Doctor’s Certificate verifying that you are in excellent mental and physical health
• Copy of Police Clearance (obtainable from your community's local police station) 
• Two 1½" x 2" official passport-size photos, signed on the back
• One smiling full-length photo of yourself
• US$200 non-refundable deposit (credited towards your program fee) 

Upon receipt of your application, a Cultural Embrace coordinator will contact you for a 20-30 minute phone interview. Once we accept you in to our program, you will receive an invoice for the remainder of your program fee. In order for us to contact our local partners to start your placement process, we require at least 50% of your program fee.