Cambodia, Volunteering, Life, Graduate

thetheologian

Hi,

Has anyone gone volunterring in Cambodia before with USIT? Any comments/suggestions/views are welcome. Im thinking of going.

Thanks,

N

supermouse

Volunteering in Cambodia is a very difficult topic indeed....

Firstly, why pay to volunteer like you would have to do with the likes of USIT? Save your money! Get yourself to Cambodia and concentrate on the areas that need help.

Now, this is where it gets dodgy. There are lots of orphanages around only dying for volunteers - yet how well run they are is debatable. I have heard and witnessed many a story of pedophiles ''volunteering'' in these places for their own kicks, and unfortunately, Cambodians don’t have any means to filter the good from the bad and sometimes actually don’t spot it happening.

I did a lot of research in Cambodia on volunteering and decided against it because i could literally not differentiate between a good and a bad orphanage.

I would say research your area of interest immensely.... You don’t want to get working for a scummy circle...

macca1983

supermouse wrote: »

Volunteering in Cambodia is a very difficult topic indeed....

Firstly, why pay to volunteer like you would have to do with the likes of USIT? Save your money! Get yourself to Cambodia and concentrate on the areas that need help.

Now, this is where it gets dodgy. There are lots of orphanages around only dying for volunteers - yet how well run they are is debatable. I have heard and witnessed many a story of pedophiles ''volunteering'' in these places for their own kicks, and unfortunately, Cambodians don’t have any means to filter the good from the bad and sometimes actually don’t spot it happening.

I did a lot of research in Cambodia on volunteering and decided against it because i could literally not differentiate between a good and a bad orphanage.

I would say research your area of interest immensely.... You don’t want to get working for a scummy circle...

I'd like to second that point - please don't pay USIT! They are making a profit from good folk volunteering.

DeadMoney

macca1983 wrote: »

I'd like to second that point - please don't pay USIT! They are making a profit from good folk volunteering.

Jesus, just when I thought USIT were bad enough! I was in Cambodia for about 12 days at the end of my SE Asia trip and I met a few people who were working in some of the orphanages. I visited one myself and it seemed very well run. Sickening to hear that some of these orphanages have child abusers working in them but this is a very exploited part of the world. I wouldn't let this put me off going though, Cambodia is an amazing place, so just go and get talking to other people when you are out and about. You will find lots of people who will help you with regards to choosing an orphanage.

supermouse

Cambodia was my favourite place in Asia, the people are so down to earth and friendly, really good humoured and just lovely people!

Be careful what you choose and like i say, just research and research and when you think you've researched enough, research again!!!

Enjoy every minute of it, its an amazing country!

DeadMoney

supermouse wrote: »

Cambodia was my favourite place in Asia, the people are so down to earth and friendly, really good humoured and just lovely people!

Be careful what you choose and like i say, just research and research and when you think you've researched enough, research again!!!

Enjoy every minute of it, its an amazing country!

Yeah I agree, Cambodia was also my favourite destination in SE Asia that I visited. Can't wait to go back!

kraggy

OP, I just finished a stint in an orphanage in Phnom Penh. Really well run. It involves teaching English for a few lessons during the day and hangin out with the kids in afternoons and evenings.

PM me if you want more info.

K.