We really can't say enough about UP. They were very accommodating and concerned about our interests. I thought they did an excellent job of explaining and providing details of the trip. I was also impressed with the insurance coverage that was part of the fee which included medical evacuation. - Jon Ryder, United Planet Quest Volunteer, Cambodia

Traveling as volunteers places us in an environment that the average sightseer would most likely never experience. We are able to connect with a culture in a simple, transparent way by sharing our time, and in this way, avoid the hassles of buses, tour guides and souvenir shops.

You will be able to spend time with people in their homes and share a meal, or go swimming and play with kids you teach in the schools.  Watch the sunrise and breathe in the sandalwood incense as you walk with the Buddhist monks on their morning alms quest. Spend a lazy afternoon practicing the Khmer language and laughing out loud while it rains so hard you can barely see the surrounding rice fields.  Experience unbelievable sights, such as the Angkor Wat temple complex, and an entire village that floats and moves with the floods and draughts, on the largest lake in South East Asia.

And most importantly, realize the magic of empathy and compassion.

With the core support of United Planet, hundreds of volunteers and professionals have contributed to improving the educational, agricultural, and economic systems in developing countries.   United Planet provides almost unlimited volunteer opportunities for anyone who wants to make a difference in someone’s life.

Anyone can help.  We all have a talent, skill, or passion that can be shared with those less fortunate.  And you can believe, there is no greater feeling of satisfaction and sense of appreciation than making that magical connection with someone who needs you.

Right now, there are millions of people living in Cambodia and experiencing terrible poverty.  They are living without clean water, without decent food or shelter, without regular access to education or health care, and without hope. 

Please consider volunteering your time and talents, and bring back home the most amazing, life changing experience you will ever have.

The Buddha said, “If you are pointed in the right direction, all you have to do is start walking.  United Planet is pointed in the right direction.  Now, all you have to do is take the first step" ...Dr. Jon Ryder

2 Special Summer 2008 Group Quests:

Cambodia Photography Group Quest: June 29 - July 9, 2008.
Interested in learning more about photography and how it can make a difference in the world? Join Dr. Jon Ryder as he leads this group through culturally rich Siem Reap, Cambodia to explore this world through the camera lens while volunteering to make a difference in the lives of children. For more information click here.

Cambodia Dental Group Quest: July 20 - July 30, 2008
If you are in the dentistry field or are studying to be, join this Group Quest for the chance to treat and educate children who have no access to dental care. While in Siem Reap, you will have the opportunity to explore the amazing history and culture of Cambodia! For more information click here.

Ongoing Year-round Quests in Cambodia:

Volunteers work with UP’s local partner in and around the town of Siem Reap, near the magnificent ancient temples of Angkor Wat.  Our partner is dedicated to alleviating poverty and ignorance, and improves the lives of orphans, vulnerable children, and disadvantaged peoples through a variety of educational projects and vocational opportunities.  Join hands with them to eradicate poverty in Cambodia!

a.) Food for Education Project

Help identify and distribute food to poor and vulnerable children and families in local villages.  In this program, food is given to poor families in exchange for an agreement the parents will send their children to school and stop domestic violence in the household. 

b.) Education Center

Help mentor and teach children in this unique project where children who were formerly forced to live on the streets, are now provided room and board and encouraged to complete high school and go on to college.  The center also provides extra attention to those children that may have started school too late and need help “catching up” to the appropriate grade.

c.) Sewing Vocational Training Center

This program brings together poverty stricken young women from the countryside to learn vocational and business training that will significantly improve their futures.  If you have a background in sewing and knitting, this is the place for you.

The orphanage is home to over 30 children.  Many of the children are orphans, victims of domestic violence, or, from families too poor to care for them.  Help teach and mentor the children of this wonderful village or help us build and organize a library for their school.  We also have opportunities to advise and teach agriculture and gardening as the children are developing an organic vegetable garden.  Games and toys are always popular items to bring along.

Dentists, and physicians are welcome to work, teach and present new techniques at the Children’s hospital and local private offices.  Special appointments are available at the International University in Phnom Penh as well.  Please contact us for more details.

f.) Teaching at a local elementary school

English, Japanese, and Thai language lessons are provided to children and young adults as part of the Foreign Language Program.  Volunteers are also welcome to mentor public school teachers and students in everything from sports to science.

If you have a special skill or talent, please let us know.  We have created custom volunteer opportunities from building houses and environmental projects, to landmine awareness.  Please contact us with your ideas.

Cultural Activities/Excursions
There are many fun and fascinating activities included in the Cambodia Quest including an elephant ride, tours of Angkor Park, tour of a Buddist pagoda and lunch with the Monks, and much more! Read the Cambodia Details page for more information.

Description of the region:
Siem Reap is situated within the ruins of the ancient Khmer civilization, often collectively referred to as Angkor Wat, the name of the largest and best-restored temple. The ruins were re-discovered in 1860, and attracted explorers and archaeologists. Today, the ruins still provide the perfect destination for anyone with a sense of adventure or a taste for history. The monuments were constructed by a succession of Khmer kings between the ninth and fifteenth centuries, mostly as places of worship. The prevailing religion shifted from Hinduism to Buddhism and back again over the year, and the temples are usually decorated with a diverse array of icons—with smiling Buddhas sitting alongside the four-armed Vishnu.

Within the town of Siam Reap, you will find many shops, restaurants, internet cafes and other diversions. You may also wish to explore a little further to visit the capital of Phnom Penh, the Tonle Sap Great Lake and many other destinations. During the many festivals, you'll have the chance to join the locals in their celebrations! For volunteers who are interested in visiting other sites, you may wish to sign up for a fully guided tour offered by UP.

Visas
United Planet sends volunteers from many countries around the world. Obtaining a Visa (if necessary) is therefore the responsibility of the volunteer. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the U.S. State Department to learn more about foreign entry requirements. For citizens of all other countries, please contact your destination country's embassy in your home country or your government website. If you need a letter from United Planet to verify your participation in our program, please e-mail us with this request and we will be happy to provide one.

Obtaining Cambodia e-visa, please visit: http://evisa.mfaic.gov.kh/terms.php

Health Issues and Vaccinations
Some countries require or suggest that volunteers have certain vaccinations before entering the country.  Please consult your country's government website for more information regarding the health of travelers. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control to learn more about vaccinations and staying healthy while traveling.  It is also recommended that you visit nearest travel clinic prior to departure.

Living and volunteering in another country, often in conditions you are not used to, can take a toll on the body and mind.  In addition to the information that is provided in your pre-departure package, please research how to stay healthy in your country of destination.  It could make all the difference!