Description
Location: Samraong, Cambodia
Duration: Minimum 2 weeks, maximum 6 months commitment
Start Dates: Project is on-going, and you can join at any time, depending upon availability. Placements start each Monday
Cost: €450 Euros per week – see Costs tab for further details
Includes: all food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation and all project related activities
Does not Include: flights, travel insurance, visas and vaccinations
Key Benefits
- The program offers free training courses on sustainable farming practices to help better current and future generations.
- Participants are expected to have an interest in outdoor gardening and basic building work, and work alongside locals who have an extensive background in agriculture and project management.
- All meals are provided, and participants can experience the authentic countryside of Cambodia by living amongst locals and helping out on their farms.
Introduction
Transform the agricultural landscape of Cambodia by joining the Green Shoots Foundation and CIDO’s agricultural skills training program. In a country where the majority of people rely on agriculture but lack the knowledge to cultivate plants and livestock, this program will teach sustainable farming practices and help increase resources for the local community. Through a free training course, trainees will learn about the vital role of agriculture in Cambodia and be equipped with the skills to continue sustainable farming practices on their own.
The program takes place at a dedicated project site, a short bike ride away from our accommodation, from Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00. As a participant, you will work alongside local farmers and youth, engaging in outdoor gardening, basic building work, heavy lifting, and learning from experienced agricultural and project management guides. All meals are provided, and during lunch breaks, you can choose to eat on site or return to the accommodation. Immerse yourself in the authentic countryside of Cambodia and contribute to a brighter future for the local community.
Daily Life
Embark on a journey of sustainable farming and community development with our program. Your typical day during the program promises to be both exciting and fulfilling. Rise and shine with a hearty breakfast, then dive straight into the training session with an introduction to integrated farming, where you’ll learn how to cultivate plants and livestock using sustainable farming practices.
Next up, engage in construction work at the center as you prepare the land for planting. Immerse yourself in a personal project as you participate in a workshop and group work, and take your skills to the next level. At lunchtime, savor the local cuisine and exchange stories with your fellow participants.
Afterwards, it’s time to get your hands dirty! Make a model of crops or vegetable beds and put your knowledge to the test as you visit local families who are already working with vegetables. Lend a helping hand as you assist the families with their daily vegetable work, and learn valuable techniques from seasoned farmers.
Finally, cap off your day by preparing Earth block mixture (clay) and materials for binding, all while enjoying a delicious dinner. This program offers you a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the community and discover the joys of sustainable farming firsthand.
Travel & Accommodation
Upon arrival you will be met at the airport by a project representative and taken to the project HQ.
The accommodation in Samraong is simple and natural. There are no laundry facilities, so expect to wash your clothes by hand. However, there are some places that you can do laundry in the town for a small cost.
All locations have a communal area where you can eat, relax, meet fellow participants or use the free Wifi. Requests for specific locations or room configurations cannot be guaranteed.
There are bikes available, which you can use to explore the area during your free time!
For participants desiring more comfort and/or privacy, families, couples, and more mature participants, we recommend upgrading to a comfort room. These rooms have more amenities and may be in a different location than the standard rooms, which means that it may be noticeably quieter.
Requirements
- Minimum age 18.
- Passion and enthusiasm for working in conservation, lots of energy and creativity – and not scared to get your hands dirty!
- No previous skills are necessary, however you will need to speak English at a native or near-native level.
- CRB Police check (or equivalent) showing that you have no previous criminal convictions
- Minimum 2 weeks commitment – 30+ hours a week
- Necessary vaccinations, flight & visas.
- Full travel & medical insurance. Please see our info pages for more information and to get a quote.
Extra Activities
Those looking to get off the beaten track should read our Top 5 Things to do in Cambodia. Sandwiched between the more touristy Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia is a traveler’s hidden treasure. Explore ancient Buddhist temples and bustling outdoor markets, or simply relax with an all inclusive yoga retreat. Cambodia is waiting for you.
Visit Temples
Some people only go to Cambodia to see the amazing temples scattered around the country. Step into these holy places and experience where the ancient monks once lived. Or explore modern ones where they still live today! The most famous one is Angkor Wat, which is close to Siem Reap. Angkor Wat ruins are approximately 900 years old, and are part of an entire park that you could get lost in for hours. Two more beautiful temples that we recommend in Siem Reap are Angkor Thom and Ba Yon Temple. There you will see colossal carvings of Bodhisattva’s, elephants and intricate demons and gods. Just make sure that you don’t walk into the wrong room with shoes on!
Visit The Killing Fields
You might not want to bring the kids here, but if you want to dive into Cambodia’s past you must see the Killing Fields. This memorial in Phnom Penh commemorates a very dark part of Cambodia’s history. These unfortunate mass graves were a product of the Cambodian Genocide in the 70’s. This happened during the reign of Khmer Rouge, who murdered close to two million people. The grave is a sight that you will never forget. This is a terribly tragic, yet intriguing, window to the Cambodian culture that tourists should pay homage to.
Go to a Cambodian Market
Asian outdoor markets are often quite the eye-opener to Western visitors. Fresh vegetables, living fish and souvenirs all in one bustling place. Shop like a local but still get souvenirs, and finish the experience with some homemade noodles. We recommend The Central Market and the Night Market in Phnom Penh. Any of the markets near Angkor Wat in Siem Reap are great. You can even sometimes find tours to take you to all of them if you can’t decide on only one!
Phnom Penh Royal Palace
This entire compound is a feast for the eyes. The stunning architecture replicates the Buddhist temples you’ll see all around Asia. With glimmering golden towers contrasting white walls and expansive courtyards and walkways, you are sure to be in awe. Here you will get a full understanding of the grandeur of the royal Cambodian ancestors.
Do a Yoga Retreat
When your feet are tired from temple-hopping, finish your stay in with a relaxing yoga retreat. Cambodia has hundreds of affordable, secluded and spiritually gratifying yoga experiences. Wake up to the sound of gongs, chant your heart out and truly relax and experience real yoga. You can stay anywhere from a few days to a few months, and all yogi levels can find the right retreat for their needs.
Costs
€450 Euros per week
* Check the latest currency conversions with xe.com
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
*** Placements are confirmed with a 1 week deposit
What’s Included:
Project Fee includes food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, in-country support and project activities.
Private rooms are available for an additional €100 per week.
What’s not included:
Flights, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.
Premium Support Upgrade
We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.
We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.
Note: Map coordinates are approximate
