Volunteering with Sustainable Cambodia (SC)
Volunteering with Sustainable Cambodia is a unique and meaningful experience—rooted in partnership, empowerment, and mutual learning.
Unlike traditional volunteer programs that focus on short-term solutions, SC is committed to long-term, community-led development. Volunteers don’t deliver aid or manual labor—instead, they collaborate with local staff, students, and families to share knowledge, build capacity, and inspire growth.
You’ll find the Cambodian people to be incredibly welcoming, resilient, and dedicated to improving life for the next generation. While village families may have limited material resources, they bring strength, hope, and a deep desire to build a better future.
What We Do
SC works alongside rural communities to create lasting, locally-driven change. Our work focuses on:
- Education – from primary through secondary, empowering students with knowledge and opportunity
- Clean Water Access – through community-managed well systems
- Sustainable Agriculture & Nutrition – improving food security and farming practices
- Health & Sanitation – promoting hygiene and healthy living
- Livelihood Development – supporting families to build income and resilience
So, where do volunteers fit in?… Everywhere.
Volunteering on-site in Cambodia can be an incredibly rewarding and life-changing experience. Over the years, we’ve welcomed volunteers from all walks of life—from late teens to their 70s—each bringing their own unique skills, perspectives, and passion to the SC community.
Volunteers at SC work alongside our dedicated local staff, students, and families, contributing in ways that strengthen programs, expand ideas, and help build lasting solutions. Whether you’re supporting education, contributing to community initiatives, or helping behind the scenes, your role is meaningful and valued.
Our volunteers are more than helpers—they are collaborators, mentors, and part of the SC story. By sharing your time, talents, and heart, you help nurture growth, spark innovation, and empower others to reach their potential.
Volunteer Opportunities
We welcome volunteers across a range of focus areas, including:
- Education
- Community Development
- Fundraising & Sponsorship
- Communications & Marketing
- Operations & Administration
Want to know where your skills might fit best? Check out our Volunteer Roles below.
Education Programmes
Deliver classes and training that inspire, encourage, and empower our teachers and students to learn and grow.
As we believe, knowledge is powerful, and the more we share, the more empowered we all become.
Whether you’re passionate about teaching English, Mathematics, Geography, IT skills, creative and mindful subjects like Art, Dance, Music, or Mindfulness, or even sharing cultural practices from your home country, we’d love to learn from you!
Volunteers can support lesson planning, co-teaching and leading classes, creating engaging materials and resources, and even delivering training to our teaching staff.
Community Development Programmes
Become a member of our Community Development Team — a dedicated group working alongside rural Cambodian families to foster self-sufficiency and sustainable living.
At Sustainable Cambodia, we believe in empowering communities through practical support and education. Our initiatives encompass clean water access, sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and environmental stewardship, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life and promoting long-term resilience.
Whether you’re experienced in water and sanitation projects, agricultural development, healthcare, environmental training, or animal husbandry, or you’re eager to contribute your skills to meaningful community work — your involvement can make a significant impact. Volunteers may assist with tasks such as installing water systems, supporting crop and garden initiatives, providing healthcare education, facilitating environmental education, and aiding in animal care programs.
Have a skill or idea that could help? Let’s make it happen. Bring your own ideas and expertise to help strengthen our community development efforts.
Child Sponsorship & Scholarships
Be part of our Child Sponsorship and Scholarship Team — a caring and committed group focused on supporting Cambodian children and youth to access quality education and create brighter futures.
Through our Child Sponsorship Program, we ensure that students from low-income families can continue their schooling by providing essentials like school supplies, uniforms and learning materials. For many families, these supports are the key to keeping their children in school and out of child labor.
Our Scholarship Program extends that support to promising students pursuing higher education. Scholarships offer funding for tuition, accommodation, study materials, and technology — giving talented youth the opportunity to reach their full potential, contribute to their communities, and lead the way in Cambodia’s development.
As a volunteer, your role may involve storytelling, data organization, communication with sponsors, student reporting, or helping develop systems that ensure every sponsored child and scholar receives the care and recognition they deserve. Whether you’re a strong communicator, a system-builder, or passionate about education, your contribution will directly support students’ success.
Marketing & Communications
Join our Marketing & Communications Team — a creative, passionate group dedicated to amplifying the stories and impact of Sustainable Cambodia.
Powerful storytelling, digital connection, and compelling content are essential tools to raise awareness, inspire action, and support vital fundraising efforts.
Whether you’re skilled in communications strategy, social media, digital marketing, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), photography, videography, or content creation — or simply love sharing powerful stories — your talents can help us reach new audiences, grow our supporter base, and drive vital fundraising efforts. Volunteers may contribute to a variety of impactful tasks, including developing strategies, crafting donor newsletters, managing social media, producing visual content, running digital ad campaigns, and optimizing our online presence with tools like Google Ads.
We welcome your insights and fresh perspectives. Bring along your own ideas and creative flair to strengthen our organization and messaging across all platforms.
Operations & Administration
Support Sustainable Cambodia’s Operations Team — a strategic and solutions-focused group that ensures our programs are not only visionary but also effectively planned, coordinated, and sustained long-term.
Powerful community development is built on strong systems. That’s where our Operations Team shines, working behind the scenes to ensure classrooms have teachers, clean water flows to villages, and every donation fulfills its greatest potential. From coordinating multi-faceted programs to supporting grant research and management, this team plays a vital role in keeping our work impactful and accountable.
Whether your strengths lie in project planning, data tracking, budget support, donor communications, or research and documentation, there’s a meaningful place for your skills here. Volunteers contribute to a wide range of tasks, including Project Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation, Budget Support, Donor Communications, and Grant Research & Documentation. Your initiative and innovation are valuable — we’re always learning, too. Every improvement you spark strengthens our systems and deepens the impact on the ground.
Find answers to common questions about volunteering with SC, preparing for your trip, and living in Pursat.
🌱 About Sustainable Cambodia
Who we are and how we work with communities.
What kind of organization is SC?
Sustainable Cambodia (SC) is a grassroots, volunteer-driven nonprofit that works to empower rural Cambodian communities. Rather than offering one-time aid, SC helps families and communities become self-sustaining by providing access to education, clean water, agriculture, and health programs. Our focus is on long-term development through training and mentorship so that local people can drive and sustain positive change themselves. A majority of SC’s board members are Rotarians, and only native Cambodians are employed as paid staff onsite. All international officers, directors, and consultants are unpaid volunteers.
What makes SC’s volunteer program different from others?
Unlike some programs that rely on short-term aid or physical labor, our volunteers collaborate with local staff, students, and families. You’ll be sharing your skills and building capacity — not just doing tasks. This approach creates long-lasting impact, strengthens local leadership, and supports SC’s core belief that sustainable change comes from within.
✨ Volunteering at SC
Everything you need to know about applying, roles, and expectations.
What kinds of volunteer roles are available?
We offer opportunities in areas including Education, Sponsorship, Community Development, Operations, and Communications. Whether you’re a teacher, creative, administrator, or organizer, we welcome people who are passionate about learning, teamwork, and making a difference.
When should I apply?
We recommend applying at least 3 months before you’d hope to start volunteering. The earlier the better. This allows time for us to review your application, hold an interview, and assess whether we have a suitable role that matches your skills and interests.
If your application is successful and a placement is confirmed, we’ll provide supporting documents for your NGO visa application and guidance to help you prepare. You’ll be responsible for submitting the visa paperwork directly through your local Cambodian embassy or consulate.
Please note that applying does not guarantee a placement, as opportunities depend on current needs, timing, and program capacity.
How do I apply?
You can apply online by submitting an application form, your CV/resume, and a short personal statement. After we review your materials, we’ll schedule a Zoom interview to discuss your interests, skills, and how you can contribute. If it’s a good match, we’ll move forward with references and final placement confirmation.
Do I need prior experience?
Relevant experience is helpful—especially for short-term or specialized roles—but it’s not essential. We’re looking for open-minded, proactive volunteers who are ready to learn and contribute. If you’re a good listener, a team player, and adaptable, you’ll fit right in.
How long can I volunteer for?
We ask people to commit to a minimum of 3 months to allow time for settling in and getting into their role. Ideally, we would like people to volunteer for longer periods if possible, as it allows for a deeper impact and more meaningful contribution.
If you have a specific skill or expertise, but can only volunteer for a shorter time, we still welcome you to apply and can discuss options.
Do I need to speak Khmer?
No. While Khmer is the national language, most SC staff speak English and will support you in your communication. You’ll also learn useful phrases during your stay, and we’ll provide cultural and language tips to help you connect meaningfully.
Can I volunteer with a friend or partner?
Yes! We welcome applications from couples, friends, and small groups. While we can’t guarantee placements for everyone, we’ll do our best to accommodate shared applications where roles and availability align. Be sure to mention your connection in your application so we can consider this during the review process.
What kind of support will I receive as a volunteer?
From the moment you’re accepted, you’ll be guided through each step of the process. We provide orientation materials, cultural guidance, and day-to-day support from staff in Pursat. You’ll be part of a caring and connected community, both on-site and beyond.
How does Sustainable Cambodia approach religion, cultural respect, and political topics?
Sustainable Cambodia is a nonreligious organization supported by Rotary and guided by the principle of Service Above Self. Our team includes people from many different faiths, and we work in communities that are primarily Buddhist, with Christian and Muslim families as well.
To respect local traditions and avoid misunderstandings, we ask that you don’t initiate conversations about religion or politics during your time with SC. If someone asks about your personal beliefs, you’re welcome to share them—just be sure to clarify that they’re your own, and not part of SC’s message. We also encourage everyone to approach sensitive topics with care, avoiding debates or discussions that could cause division or confusion.
At SC, we believe the most meaningful values are expressed through our actions. In the spirit of Service Above Self, we aim to lead with compassion, humility, and respect in all that we do—building trust through service and shared goals.
This approach helps us build strong partnerships and trust within the communities we serve, while staying focused on collaboration and meaningful impact.
🛂 Travel and Visa Information
Essential details for entering and staying in Cambodia.
Do I need a visa to volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers staying more than 30 days are required to apply for an NGO visa, in accordance with Cambodian government regulations. Once your placement is confirmed, we’ll provide the necessary documentation to support your application. You’ll need to submit the visa paperwork directly through your local Cambodian embassy or consulate.
🏡 Living in Pursat
Get a feel for your home base and day-to-day life.
Where is Pursat?
Pursat Town is located about 3 hours north of Phnom Penh, on the western edge of Tonle Sap Lake. It’s a provincial capital with a relaxed pace, local markets, and access to rural villages where SC works.
Where will I live during my stay?
Most volunteers live on SC’s main campus for about $100/month, which includes air conditioning, a private bathroom, and access to a shared kitchen. Some choose guesthouses or apartments in town—your choice depends on your comfort and preferences.
How much should I budget for living expenses?
We recommend budgeting at least $200/month for daily needs like food, local transport, and mobile data. If you plan to travel, dine out frequently, or shop for souvenirs, a budget of $250–$350/month is more realistic.
Is it safe to live and volunteer in Pursat?
Yes. Pursat is a peaceful and welcoming town. Like anywhere, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow local advice. SC staff are available if you ever have questions or concerns.
💬 Other Questions
Still wondering about something? Let’s talk!
If you have a question we haven’t covered, feel free to reach out to our team at volunteer@sustainablecambodia.org. We’re here to help you feel informed and supported.
What we ask of our Volunteers
We’re looking for people who are:
- Committed to supporting our staff, students, and communities
- Available to volunteer for a minimum of 3 months
- Kind and empathetic, responding to individual needs with care
- Passionate about making a difference through sustainable change
- Patient and respectful in all interactions
- Clear and thoughtful communicators, able to engage across cultures and languages
Cultural and Religious Aspects
As part of our commitment to respect and inclusivity, Sustainable Cambodia (SC) is a nonreligious organization supported by Rotary and guided by the principle of Service Above Self. Our staff and volunteers come from many different faiths, and we work in communities that are primarily Buddhist, with Christian and Muslim families as well.
To honor local traditions and avoid misunderstandings, we ask all team members—volunteers and staff—not to initiate religious discussions or share personal beliefs unless directly asked. If the topic does arise, it’s important to clarify that these views are personal and not those of SC.
We also ask everyone to approach political topics with care and respect, avoiding debates or discussions that could create division, so that our focus remains on partnership, learning, and service.
At SC, we believe the most meaningful values are expressed through our actions. In the spirit of Service Above Self, we aim to lead with compassion, humility, and respect in all that we do—building trust through service and shared goals.
At SC, volunteering isn’t just about what you do—it’s about the change you help make possible…
Ready to make a difference? Join Us!
