What to Expect from an Education Internship in Cambodia
“It has made me realize that many of us in Western countries take our education for granted, and that education really can be a way to uplift an entire population.”…
PUBLIC HEALTH INTERNSHIP IN CAMBODIA
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Help create impactful health education resources for a grassroots NGO in Cambodia
This Public Health Program Development Internship in Cambodia offers an opportunity to contribute to sustainable health education initiatives by focusing on research, content creation, and program design. Based in Siem Reap, you’ll work alongside a passionate team at a grassroots organization to research, design, and develop public health workshops targeting youth, caregivers, and community members.
Interns will conduct research into pressing public health topics relevant to Cambodia and create educational materials for workshops on health, hygiene, mental health, maternal care, and environmental sustainability. This Public Health Internship is ideal for students or graduates in Public Health, Global Health, or Health Education who are passionate about community-driven health promotion and cross-cultural collaboration and curious to get involved in the behind-the-scenes work of putting together workshops.
Learning Objectives
- Strengthen research and content development skills for health education initiatives
- Develop an understanding of key public health challenges in Cambodia
- Gain experience in culturally sensitive communication and educational material design
- Build practical knowledge of community-based public health program development
ORGANIZATION
This organization is a social impact nonprofit focused on breaking the cycle of poverty and reducing the socio-economic gap in Siem Reap, Cambodia through education. REACH Siem Reap provides English classes alongside a range of integrated programs.
They take a holistic approach to education initiatives and when enrolling children into their school, they provide their families with all-rounded support. Their aim is to provide children with both quality education and a safe environment to grow so that one day they can find fair employment and break free from poverty.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
This Public Health Internship is designed to align with your academic background, skills, and interests, offering a tailored experience within the NGO’s outreach and education team. You will focus exclusively on research, material creation, and workshop development, supporting sustainable community impact while gaining valuable professional experience.
Note: this opportunity does not include workshop facilitation – it is purely on the development and creation side of public health workshops.
Responsibilities
- Conduct research on public health issues, trends, and target audiences in Cambodia
- Develop educational content for workshops on topics like health, first aid, mental health, and infectious diseases
- Create supporting materials such as presentations, handouts, worksheets, and guides
- Collaborate with the outreach and leadership teams to refine workshop outlines and learning objectives
- Ensure that content is culturally appropriate, accessible, and evidence-based
- Support the design of interactive and engaging workshop activities
- Stay updated with current global and local public health data
- Provide feedback and edits on workshop drafts to improve clarity and impact
Requirements
- Studying or recently completed a degree in Public Health, Health Education, or a related field
- Strong research and content development skills
- Excellent written communication abilities
- Interest in health education, community development, and global health
- Adaptability, independence, and strong attention to detail
- Sensitivity to cultural nuances and commitment to ethical engagement
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You’ll be based in Siem Reap, Cambodia’s second-largest city and the capital of Siem Reap Province. The city boasts a blend of French colonial and Chinese architectural influences and offers an array of attractions including museums, traditional Apsara dance performances, a Cambodian cultural village, and a diverse cuisine and nightlife. Most notably, Siem Reap is home to the renowned Angkor Wat temples pictured on Cambodia’s flag.
Accommodation is organized on a case-by-case basis from a selection of guesthouses and hotels. Each apartment is well-equipped with comfortable rooms, laundry, a kitchen, and Wifi. The guesthouse options include breakfast; there is not a shared kitchen for guests to use, but there is a restaurant on-site and plenty of local spots nearby to try out. Interns will also have the option to join for two meals at the organization’s center.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Cambodians are very friendly and although most visits are trouble-free, petty crime (e.g. bag or phone snatches) does occur. Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. Malaria risk is present throughout the year in all areas except Phnom Penh, other main cities, Angkor Wat, Siem Reap and close to Tonle Sap. Depending on your travel plans, consult your local health clinic for advice on malaria precautions.
Communication
Communication
Mobile network in the bigger cities is generally good, but you might not be able to use your phone in the more rural areas. Note that global roaming is often very expensive in Cambodia, so you might want to consider buying a local SIM card.
Meals
Meals
You’ll be able to prepare your own meals at your accommodation and you have the option to join the 3:30PM meal at the organization’s center. There are also a variety of restaurants, bars, cafes, and street food to try out around Siem Reap.
Location details
Location details
You’ll be based in Siem Reap, Cambodia’s second-largest city and the capital of Siem Reap Province. The city boasts a blend of French colonial and Chinese architectural influences and offers an array of attractions including museums, traditional Apsara dance performances, a Cambodian cultural village, and a diverse cuisine and nightlife. Most notably, Siem Reap is home to the renowned Angkor Wat temples pictured on Cambodia’s flag.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Internship dates are flexible. The exact start and end dates will be discussed with you during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (2027 rates)
The rate depends on the type of available accommodation, but for a private apartment they start at:
12 weeks USD 2,173
16 weeks USD 2,570
20 weeks USD 2,967
26 weeks USD 3,547
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Accommodation in an apartment in town. Please contact us for availability and prices. It’s also possible to stay in a single room in a guesthouse (additional fee applies).
- Airport transfer upon arrival
- Option to join 3:30PM meal at the organization’s center
- Welcome pack with 2 T-shirts and a water bottle
- Siem Reap orientation tour
- Wifi access
- Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
- An orientation program with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins during your internship
- Support from the Roots team remotely
- A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
- A reference letter upon request
Exclusions
- Flights to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Meals
- Transport to the office
- Airport transfer upon departure
- Electricity bill in case of staying in an apartment, the costs vary depending on your usage (between USD 30-100 per month)
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Cambodia.
What can I expect from an internship in Cambodia?
Participating in an internship in Cambodia guarantees a dynamic and enriching experience. This Southeast Asian gem, known for its profound historical legacy and cultural heritage, serves as a unique backdrop for both professional development and personal growth. Interns can expect to gain valuable knowledge in various sectors, actively contributing to impactful projects, and immersing themselves in the local culture. Whether working in urban centers or rural communities, these internships offer exposure to diverse challenges and opportunities, fostering an in-depth understanding of Cambodia’s social, economic, and cultural landscapes. Beyond the workplace, the chance to explore historical sites, engage with the warm and welcoming community, and savor the local cuisine adds an extra layer of richness to this internship adventure. If the possibility of undertaking this internship has piqued your interest, explore further to discover the motivations for pursuing an internship in Cambodia and uncover the distinctive experience this country holds for you.
How will a nonprofit internship in Cambodia help my career development?
Embarking on a nonprofit internship in Cambodia offers a transformative experience for career development. Your involvement contributes to meaningful initiatives, as you become part of a greater endeavor dedicated to grassroots projects. This opportunity allows you to apply your skills to a worthwhile cause, creating a tangible difference in the community. By being a vital component of something larger than yourself, you forge deeper connections with local communities, gaining priceless insights into their challenges and strengths. This immersive experience not only enhances your professional skills but also nurtures a sense of social responsibility, positioning you as a well-rounded and socially conscious professional. Delve deeper to explore the career benefits of participating in a charity internship.
How can I prepare for my internship?
Prepare for your upcoming adventure by immersing yourself in the vibrant history and culture of Cambodia. Take the time to reflect on your internship goals, envisioning the impact you hope to make during this enriching experience. Be reassured that our support goes beyond mere preparation – we are your partners throughout this journey. Feel empowered to contact us with any questions related to placement logistics, matchmaking, or for guidance on visa and insurance matters. Throughout your placement we’ll check in regularly and make sure you’re on track to reach your goals. We’re dedicated to assisting you at every stage of your experience, ensuring a smooth and rewarding journey.
Can I get university credit for an internship in Cambodia?
Undoubtedly! Numerous interns have successfully earned university credit for their experiences in Cambodia. To ensure a seamless process, consult with your academic supervisor or the relevant department at your university. They can provide guidance on specific requirements and procedures for obtaining credit. Moreover, you have the option to purchase transfer credits, enhancing the overall value of your internship journey.
REVIEWS
My internship in Cambodia was very worthwhile. Roots helped me by organizing everything, even my accommodation before I arrived. I wanted to do my internship somewhere in Southeast Asia, and it would have been very difficult to find this experience without Roots. As an intern, I took on many tasks, with my main focuses on creating content, writing posts, editing videos, updating the website, and photography. It was a great experience to apply the knowledge and skills I've learned from university so far to the professional field. I wasn't sure if I wanted to work in this field after graduating, however, after this experience, I am eager to embark on a career in communications as the tasks I worked on were interesting and engaging. Besides the work itself, it was also great to meet new people and explore temples in Siem Reap.
Chaewon, South Korean – Hanze University
Communications and Marketing Internship, Cambodia
Over my 3 months in Cambodia, I had the honor of living within the Siem Reap community, and more importantly, the privilege to work with an organization dedicated to uplifting it. The work they do extends to all aspects of their students’ lives, and the passion the children put toward learning embodies that. I came with a specific job to do; to help build a program for students to learn about computers and computer safety, but when I arrived on the first day, it was clear that my job was much more than that. I was granted the opportunity to connect with the local community and learn from their experiences and culture. During my time, I was able to foster relationships with the community, the team at my host organization, and the students; I even had the chances to join some classes, go on bike rides, and participate in organization-wide excursions. Although my internship has come to an end, my love for this organization and the work that I was able to do will fuel my future endeavours for years to come.
Alexandra, American – Loyola Marymount University
Technical Support Internship, Cambodia
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION: Siem Reap, Cambodia
PROGRAM FOCUS: Social Impact / Education NGO
TASK FOCUS: Resource Creation, Health Education, Workshop Development
LENGTH: Min. 12 weeks
COST: From USD 2,173
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- Design educational workshops that promote community health and well-being
- Gain hands-on experience in public health research and program development
- Collaborate with an inspiring grassroots organization in Cambodia
- Build cross-cultural communication and content adaptation skills
- Live and work in Cambodia
ENQUIREAPPLY NOW
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form and share your CV with us.
CONNECT
We’ll set up a call to get to know a bit more about you and your internship goals.
MATCH
If we feel it’s a good match, the placement manager will set up a call between you and the supervisor of the host organization
CONFIRM
If everybody’s happy, we will provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and give you access to our portal where you can find all the information you need.
PREPARE
Once we receive your deposit payment, the placement will be officially confirmed. We’re excited to help you plan and prepare for your international internship!
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
If you’d like to ask us some questions about our internships, fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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