VSA in Cambodia

VSA volunteer profiles

Ken Wong (past volunteer) – Science Faculty Adviser, Phnom Penh

Ken Wong worked as a Science Faculty Adviser at the Royal University of Phnom Penh in Cambodia. He completed that assignment in September 2011. He is now on a new assignment in Samoa as a Scientific Research Adviser with the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa until February 2014.
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About Cambodia

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Cambodia sits at the heart of Indochina and is said to be one of the most heavily land-mined countries in the world, following decades of war and conflict. Approximately 90 per cent of its people are Khmer (ethnic Cambodians), but there are also a substantial number of Muslim Cham, ethnic Chinese, Vietnamese and animist ethnic minority Lao hill tribes. Cambodia’s official religion is Theravada Buddhism, also practiced in the Lao PDR, Thailand, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. 

Economy

Cambodia is the second-poorest country in Southeast Asia with subsistence agriculture accounting for over 50 per cent of GDP. Tourism and the garment-making industry are the main contributors to its recent economic recovery.

Development challenges

Decades of isolation, war and conflict have resulted in the destruction of much of Cambodia’s physical, social and human capital and the long-term development of the economy remains one of its biggest challenges. A lack of basic infrastructure in rural areas continues to hinder economic development.  Economic growth, although averaging six per cent per year, has a narrow base, resulting in the poorest people (living mostly in rural areas), experiencing limited benefits. Of particular concern is the lack of investment in rural livelihoods, persistently high child mortality rates, low levels of education in girls, the high cost or unavailability of energy, and unsustainable exploitation of the country’s natural resources.

Living and working in Cambodia

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Language and culture

VSA assignments usually last two years, so local language training is important. We provide basic language training (Khmer) at the start of assignments with follow-ups if necessary during assignment.

Understanding local customs is vital to a successful assignment. Cambodia is a Buddhist country with customs and cultural practices very different to New Zealand’s – knowing just a few will quickly earn you the respect of the local community.

Housing and living conditions

We provide volunteers with basic, furnished accommodation. You’ll probably have access to 24-hour power supply although there may be power outages in provincial areas. All our volunteer housing has gas facilities for cooking.  We recommend you drink bottled water, which is widely available. Alternatively boil water or use a purifier.

If you will be living in Phnom Penh, you’ll have access to a wide range of ‘western’ amenities (such as western-style supermarkets) and goods. In Takeo and Svay Rieng, most basic food stuffs can be bought from local markets, although western food stuffs are only likely to be found in Phnom Penh.

Dress standards

At work, a smart blouse (for women) with at least a knee-length skirt or long trousers is appropriate. Sleeveless tops are not appropriate for work or anywhere near a temple. For men, a short-sleeved collared shirt or smart collared t-shirt with trousers is appropriate. Casual clothing is fine out of work, but not short or tight-fitting shorts. Cambodian parties, specifically weddings, are formal occasions where long trousers (for men) are worn and either dresses or skirts for women.

Health

The most common health problems you may experience are related to poor sanitation which may lead to intestinal problems (such as diarrhoea or giardia). Several health facilities in Phnom Penh are suitable for volunteer use. These range from GPs to health clinics, through to clinics for arranging medical evacuations in serious medical situations.  Bangkok has two good hospitals (Bumrungrad Hospital and the Bangkok Nursing Home) that VSA recommends for referral or testing for serious conditions.

Safety

We provide all selected volunteers with a thorough security briefing and specific local issues are covered during your in-country orientation. Generally, Cambodia is calm and, provided travel advice is followed, there is very little danger to foreign residents. Be security conscious and adhere to the advice of your employers and field office.

Banking and finances

Cambodia runs a dual currency system of US dollar and Cambodian Riel. Visit XE.com  for current exchange rates. Both currencies are almost universally accepted with the Riel preferred for small purchases.  We open a local bank account for all volunteers once they arrive, where monthly living allowances (in US dollar) are paid into. ATM machines are available around Phnom Penh and some provincial centres.

Communications

Cable TV with all major news channels can usually be set up for a small cost. There are daily English language newspapers – The Cambodia  Daily and The Phnom Penh Post – which provide international and local news. The postal service between New Zealand and Phnom Penh is reasonable but quite expensive.

Cambodia has a number of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Phnom Penh is well-served for internet cafes. It may be worth considering an internet connection at home if you are bringing a personal laptop. This also requires a landline to be installed (an additional cost).  Alternatively, there is provision for using wireless connections through laptops at ’hotspots’ around town.

Email is more limited in smaller towns and rural areas but some email access is available using mobile phones.