10-Week Volunteering and Cultural Exchange Program in Nepal and Cambodia for Youth 2027

This 10-week volunteer gap program in Nepal and Cambodia combines community projects, conservation work, and cultural learning across two countries in Southeast Asia. Projects Abroad offers the program to participants aged 17–24, with departures available throughout the year; listed start dates include January 3, 2027, and January 2, 2028.

About the Volunteer Gap Program in Nepal and Cambodia

The program divides its ten weeks equally between Nepal and Cambodia. In Nepal, participants spend the first three weeks in Kathmandu supporting a building project. The schedule says participants may switch to another social project if they prefer. Building activities include renovating classrooms and helping construct classrooms, toilets, and washing facilities. Participants can also learn practical tasks such as mixing cement, digging foundations, and laying bricks. A weekend trip to Pokhara is followed by two weeks at a conservation project in Chitwan National Park.

In Chitwan, participants work with conservation specialists in a community forest beside the national park. Activities include monitoring species, conducting biodiversity surveys, surveying crocodiles by boat, and contributing to greater one-horned rhinoceros surveys. Participants can also plant saplings, support forest and grassland management, and raise awareness of conservation through workshops and lessons in local schools and communities. A safari is part of the stay.

The five-week Cambodia segment begins with two weeks supporting a childcare project in Phnom Penh. Participants assist teachers in busy, understaffed preschools and primary schools. With guidance from local staff, they prepare lesson plans and use games, arts, and crafts to support early childhood development. Activities also include literacy work, conversational English, hygiene, nutrition, and basic renovation tasks. Previous experience working with children is not required; the program provides training, workshops, and resources.

Week three is spent in Siem Reap, exploring Cambodian history and culture. Visits include Angkor Wat, other temples, floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, a PHARE Circus performance, and the APOPO Centre. In week four, participants travel to Sen Monorom to support staff at an elephant sanctuary. They observe elephant behaviour, learn about animal welfare and care, assist with park maintenance and reforestation, and take jungle hikes to learn about local wildlife and the Bunong community. During week five, participants return to Phnom Penh for bear conservation work and a visit to Oudong Mountain. The program also provides three days to explore the city or travel independently elsewhere in the country.

Accommodation is a mix of shared housing with other participants and vetted local host families. The listed inclusions cover accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner, fresh drinking water, airport and daily placement transport, pre-departure support, program activities, training, equipment, excursions, and round-the-clock support. Participants receive a certified record of service hours, workshops, and activities. The cost is £5,475 for ten weeks. Visa costs, flights, and travel and medical insurance are excluded. You can browse other volunteer opportunities or explore opportunities without a fixed deadline.

Who Should Apply

This program is intended for people aged 17–24 who have finished high school and want to experience living and working in other countries. It suits applicants who are energetic, open-minded, and interested in learning through practical community and conservation activities. No previous childcare experience is needed for the Cambodia project.

Key Highlights

• Ten weeks total: five weeks in Nepal and five weeks in Cambodia.
• Projects cover construction, childcare, wildlife conservation, and cultural learning.
• For participants aged 17–24; the program describes high school graduates as its intended audience.
• Departures are available throughout the year, with listed dates in January 2027 and January 2028.
• Program price: £5,475; flights, visa costs, and travel and medical insurance are excluded.