Construction and Renovation at Community Schools in Cambodia
Take part in hands-on construction and renovation work at community schools in Cambodia, collaborating with a local organisation active across multiple regions of the country. A practical, culturally immersive experience that lets you make a tangible contribution while getting up close to the everyday life of local communities.
Where
Siem Reap and Samraong - Cambodia
When
Departures every week, year-round (except national holiday periods)
Duration
Minimum 2 weeks
Accommodation
Shared rooms at a local-style guesthouse or volunteer centre, with meals included
Language
Basic English (beginner level recommended)
Ideal for
Those who want a hands-on, practical experience in close contact with local communities, contributing to school construction and renovation projects, with no specific technical skills required.
Project details
A hands-on construction and renovation project working within community schools across different areas of Cambodia, in close partnership with a local NGO.
This project was born from a collaboration with a single local NGO operating across several areas of Cambodia, including Siem Reap and Samraong, with the goal of improving educational spaces for children in local communities.
Both sites share the same vision and methodology: the schools and contexts differ, but the activities and approach remain consistent.
As a participant, you'll take part in construction, renovation and maintenance work at community schools: classrooms, toilets, shared spaces and outdoor areas. Activities include painting, minor masonry, path clearing, assembling materials and general support for local teams. No prior experience is required: the project is designed for people motivated to work as a team, learn by doing and spend time with the communities that live in and use these spaces every day.
As a participant, you'll take part in construction, renovation and maintenance work at community schools: classrooms, toilets, shared spaces and outdoor areas. Activities include painting, minor masonry, path clearing, assembling materials and general support for local teams. No prior experience is required: the project is designed for people motivated to work as a team, learn by doing and spend time with the communities that live in and use these spaces every day.
Building better spaces, together with local communities
A hands-on construction and renovation project working within community schools across different areas of Cambodia, in close partnership with a local NGO.
This project was born from a collaboration with a single local NGO operating across several areas of Cambodia, including Siem Reap and Samraong, with the goal of improving educational spaces for children in local communities.
Both sites share the same vision and methodology: the schools and contexts differ, but the activities and approach remain consistent.
As a participant, you'll take part in construction, renovation and maintenance work at community schools: classrooms, toilets, shared spaces and outdoor areas. Activities include painting, minor masonry, path clearing, assembling materials and general support for local teams. No prior experience is required: the project is designed for people motivated to work as a team, learn by doing and spend time with the communities that live in and use these spaces every day.
As a participant, you'll take part in construction, renovation and maintenance work at community schools: classrooms, toilets, shared spaces and outdoor areas. Activities include painting, minor masonry, path clearing, assembling materials and general support for local teams. No prior experience is required: the project is designed for people motivated to work as a team, learn by doing and spend time with the communities that live in and use these spaces every day.
Why participate
Contribute to real community schools
Your work takes place within schools used every day by local children and teachers, improving educational spaces in a concrete and shared way.
Why participate
Contribute to real community schools
Your work takes place within schools used every day by local children and teachers, improving educational spaces in a concrete and shared way.
One project, two different settings
Depending on needs, activities take place in Siem Reap or Samraong: the same activities, different schools, different communities to get to know and understand.
The Weekly Program
Weekdays
From Monday to Friday, days are spent primarily at community schools or educational facilities, where you'll take part in construction, renovation and maintenance work alongside the local team and other international volunteers.
Throughout the day you'll alternate between hands-on tasks, coordination moments with project supervisors and shared breaks. The work is practical but always guided, designed to be accessible even for those with no technical experience.
07:00Breakfast and preparation for the day
08:00Arrival at the project site (school or community facility) and briefing with the local coordinator
11:00Construction and renovation work: painting, minor masonry, maintenance, assembling materials
13:00Lunch break with local staff or return to the centre
15:00Continuation of hands-on activities or support for other project needs
19:00Return to the centre, shared dinner and free time with the group
Weekend
Weekends are free from compulsory activities. You can explore the surroundings, visit temples and local markets, relax or plan short excursions together with other participants.
Visit to the Angkor temples (Siem Reap)
Discover Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Cambodia's history and spirituality.
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FAQs
🏡 Your accommodation in Cambodia
You'll be staying at a Cambodian-style guesthouse, used as a volunteer centre, located in Siem Reap or Samraong depending on your assigned project. A simple, functional setup designed to encourage group living and connection between participants.
🛏️ Rooms and comfort
• Shared rooms (2–4 people), gender-separated
• Bunk beds with bed linen provided
• Fan in room
• Lockers or lockable spaces for personal belongings
• Cold showers and shared bathrooms
🍽️ Meals
• 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 on weekends
• Traditional Cambodian cuisine (rice, noodles, vegetables, local dishes)
• Vegetarian options available on request
• Drinking water, tea and coffee always available
🌿 Common areas
• Common room for relaxing and shared moments
• Terraces or outdoor areas for socialising
• International and welcoming atmosphere
💬 Living in community
The accommodation is a shared home, not a hotel. This is where you'll build relationships, share stories and experience the most authentic side of Cambodia.
You'll be staying at a Cambodian-style guesthouse, used as a volunteer centre, located in Siem Reap or Samraong depending on your assigned project. A simple, functional setup designed to encourage group living and connection between participants.
🛏️ Rooms and comfort
• Shared rooms (2–4 people), gender-separated
• Bunk beds with bed linen provided
• Fan in room
• Lockers or lockable spaces for personal belongings
• Cold showers and shared bathrooms
🍽️ Meals
• 3 meals a day on weekdays, 2 on weekends
• Traditional Cambodian cuisine (rice, noodles, vegetables, local dishes)
• Vegetarian options available on request
• Drinking water, tea and coffee always available
🌿 Common areas
• Common room for relaxing and shared moments
• Terraces or outdoor areas for socialising
• International and welcoming atmosphere
💬 Living in community
The accommodation is a shared home, not a hotel. This is where you'll build relationships, share stories and experience the most authentic side of Cambodia.
🛡️ Safety and support
Safety is a priority in every project. Facilities and activities are carefully selected to ensure a calm, managed environment that is respectful of local context.
🔹 Participant screening
A criminal background check is required before departure, as a standard safeguarding measure for communities and participants alike.
🔹 Constant local team presence
Experienced Cambodian coordinators are always present during activities and reachable outside working hours.
🔹 24/7 support
You will have continuous assistance from the local team and, if needed, from the HeyLocals team in as well.
🔹 Best practices
✔ Always move around in groups
✔ Follow the coordinators' guidance
✔ Adapt to local rhythms and customs
💡 Our goal
To offer you a safe, mindful and authentic experience, where the real value lies in everyday sharing and working together.
Safety is a priority in every project. Facilities and activities are carefully selected to ensure a calm, managed environment that is respectful of local context.
🔹 Participant screening
A criminal background check is required before departure, as a standard safeguarding measure for communities and participants alike.
🔹 Constant local team presence
Experienced Cambodian coordinators are always present during activities and reachable outside working hours.
🔹 24/7 support
You will have continuous assistance from the local team and, if needed, from the HeyLocals team in as well.
🔹 Best practices
✔ Always move around in groups
✔ Follow the coordinators' guidance
✔ Adapt to local rhythms and customs
💡 Our goal
To offer you a safe, mindful and authentic experience, where the real value lies in everyday sharing and working together.
🧭 Orientation day
Your first Monday in Cambodia is dedicated to orientation: a key moment to settle in, get to know the group and understand the context in which you'll be living and working.
During the day you will cover:
• Welcome meeting and programme introduction
• House rules, health and safety
• Introduction to Khmer culture, local customs and traditions
• Practical guidance on transport, SIM cards and daily life
• Tour of the local area, markets and useful services
• First contact with the team and the project
From Tuesday onwards you'll begin activities with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Your first Monday in Cambodia is dedicated to orientation: a key moment to settle in, get to know the group and understand the context in which you'll be living and working.
During the day you will cover:
• Welcome meeting and programme introduction
• House rules, health and safety
• Introduction to Khmer culture, local customs and traditions
• Practical guidance on transport, SIM cards and daily life
• Tour of the local area, markets and useful services
• First contact with the team and the project
From Tuesday onwards you'll begin activities with greater confidence and peace of mind.
✈️ Arrival recommendations
We recommend booking a flight arriving at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI). The welcome service is active on Sundays between 06:00 and 18:00. Within this time window, the local team will arrange your transfer to the city or volunteer centre.
📍 Meeting point
On arrival at the airport, a local staff member will be waiting for you holding a "TGL CAMBODIA" sign. If you don't see the coordinator straight away, please stay at the meeting point — they may be waiting for other participants.
🕒 Transfer duration
Airport → Siem Reap city centre: approximately 1–1.5 hours (airport bus + local transfer). Siem Reap → Samraong (if assigned): approximately 2 hours by taxi.
💡 Arrivals outside standard hours
Arrivals outside the standard window do not include a pick-up. In this case you can arrange your own transfer or request a special pick-up at an additional cost.
🚖 Departure recommendations
Check-out is on Saturday by 12:00. The return transfer is not included, but local staff will help you arrange a taxi or bus to the airport.
💡 After confirmation
After confirmation you will receive a full document by email with updated instructions, local contacts and step-by-step arrival guidance.
We recommend booking a flight arriving at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (SAI). The welcome service is active on Sundays between 06:00 and 18:00. Within this time window, the local team will arrange your transfer to the city or volunteer centre.
📍 Meeting point
On arrival at the airport, a local staff member will be waiting for you holding a "TGL CAMBODIA" sign. If you don't see the coordinator straight away, please stay at the meeting point — they may be waiting for other participants.
🕒 Transfer duration
Airport → Siem Reap city centre: approximately 1–1.5 hours (airport bus + local transfer). Siem Reap → Samraong (if assigned): approximately 2 hours by taxi.
💡 Arrivals outside standard hours
Arrivals outside the standard window do not include a pick-up. In this case you can arrange your own transfer or request a special pick-up at an additional cost.
🚖 Departure recommendations
Check-out is on Saturday by 12:00. The return transfer is not included, but local staff will help you arrange a taxi or bus to the airport.
💡 After confirmation
After confirmation you will receive a full document by email with updated instructions, local contacts and step-by-step arrival guidance.
Book your spot
1
Send your application (free!)
Choose the project that inspires you most and indicate the period you would like to travel. No commitment: the application is free and non-binding.
2
Meet your coordinator
After your application, we will put you in touch with your dedicated coordinator. They will explain everything in detail and answer all your questions.
3
Confirm your spot
When you're ready, pay the deposit to lock in your spot. You'll get everything you need: local contacts, a visa guide and your pre-trip pack.
4
Set off on your adventure!
Pack your bags and go! On arrival you will find other volunteers like you, a welcoming local team and an experience you will hardly forget.
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