FAQ
We can arrange for a taxi to pick you up and transport you to your accommodation. Our Volunteer Coordinator will ask you about this in an email before your arrival.
For your first session at Feeding Dreams Cambodia, you will be collected from your hotel by a tuk-tuk driver, early morning (about 7.40am) or afternoon (about 1.40pm) and transported to our school. Upon arrival, you will be given an orientation tour of the center and a short induction which will explain your role during your time with us. We will also need to check that you have signed our Volunteer Code of Conduct and that you have read and understood our Child Protection Policy.
You are now ready to begin your volunteering experience at Feeding Dreams Cambodia. On-ground support and contacts are available in and out of work hours.
No formal qualifications are required to volunteer for our programs, except for the First Aid and Medical Assistance program. If you do possess certain skills or specific abilities, these could be of benefit to our work. Please tell us about your specific skillset when submitting your application.
Desirable qualities for volunteering include characteristics such as kind-heartedness, sincerity, empathy, respect, diligence and patience. An ability to be flexible is important. At Feeding Dreams the daily routine can be altered or interrupted by priority situations, and to have the ability to adapt in changing circumstances is fundamental to your experience.
Upon completion of your volunteer experience, you will be presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for your kind donation, support and participation in Feeding Dreams volunteering program.
To obtain your Tourist VISA prior to arrival via the official e-VISA website click here.
Alternatively, you can purchase one upon arrival in either Siem Reap International Airport or Phnom Penh International Airport. You will be required to present:
- – A completed visa application form (provided at the Airport)
- – A Passport with at least 6 months validity
- – One recent photograph (4×6 cm)
- – Tourist visa fee (US$30)
This visa is valid for one month and can be easily extended for one further month through a travel agent once you are here. If you intend to stay for a longer period, you will need a Business VISA. You will need a letter of introduction so please email our Volunteer Coordinator about this prior to your arrival.
If you’re entering Cambodia via air, you must complete and submit an electronic e-Arrival Card (CeA) within 7 days prior to your arrival. The official website is
Yes, but only a Tourist visa can be issued upon arrival at the border checkpoints into Cambodia.
FDC has a close relationship with a couple of good standard hotels which are close to town, markets and all facilities and offer Feeding Dreams volunteers a special accommodation rate.
When you have confirmed your volunteering commitment, our Volunteer Coordinator will provide you with accommodation options, details and rates for your consideration.
Feeding Dreams is happy to make your accommodation bookings at no cost to you or you could use one of the many hotel booking sites to select & book your accommodation.
If you prefer alternate accommodation, we are also happy to book and confirm this for you.
The currency used in Cambodia is US dollars. The local currency is Riel, which you will usually receive as change to the nearest US dollar. It’s better to bring smaller denominations of US dollars as most items and services here in Cambodia are very minimal in cost.
There are many Money Exchange Offices in Siem Reap, and ATMs everywhere in town that dispense US$. Note that dollar notes must be in excellent condition as creased, torn or dirty notes will not be accepted. Always check your change. Note that very few businesses here will accept payment by credit card.
Bring comfortable cool and casual clothing to wear. It is important to remember and respect that you are coming to a country where women dress discreetly and are generally well covered. It is acceptable to dress in sleeveless tops (as it is VERY warm and humid) however plunging necklines or bare midriffs are not appropriate. And no short shorts or short skirts while teaching please. Similarly for men, t-shirts or short sleeved shirts are most appropriate.
Items such as books, pens and crayons are very cheap and readily available in Siem Reap. However, imported educational resources such as blocks and felt pens, are very expensive. Feeding Dreams would greatly appreciate any donations for our very poor students and their families.
Click here to discover our most useful donation items on our current Wishlist.
Please seek guidance from your local Doctor on the vaccinations required for Cambodia or follow your country’s Government Travel and Health Advisory Service.
Feeding Dreams strongly recommends you purchase Travel Insurance. It’s sensible when travelling to be protected against belongings being lost or stolen, changes of travel itinerary and medically related incidents.
Cambodia is a developing country and quality health care is limited. If a serious illness or accident occurs, Siem Reap has its own International hospital but air evacuation to a neighbouring equipped hospital may be required.
Feeding Dreams Cambodia is not liable for any loss, damage, health issues or injuries you may incur during your volunteer period.
Free WIFI is everywhere in Cambodia so if you wish to bring your laptop you’ll be easily able to access the internet in restaurants, cafes or bars.
There are also many Internet Cafes where you can use a computer at a very low cost. Long distance phone calls can also be made from these internet centres for reasonable rates.
It is possible to buy a local phone SIM card for around US$5 and buy credit to make calls on your phone. Alternatively, consider buying an E-SIM.
Cambodia is a developing third-world country, still rebuilding itself from years of genocide and atrocity. The people of Cambodia are incredibly resilient and welcoming. Despite their daily struggles and level of poverty, they smile widely and often.
It is however very important to respect the way of life here. Not everything happens quickly and efficiently and sometimes the response in this environment needs some patience, understanding and a positive attitude.
It’s relatively warm all year round. April and May are usually the hottest and the most humid. The most popular time to visit is in November through to February when it is cool and dry but keep in mind it can be busy for sightseeing, restaurants etc.
The wet season is traditionally from about mid -May through to October and although there are frequent afternoon downpours, it can be a delightful time to visit and lesser crowds. The regular thunderstorms and showers cool things down and it becomes less dusty, clearer and greener.
The official language of Cambodia is Khmer. Phrasebooks and dictionaries can be purchased from book stores but simple greetings and responses can all be easily learnt with practice and repetition and despite how you pronounce the words, your attempts to speak Khmer will be richly rewarded – they will love you for trying!
Our Khmer staff members at Feeding Dreams are always available if you need anything translated in detail. Most speak very good English and always value the chance to have a chat.
If you have any further questions or would like to know something specific, please feel welcome to Contact Us – We are always here to help.