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- Music, Drama & Dance Volunteer Project in Cambodia
What is the Music, Drama & Dance Volunteering in Cambodia all about?
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Join us for Music, Drama and Dance Volunteering in Cambodia and work in various NGO’s and bring new music and dance techniques to the eagerly awaiting students in Siem Reap province. Most NGO’s working with children offer some form of music, dance or drama classes but often lack the skills or resources to do this regularly or to a high standard.
The projects are keen to make sure the children get exposed to a wide variety of techniques. It is also a great way for the children to have fun and to express themselves. Many children do not have toys or the time to spend on creative activities such as dance and therefore the outlet provided by these projects is an important part of their development.
Dancing is a popular aspect of Khmer culture and is embraced by young and old, rich and poor. Males and females are equally passionate about sharing their dance moves and learning new routines. They will happily teach you new dances while learning those that you are there to teach. Volunteer on this dance placement and you will not only share your skills and enthusiasm but also leave a legacy as your music and movements will certainly continue once you return home.
Why choose this Music, Drama & Dance Volunteering project?
Most NGOs believe that volunteers have their own special talents to share and value the fresh perspectives that new volunteers bring. Not only do the children learn new skills and techniques from volunteers, by taking part in the performances, but this also increases their confidence and gives them a real sense of achievement once their performance is complete. NGOs do not have the time to put together anything beyond simple music, dance and drama classes. Volunteers will normally set up a performance and towards the end of the volunteers stay, the students can perform their performance to their family and friends. It is a really rewarding placement and one that brings joy to everyone involved as they rarely have the opportunity to do this.
Role of the Arts Volunteer
Your role will largely depend on your skills and experience. You can run anything from small sessions with groups of children, to a large performance, but remembering that most of the children will speak Khmer. You may be asked to lead a regular dance class, create and run a performance or participate in a regular dance or performance activity. The project needs and activities vary greatly and this will be determined once your availability, skills, experience and objectives are determined.
What skills do I need to be an Arts Volunteer in Cambodia?
Volunteers wanting to join us for Music, Drama and Dance Volunteering in Cambodia should have experience in music, dance, or drama and those with teaching experience in these areas are preferred but this is by no means essential. Dance, drama and music students will enjoy this placement. Volunteers must also have lots of energy and enthusiasm to keep up with the students! Resources are scarce and therefore those who come with ideas about how to make instruments will be very popular.
Because we work with a number of different placements in the area, we like to conduct telephone interviews with volunteers to find out their skills and what they are looking for. That way we can make sure you are placed in the most appropriate placement for you. You will be asked to send your CV/resume before being accepted onto this project. You will also be asked to send a letter of motivation, medical certificate and 2 references from a former teacher or employer.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
To share your music, dance and drama talents with children
To bring creativity and fun into children’s education
To do something you love whilst making a difference to others
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS
Where will I work in Cambodia?
About the Location
Our volunteering projects are all based in Siem Reap, Cambodia’s most visited city due to its proximity to the magnificent Angkor Wat Temple.
When translated, “Siem Reap” literally means “Siam Defeated”, which serves as a reminder of the centuries-old conflict between the Siamese and the Khmer. The Khmer society is a very friendly culture and the people are always celebrating different occasions whether it is life, marriage or death. You will often be invited to events and will hear loud music being played throughout the day and night. Even home renovations are celebrated by playing loud music with friends and family.
Make sure you try out the traditional Cambodian greeting with the locals during your time on the project. The greeting is called ‘Sompeah’ and it is performed by pressing your palms together and bowing slightly.
Accommodation
All volunteers in Siem Reap will stay at a local guesthouse located just off the main airport road with very close access to all the amenities Siem Reap has to offer. The rooms at the house consist of a standard room with an ensuite and a fan. You will have a room to yourself, however, if you wish to share with a friend or family member then we will try to accommodate this as well. There is a large dining room that has WIFI access so you can bring your laptop or iPad with you. For the weekends a nearby guesthouse allows you to swim for a small fee – a bonus during those warm months!
What to do in your spare time
Despite the hoards of tourists, it’s still easy to get a feel for authentic Cambodian life in Siem Reap. Use your bicycle and explore the back streets and on your days off why not head to a barrai (a lake) where you can hang out with the locals. Why not go to one of the Khmer Beer Gardens with friends from your projects? You’ll be sure to have a great time! Siem Reap is also located about 6 hours by bus from Phnom Penh or 3 hours to Battambong where you can explore the caves or take the unique bamboo train.
Siem Reap has thousands of visitors each year due to the undeniable attraction of the temples in the Angkor Wat complex. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, as your accommodation is located only 5 km from the Angkor Wat Temple entrance. It is a sight no visitor should miss!
Siem Reap also has several markets where a good bargain can be found. Whether it is a small silver trinket, a t-shirt, or a painting, always look for the best price (but remember to be fair).
Kulen Mountain National Park is another destination not to be missed. Here you will come across a magnificent waterfall close by to a picnic area, making a great spot for you and other volunteers to spend the afternoon. You can also visit the Thousand Lingas at Kbal Spean (which represent the Hindu deity Shiva) and Preah Ang Thom Pagoda where you can see the giant reclining Buddha.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 4+ weeks
- Cost: £1309/$2043 for 4 weeks, see drop-down menu for additional weekly pricing.
- Requirements: Age 18+
- Location: Siem Reap, Cambodia
- Working hours: Varies depending on project
- Project availability: All year round
- Arrival day: Sunday
What is included
- Accommodation: Single room, with fan and private bathroom in a guest house, safety deposit box available, communal dining area
- Food: breakfast (restaurant open all day for other meals)
- Airport pickup and drop off from Siem Reap International Airport
- Training: Pre-departure information pack, 2.5 day in-depth orientation, including Child Protection course, and project induction provided
- Bicycle for your personal use.
- Support: 24 hour support from on-site coordinator
- Wifi at accommodation
- Activities: Support booking trips locally to Angkor Wat and floating village.
- Fundraising Guide
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Arrangement of Work Permit in country cost $100
- Transport to and from your place of work
- Police/Government Background Check; US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies) all other nationalities must provide local police check.
- Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure and in-country
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Apply for a Kaya program and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.
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