Volunteer Review

I volunteered with Voluntry Services Oversees on the International Citizen Service scheme. I was sent to Cambodia, the placement does not allow you to choose where in the world you volunteer. I lived with a Cambodian volunteer in a host home which was an amazing way to explore local culture, however there were problems caused by the cross-cultural environment that were very hard to address.

The International Citizen Service programme mean volunteers work with cross-cultural groups from the UK and the placement country. We were given some information about how to best approach this relationship however, several problems arose whilst working with national male volunteers and with volunteer who were older as local culture dictates that these groups have more power in the workplace.

The programme was run by a Cambodian VSO staff member who oversaw all financial decisions and who was often on hand to help with conflicts within the team whilst at work. The team was also led by two team leaders, one UK, one cambodian. They proved excellent pofessional pastoral support for the entire placement.

Our office hours were set from 8-5 Monday to Friday, Cambodians traditionally take a 2 hour lunch break. This schedule was changed when it was easier to run activities on Sunday mornings. However, it was always ensured that we were provided 2 days off a week in order to take social trips and explore the local area.

We were split in to several different teams and were completely responsible for planning our day day day activities in order to complete the aims of the project. We were also put in charge of a budget where we would have to prove how, when and where the money was spent as well as showing how we were contributing towards the aim of the project

The placement really helped me to develop my cross-cultural communication skills and leadership skills which I would not have been able to develop in many other placements. I am studying Anthropology and the placement has helped me to study, interpret and evaluate varied cultural norms outside of the classroom setting.

The atmosphere was generally good and there’s were lots of opportunities to leave the office and interact with the local community the rough teaching and building activities. The team leaders were excellent at helping to resolve conflict when it arose and before it began to effect the work being carried out.

Whilst on placement organisation was coordinated by the volunteers and team leaders and much discussion took place to ensure everyone was happy. The organisation pre-placement and post-placement was varied. Getting in contact with the relevant person within VSO could be challenging. There was also issues with the amount of information provided as some did not even know their project before they arrived in community.

I attended a pre-placement weekend where VSO ensured all question were answered as best they could be. There was several days of training provided when we first arrived in Cambodia and 3different occasions of one-on-one evaluation and feedback session held with the team leaders. We were always encouraged to recognise how we were progressing professionally throughout the placement.

The placement further interested me in a career in international development and through staying in touch with Voluntry Services Oversees they made it clear that career could be available for past volunteers. However, the world of international development can be very competive especially if you wish to work outside the UK.

We were not allowed out at night due to different insurance risks. However, on our days off we often travelled to near by temples and tourist sites. There was disquiet in the group when we were not able to go to Angkor wat, one of the most famous tourist sites in south east Asia, but it was decided this would encroach on our time in the community.

Volunteers were given an allowance to buy lunch with everyday. There were many options in the area and meals very rarely exceeded $2-3. The group ensured that all social activities could be undertaken by the whole group and would not be a financial burden to anyone. We were provided with food in the host homes where we stayed and only had to buy lunch.

Due to the cultural norms of the community where we stayed, it’s lovation and the policy of VSO the programme was a dry programme and we were not permitted out after 7.30/dark. This was to ensure the safety of the volunteers throughout the course of our time there and to help intergrate into the community without offending any cultural norms.

Through living in a host home we became involved with everyday life in the village often being invited to social gathering and a couple of wedding that took place whilst we were there. There was a team dedicated to organising activities for our days off so that there were always activities to get involved in.