written by Islaylg on 16/08/2013
Volunteering with Original Volunteers in Cambodia was a brilliant experience and definitely value for money. A friend and I did our two weeks when we were 18 and although we were the youngest out of all of the volunteers (only by about a year) we felt very welcomed and after the end of our time we were upset we couldn't stay for longer. The project coordinator was very friendly and along with the other volunteers eased us into the teaching, firstly placing us in classes as helpers and later on we led classes ourselves. The experience was incredibly rewarding and as well as insightful into the Cambodian culture. I have recommended original volunteers to friends who have then volunteered on different projects and have greatly enjoyed their time as well. I felt very secure and at ease, which is remarkable as it was my first time so far away from home without my family or a large group of friends. We were picked up from the airport by our project co-coordinator and trips were organised at the weekend for us to see different areas of the country with the other volunteers, we were very well looked after and had a great time. Hopefully in the future I will be able to go back to that project but I am also keen to branch out and try other volunteering opportunities in different countries organised by Original Volunteers.