Teach English in Cambodia at a Rural Community School

MONO International School is a small private school established in 2017 in the rural Thma Bang District of Koh Kong Province, Cambodia. The school provides registered kindergarten education in the mornings, after-school support for public-school students in Grades 1–6, and part-time English and practical skills classes.

Volunteer Now

Mak and the local teaching team welcome international volunteers who would like to contribute to children’s education while experiencing everyday life in a rural Cambodian community. Meeting people from different countries gives students valuable opportunities to practise English, develop their communication skills and learn about other cultures.

The school is also working towards introducing computer and digital skills training, recognising the importance of technology in children’s future education and employment. Volunteers with relevant knowledge and experience would be particularly welcome to help develop this programme.

This is an opportunity to become part of a small school community, exchange ideas with local teachers and make a positive contribution to children’s learning. In return, volunteers can discover Cambodian culture, enjoy the natural surroundings and build meaningful connections with local people.

Tasks & Roles

Volunteers work alongside local teachers, supporting classroom activities and helping create an enjoyable learning environment. The main focus is English practice, with opportunities to assist children through conversations, reading, songs, games, drawing, colouring, arts and crafts, and other interactive activities.

Students from kindergarten through to Grade 6 benefit from practising English with international visitors. Older part-time students particularly appreciate the chance to have natural conversations with native and fluent English speakers. Local teachers remain involved in the activities and can provide language assistance and classroom guidance where necessary.

Those with computer knowledge or digital skills can help the school explore practical ways to introduce technology into lessons. Although MONO does not yet have a dedicated computer classroom, volunteers can share ideas and help develop suitable activities for students.

There are also opportunities to contribute outside the classroom. Creative volunteers can help brighten the school with paintings, decorations, classroom displays and art projects involving the children. Others may enjoy helping with planting, maintaining green areas or creating a small educational garden where students can learn about plants and the environment.

The school is interested in volunteers who can bring their own interests and abilities to the community. Previous teaching experience is not essential, but patience, reliability, flexibility and a genuine interest in working with children are important.

Living & Getting There

Volunteers are accommodated in clean and comfortable private sleeping rooms on the upper floor of the school’s residential building. The spacious upstairs area has wooden flooring and three separate rooms, which can accommodate individual volunteers, couples or friends who prefer their own rooms. Each room is simply furnished with a comfortable mattress, pillow, fresh bedding, a blanket and a mosquito net, along with space for personal belongings.

Bathrooms are located downstairs and are maintained to a good standard. Separate facilities are available for the host family, students, and staff, teachers and volunteers.

Full board is included, with breakfast, lunch and dinner provided. Breakfast is self-service, with basic foods and drinks such as bread, eggs, milk, fruit, tea and coffee available. Lunch and dinner are generally shared Cambodian-style meals, offering an opportunity to enjoy local food and spend time with the school community. Occasionally, volunteers may also have the chance to prepare a favourite dish or cook together with the team.

The nearest major international airport is Techo International Airport (KTI), near Phnom Penh. From there, volunteers need to arrange onward transport towards Koh Kong Province and continue to Thma Bang District.

Volunteers are responsible for booking and paying for their own transport. Mak and the team can provide directions and help plan the journey, including coordinating a possible collection from a suitable bus station or meeting point where arrangements allow. The school does not currently have a vehicle or school bus for regular airport transfers, so volunteers should contact the school before booking their final journey to discuss the available options.

What else

MONO is surrounded by the natural beauty of rural Koh Kong Province, with mountains, forests, rivers, streams and waterfalls. The area offers a peaceful setting away from Cambodia’s busier tourist destinations, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Local families grow a variety of fruit and vegetables, including durian, bananas, avocados and passion fruit. During free time, volunteers can explore nearby villages, visit local families, go fishing, enjoy a swim in suitable areas or take a walk to discover the surrounding countryside. Short hikes can lead to impressive mountain views, sometimes with clouds drifting around the peaks.

For longer outings, Koh Kong town and the nearby coastal areas offer beaches, rivers, mangrove forests and beautiful stretches of coastline. Weekends are free from regular school duties, giving volunteers time to relax or explore. The school also has bicycles and a motorbike that may be available for volunteers to use, subject to prior agreement, availability and appropriate safety arrangements.

There may also be opportunities to join teachers, students and local families for informal activities such as picnics, fishing trips, hikes, local celebrations and community events. These experiences depend on the season and what is happening during a volunteer’s stay.

Volunteers normally help from Monday to Friday, with weekends free. As this is a school environment, children’s safety and wellbeing always come first. Everyone is expected to follow school rules, respect students’ privacy, maintain appropriate boundaries and act as a positive role model.

The school welcomes responsible and open-minded people who are comfortable with simple rural living and interested in cultural exchange. No formal teaching qualifications are required, just a willingness to share knowledge, contribute ideas and work respectfully alongside local staff.

The aim is to create a rewarding exchange in which volunteers share their language, culture and skills while learning about Cambodian education, community life and local traditions.