Cambodia
Director's Welcome
Whether you are a potential applicant to Peace Corps, an interested friend or family member of an aspiring Volunteer, or simply someone brimming with curiosity, this website will acquaint you with the unique character of Peace Corps service in this great nation. At the links on this page, you can read stories and watch videos created by Volunteers to share their life experiences and service. If you are preparing to become a Volunteer in Cambodia, please pay particular attention to the sections on living conditions, training, health, safety and security, diversity and inclusion, and the packing list. The more thoughtful you are about your upcoming service, the smoother your integration here will be.
Cambodia has a proud and ancient history. The legacy of the Angkor Kingdom shines brightly in Siem Reap, home to Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. Tales of the rise and fall of kings and vast kingdoms abound in Cambodian lore. In the last half of the 20th century, however, Cambodia’s story was a tragic one, defined by the Khmer Rouge era, replete with devastating destruction and suffering. Yet, the true story of Cambodia lies elsewhere -- in the enduring spirit of its people, in its children who are reaching for the future, and in the rich culture Cambodians have struggled to reclaim and rebuild after years of conflict and genocide. Volunteers serving here are fortunate to be part of this story and to be welcomed by a society that values their contributions to realize a prosperous future.
Volunteers frequently speak of the profound impact their relationships with Cambodians have had on their lives. They live with host families throughout their service and enjoy an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in community and family life, exchange culture with friends and colleagues, and contribute to the change happening all around us. Cambodian families and counterparts who host Volunteers in turn express how meaningfully these relationships have touched their lives. Peace Corps’ mission is world peace and friendship. No place is that mission more vibrantly lived by Peace Corps Volunteers than in Cambodia.
Kim Mansaray
Country Director
