I am looking for volunteers who enjoy working as a team toward a common goal of improving the life of people and their families. The excitement of exploration of new and different cultures and a willingness to learn and respect others ways of life are a must. Team members should be flexible, have a sense of humor, be willing to work alongside others and have a passion for helping those in need.

About Cambodia
Cambodia is located in southeastern Asia, bordering the Gulf of Thailand, between Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. The mighty Mekong River dominates the country’s fertile landscape, and the Angkor Wat temple complex is one of the most treasured and visited sites in the entire region.

Ninety percent of Cambodia's population is ethnically Cambodian and Theravada Buddhism is the religion of about 95 percent of the people. Khmer is the official language, though French is still spoken in urban areas and English is increasingly popular as a second language. The climate in Cambodia is tropical.

This Global Village team will be volunteering in Siem Reap, in northwest Cambodia. The city’s historic core features both French and Chinese architecture, and is the fastest-growing city in Cambodia. Siem Reap is also the gateway to the ruins of Angkor – the ancient Khmer dynasty’s capital that includes the Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

About Habitat for Humanity Cambodia
Habitat Cambodia aims to reduce poverty by empowering communities to improve their access to affordable and basic services and better living conditions. Habitat has already started a program of building new homes and rehabilitating existing homes in Cambodia.

Still, housing problems are widespread. In Cambodia, rural households account for nearly 90 percent of the country's poor, with 85 percent of the population living in rural areas. In Siem Reap, thousands of rural families who have moved to the city for job opportunities live in substandard housing.

Types of construction for volunteers
Cambodian Habitat houses are usually 31.5 sq. m. in size. The walls are made from fired brick with a reinforced concrete post. The layout consists of a living room, bedroom and kitchen with a toilet.

Work on a Global Village trip may involve laying bricks and mixing mortar, digging foundations, pouring cement or plastering the walls. It is a fun and extremely rewarding way to contribute to Cambodian society.

Standard itinerary
Day 1 (typically Friday): Depart for Cambodia.
Day 2 (Saturday): Travel day.
Day 3 (Sunday): Travel to host project site; welcome and orientation with local staff; dinner and free time.
Days 5–8 (typical workdays, Monday–Friday): Breakfast at accommodations or local restaurant; work from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., with lunch on-site; free time after work to clean up; dinner at local restaurant; time for team activities.
Days 9 (Saturday): Free days for activities in local community and sightseeing.
Day 10 (Sunday): Depart for home. 

Note: Cultural experiences during the trip may include market tours, museum visits and historical sites, as well as other outdoor opportunities. The final building day will also feature a farewell ceremony with partner family members.

Accommodations
Global Village teams to Cambodia can expect to stay in a local hotel with team members sharing rooms and bathrooms. Breakfast and dinner are usually eaten at the hotel or at a local restaurant, and lunch is usually provided by the affiliate and taken on the work site.

Program cost
US$1,750
For more details about what is included in this cost, visit Global Village program cost.

Increase your impact: Take the GV Challenge
Habitat for Humanity is accelerating its work to end poverty housing, and we need Global Village teams to help. Set a goal and fundraise to make your impact last longer than the days you’re in the field. Your support builds more homes, creates resource centers, educates families, and advances our projects to build sustainable communities. We’ll even provide tools to make fundraising easy. Take the GV Challenge --- join us in sharing our story and building a better world.

Team leader: Louis Cappiello
I have traveled to Asia more than a dozen times since 2006 serving on medical mission trips to Vietnam and Cambodia for the nonprofit organization Vets With A Mission (vwam.org). I have also served as an Earthwatch volunteer to Vietnam. I have participated in Habitat for Humanity teams in both Cambodia and Vietnam and look forward to leading this first team. I live in northern Maine with my wife, Connie, and work at the local medical center as a pharmacist. I am also an artist and writer and I am currently working on publishing a book of my artwork and writings compiled during my travels to Asia.

You can contact me by email at habitatseimreap2014@gmail.com or phone at 973-650-1829. I really appreciate your interest in this build and would consider it an honor to serve and work alongside you.