Why Volunteer with vMaD?

vMaD - Ethical Non Profit Volunteer Programs in Cambodia at low prices, with 24 hour in-Country support

Live at MaD Base Camp

All vMaD volunteers now stay with us at MaD Base Camp: our family home and NGO headquarters. We are situated just a few minutes from the centre of Siem Reap, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre but close enough to give volunteers the opportunity to experience the city whenever they wish. Volunteers live with the MaD family, including our Khmer team and a whole host of animals. They are also provided with exquisite meals cooked by professional chefs from our MaD Eatery Restaurant. Read more about MaD Base Camp.

Work in the heart of rural Cambodia

80% of Cambodians live in rural areas, yet many tourists and volunteers working with other organizations only ever see the towns of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. vMaD is different – our volunteers work in the heart of rural Cambodia alongside our Khmer team and the people they are helping, giving them a rich, immersive and unique cultural experience. 

Great value for money

We have very low prices compared to other volunteer placement organizations working in Cambodia, and our program fees also include a lot of extras which other organizations do not offer. So how is it that we can have low prices, and offer a better service? Two reasons. Firstly, unlike many volunteer placement organizations, we are a charity – we are not trying to profit off of volunteers who have ethical intentions. Secondly, because all of our staff & admin costs are based in Cambodia, we have much lower costs then other volunteer placement organizations, even the ones that are charities! 

No hidden costs

What you see is what you get with vMaD! There are no hidden costs and we state clearly up front what is and is not included. Many other organizations will ask you to contribute an extra $5 to $6 for project transport or to use the air-conditioning in your room. And the cost of having to buy your own breakfast, lunch, dinner, water and hot drinks can easily add up to $20 per day! All of these are included in the cost with vMaD – as is accommodation, pre-departure support, in-country support, airport pick-up & airport drop-off via Cambodian Tuk Tuk, MaD T-Shirt and a sizable donation to our projects. Please note that you will incur a small transfer fee when paying your deposit via Western Union, Moneygram or SWIFT.

We are a non profit - 100% of money raised supports our charitable projects

vMaD is the volunteer recruitment arm of the non profit organization / charity MaD Cambodia, and 100% of profits support MaD Cambodia. Without volunteer fees, our projects would not be able to continue. After paying the costs associated with your volunteer program (accommodation, transport, etc) 100% of your fee is spent on our projects - such as providing school materials for children as part of our children's welfare program or building an improved sanitation facility.

We’re ethical

We are an ethical non profit volunteer placement organization. Volunteering creates local employment, helps make our & our partner’s projects more sustainable, and volunteers are always needed on the projects where they work – we don’t recruit volunteers just for the sake of it! Read our ethical volunteering policy to find out more.

We keep going all year-round

vMaD’s projects operate all year round – we carry on working to make a difference for good, regardless of whether or not you are here! You select the exact dates you wish to volunteer when you apply [subject to placements being available]. We do NOT tell you when you can volunteer!

We believe in QUALITY over quantity

We always endeavor to never have more than an average of 2 volunteers per project for the duration of the placement (except for community development, which has a maximum of 4). Our focus is on quality over quantity – we are not here to churn through as many volunteers as possible for the sake of achieving numbers. It is essential you book well in advance to avoid disappointment as our volunteer placements are in high demand. Apply Now! Note: exceptions may be made for groups of volunteers. Contact us for more info!

We support you

Our Cambodian team will work hard to support you pre-departure, in-country and post-departure. We strive to answer every question via email within 24 hours, and once you are here you will be provided with a full induction, a welcome pack including local maps & guidebooks, and all the materials you need to volunteer effectively. Our team is on hand 24 hours a day to help you with any issues you may have, and weekly informal progress meetings are held with a member of management for you to give feedback on your placement.

We offer short term placements

Most of our volunteer programs require a minimum volunteer work commitment of only one week. One week placements are ideal for those who only have a short-time to spare, such as those taking a break from work.

Accessible & flexible

For most programs, you don't need any skills or qualifications to do volunteer work in Cambodia with vMaD. But you do need certain character traits, such as initiative, enthusiasm, an open mind, tolerance, and patience. Read ‘The Reality of Volunteer Work in Cambodia’ to see if you are the type of person we are looking for.

Our volunteer programs are also available to many different types of volunteers. Whether you are volunteering alone, as a couple, a group, afamily or as a school or youth group, there is a place for you at vMaD. 

Read the story of one Volunteer who supported the Medical Program for 6 months - this is his personal story! READ Pages 34 - 37