PUBLIC HEALTH INTERNSHIP IN CAMBODIA
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Help create impactful health education resources for a grassroots NGO in Cambodia
This Public Health Program Development Internship in Cambodia offers an opportunity to contribute to sustainable health education initiatives by focusing on research, content creation, and program design. Based in Siem Reap, you’ll work alongside a passionate team at a grassroots organization to research, design, and develop public health workshops targeting youth, caregivers, and community members.
Interns will conduct research into pressing public health topics relevant to Cambodia and create educational materials for workshops on health, hygiene, mental health, maternal care, and environmental sustainability. This Public Health Internship is ideal for students or graduates in Public Health, Global Health, or Health Education who are passionate about community-driven health promotion and cross-cultural collaboration and curious to get involved in the behind-the-scenes work of putting together workshops.
Learning Objectives
- Strengthen research and content development skills for health education initiatives
- Develop an understanding of key public health challenges in Cambodia
- Gain experience in culturally sensitive communication and educational material design
- Build practical knowledge of community-based public health program development
ORGANIZATION
This organization is a social impact nonprofit focused on breaking the cycle of poverty and reducing the socio-economic gap in Siem Reap, Cambodia through education. REACH Siem Reap provides English classes alongside a range of integrated programs.
They take a holistic approach to education initiatives and when enrolling children into their school, they provide their families with all-rounded support. Their aim is to provide children with both quality education and a safe environment to grow so that one day they can find fair employment and break free from poverty.
TASKS & REQUIreMENTS
This Public Health Internship is designed to align with your academic background, skills, and interests, offering a tailored experience within the NGO’s outreach and education team. You will focus exclusively on research, material creation, and workshop development, supporting sustainable community impact while gaining valuable professional experience.
Note: this opportunity does not include workshop facilitation – it is purely on the development and creation side of public health workshops.
Responsibilities
- Conduct research on public health issues, trends, and target audiences in Cambodia
- Develop educational content for workshops on topics like health, first aid, mental health, and infectious diseases
- Create supporting materials such as presentations, handouts, worksheets, and guides
- Collaborate with the outreach and leadership teams to refine workshop outlines and learning objectives
- Ensure that content is culturally appropriate, accessible, and evidence-based
- Support the design of interactive and engaging workshop activities
- Stay updated with current global and local public health data
- Provide feedback and edits on workshop drafts to improve clarity and impact
Requirements
- Studying or recently completed a degree in Public Health, Health Education, or a related field
- Strong research and content development skills
- Excellent written communication abilities
- Interest in health education, community development, and global health
- Adaptability, independence, and strong attention to detail
- Sensitivity to cultural nuances and commitment to ethical engagement
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
You’ll be based in Siem Reap, Cambodia’s second-largest city and the capital of Siem Reap Province. The city boasts a blend of French colonial and Chinese architectural influences and offers an array of attractions including museums, traditional Apsara dance performances, a Cambodian cultural village, and a diverse cuisine and nightlife. Most notably, Siem Reap is home to the renowned Angkor Wat temples pictured on Cambodia’s flag.
Accommodation is organized on a case-by-case basis from a selection of guesthouses and hotels. Each apartment is well-equipped with comfortable rooms, laundry, a kitchen, and Wifi. The guesthouse options include breakfast; there is not a shared kitchen for guests to use, but there is a restaurant on-site and plenty of local spots nearby to try out. Interns will also have the option to join for two meals at the organization’s center.
Safety & Support
Safety & Support
Cambodians are very friendly and although most visits are trouble-free, petty crime (e.g. bag or phone snatches) does occur. Make sure to visit your doctor and dentist for a check-up before your internship and to get all the recommended vaccines and/or medications necessary to stay healthy. Malaria risk is present throughout the year in all areas except Phnom Penh, other main cities, Angkor Wat, Siem Reap and close to Tonle Sap. Depending on your travel plans, consult your local health clinic for advice on malaria precautions.
Communication
Communication
Mobile network in the bigger cities is generally good, but you might not be able to use your phone in the more rural areas. Note that global roaming is often very expensive in Cambodia, so you might want to consider buying a local SIM card.
Meals
Meals
You’ll be able to prepare your own meals at your accommodation and you have the option to join the 3:30PM meal at the organization’s center. There are also a variety of restaurants, bars, cafes, and street food to try out around Siem Reap.
Location details
Location details
You’ll be based in Siem Reap, Cambodia’s second-largest city and the capital of Siem Reap Province. The city boasts a blend of French colonial and Chinese architectural influences and offers an array of attractions including museums, traditional Apsara dance performances, a Cambodian cultural village, and a diverse cuisine and nightlife. Most notably, Siem Reap is home to the renowned Angkor Wat temples pictured on Cambodia’s flag.
DATES & RATES
Fee Breakdown
Internship dates are flexible. The exact start and end dates will be discussed with you during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (2025 rates)
The rate depends on the type of available accommodation, but for a private apartment they start at:
12 weeks USD 2,025
16 weeks USD 2,326
20 weeks USD 2,628
26 weeks USD 3,066
Inclusions
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes
- An academic internship eligible for university credit. Check with your university to confirm if this internship qualifies for credit or alternatively we can assist you with purchasing transfer credits.
- Accommodation in an apartment in town. Please contact us for availability and prices. It’s also possible to stay in a single room in a guesthouse (additional fee applies).
- Airport transfer upon arrival
- Option to join 3:30PM meal at the organization’s center
- Wifi access
- Guidance with your visa arrangement and other preparations
- Development of an Internship Work Plan to help you reach your learning goals
- An orientation program with your supervisor
- Regular check-ins during your internship
- Support from the Roots team remotely
- A certificate of completion at the end of your internship
- A reference letter upon request
Exclusions
- Flights to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport
- Visa and medical/travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Meals
- Transport to the office
- Airport transfer upon departure
- Electricity bill in case of staying in an apartment, the costs vary depending on your usage (between USD 30-100 per month)
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
GALLERY
FAQs
Some of our most commonly asked questions for programs in Cambodia.
What can I expect from an internship in Cambodia?
Participating in an internship in Cambodia guarantees a dynamic and enriching experience. This Southeast Asian gem, known for its profound historical legacy and cultural heritage, serves as a unique backdrop for both professional development and personal growth. Interns can expect to gain valuable knowledge in various sectors, actively contributing to impactful projects, and immersing themselves in the local culture. Whether working in urban centers or rural communities, these internships offer exposure to diverse challenges and opportunities, fostering an in-depth understanding of Cambodia’s social, economic, and cultural landscapes. Beyond the workplace, the chance to explore historical sites, engage with the warm and welcoming community, and savor the local cuisine adds an extra layer of richness to this internship adventure. If the possibility of undertaking this internship has piqued your interest, explore further to discover the motivations for pursuing an internship in Cambodia and uncover the distinctive experience this country holds for you.
How will a nonprofit internship in Cambodia help my career development?
Embarking on a nonprofit internship in Cambodia offers a transformative experience for career development. Your involvement contributes to meaningful initiatives, as you become part of a greater endeavor dedicated to grassroots projects. This opportunity allows you to apply your skills to a worthwhile cause, creating a tangible difference in the community. By being a vital component of something larger than yourself, you forge deeper connections with local communities, gaining priceless insights into their challenges and strengths. This immersive experience not only enhances your professional skills but also nurtures a sense of social responsibility, positioning you as a well-rounded and socially conscious professional. Delve deeper to explore the career benefits of participating in a charity internship.
How can I prepare for my internship?
Prepare for your upcoming adventure by immersing yourself in the vibrant history and culture of Cambodia. Take the time to reflect on your internship goals, envisioning the impact you hope to make during this enriching experience. Be reassured that our support goes beyond mere preparation – we are your partners throughout this journey. Feel empowered to contact us with any questions related to placement logistics, matchmaking, or for guidance on visa and insurance matters. Throughout your placement we’ll check in regularly and make sure you’re on track to reach your goals. We’re dedicated to assisting you at every stage of your experience, ensuring a smooth and rewarding journey.
Can I get university credit for an internship in Cambodia?
Undoubtedly! Numerous interns have successfully earned university credit for their experiences in Cambodia. To ensure a seamless process, consult with your academic supervisor or the relevant department at your university. They can provide guidance on specific requirements and procedures for obtaining credit. Moreover, you have the option to purchase transfer credits, enhancing the overall value of your internship journey.
REVIEWS
Alexandra, American – Loyola Marymount University
Technical Support Internship, Cambodia
QUICK FACTS
FEATURED REVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
- Design educational workshops that promote community health and well-being
- Gain hands-on experience in public health research and program development
- Collaborate with an inspiring grassroots organization in Cambodia
- Build cross-cultural communication and content adaptation skills
- Live and work in Cambodia
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us.
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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