Questions & answers about volunteering :

Questions & answers about volunteering

We answer all the questions you may have about volunteering! 

Apply for a voluntary mission at Pour un Sourire d'Enfant

  • Who can volunteer at Pour un Sourire d'Enfant?

Pour un Sourire d'Enfant does not impose any particular restrictions (for example, there is no age limit for applying). On the other hand, your profile must correspond to the needs of the local team (studies, skills, minimum 6 month commitment...).

  • How do I apply for a humanitarian mission with Pour un Sourire d'Enfant?

Once you have checked that you meet the conditions to become a volunteer with the association and that an opportunity matches your profile, you can apply directly online or by seding your CV and a cover letter to [email protected]

  • How does the volunteer selection process work?

We review all applications but unfortunately we cannot reply to all of them. If you do not hear from us within three weeks of your application, you can assume that we are not able to take your application forward. 

If your profile matches our needs, we will contact you again to arrange a telephone interview.

Pre-departure preparation is offered to all volunteers.

  • How to apply for PSE Camps?

Go to the webpage about the PSE Camps for details of how to apply and fill the form to submit your application.

  • How can I do a Volunteering for International Solidarity (VSI) with Pour un Sourire d'Enfant?

It is a type of status defined by Europe, in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At Pour un Sourire d'Enfant, VSI contracts are reserved for candidates with specific skills and expertise that the association cannot find in Cambodia. The missions last between 1 and 6 years and the remuneration varies according to the position and the profile.

Preparing to leave

  • Do I need a visa to come to Cambodia?

The visas policy changes regularly. At present, volunteers can benefit from a free courtesy visa for the first 3 months, to be requested from the Cambodian embassy before departure, by providing a mission offer made by Pour un Sourire d'Enfant. The visa will be extended in Phnom Penh with the help of our team on-site;

Please note that when you arrive at the airport in Cambodia, the immigration police will stamp your passport. Don't forget to check and ask to have the same duration as the one written on your visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. 

  • Are there any particular health risks in Cambodia?

We strongly recommend that you have a medical check-up with your doctor about three months before departure, in order to check your vaccinations and your ability for a stay in Cambodia.

You must be up to date with the vaccination schedule. Vaccinations for typhoid and hepatitis A are strongly recommended. Japanese encephalitis: recommended for people who will be staying in rural areas. Rabies is also present in Cambodia.

  • Do I need to take out insurance before travelling to Cambodia?

It is a REQUIREMENT to have an assistance contract or an insurance policy that covers all medical expenses (surgery, hospitalisation...) and medical repatriation, as hospital and health expenses can be very high abroad. Check that your assistance or insurance contract provides for the advance payment of expenses. Pour un Sourire d'Enfant will ask you for a certificate before your departure.

My voluntary mission in Cambodia

  • How do I get to the Pour un Sourire d'Enfant centre in Phnom Penh?

Welcoming you to the Centre can only be done on a weekday, from Monday to Friday, and during the day, from 7am to 6pm. Once your arrival day and time is confirmed before departure, then you will be met at the airport. Otherwise you will need to book a room in a hotel or guesthouse. A tuk tuk from the airport to the city centre costs about $9. 

A mentor will guide you through your first steps. They will give you your schedule and take you to the HR department so you can get your access badge to the Centre and receive a general briefing. 

In order to facilitate your integration, do not hesitate to approach people you meet in the Centre. Introduce yourself, ask questions. That's how it works at Pour un Sourire d'Enfant!

  • Will I be accommodated at PSE?

Accomodation is provided for summer camp volunteers in shared rooms - maximum eight people per room with individual Cambodian beds (made of wood and bamboo, and covered with a mosquito net).

Volunteers on solidarity missions are housed in the volunteer houses located in the Pour un Sourire d'Enfant Centre.

Volunteers on a Voluntary Service of International Solidarity (VSI) stay outside the Centre. It is possible to find shared accommodation in the city centre for around $150 to $250 per month. 

  • What should I wear when I am in the Centre?

Take light clothes. During working hours, formal dress is expected. 

  • What language will I speak at PSE?

Very few children speak English and even fewer speak French. Therefore, knowing a few words of Khmer can be helpful. Here are some basics:

Hello: Sousdaïe / Chumrepsua
Goodbye: Lihaïe / Chumreplie
How are you?: Sok sabai?
I am fine: Sok sabai
I am not finee: Ot sabai
Thank you: Okun
Yes (for a woman): Tcha, (for a man): ba(rt)
No: Oté

Some students have a fairly good level of English and/or French. You are encouraged to talk to them so that they can practice comprehension and expressing themselves in English. 

You can request Khmer language courses from the HR department. Classes can be organised if there are enough people interested in learning the basics (and depending on the availabiliy of teachers).

When I return from my humanitarian mission

  • How can I continue to be involved?

There are several ways to continue your commitment to Pour un Sourire d'Enfant when you return from your mission: follow and share our news, become an ambassador for the association, join PSE+ the network of former volunteers, become a volunteer in one of our branches or become a sponsor!

Please contact us if you have other questions!