Micro-finance Internship

location
1 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 16 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Support entrepreneurs in disadvantaged communities to promote economic development on a local level
  • Work with our local staff to provide business training and interest-free loans to those wishing to expand their small businesses
  • Help members of disadvantaged communities earn a sustainable income

Highlights

  • Support entrepreneurs in disadvantaged communities to promote economic development on a local level
  • Work with our local staff to provide business training and interest-free loans to those wishing to expand their small businesses
  • Help members of disadvantaged communities earn a sustainable income
  • Explore Cambodia and you will be amazed by the beautiful scenery and famous historical landmarks
  • Live and work in the vibrant capital of Cambodia and experience all that Phnom Penh has to offer


  • Especially good for

    Age 16+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Empower entrepreneurs from disadvantaged areas to build their businesses and earn a sustainable income

    There is a wide range of different activities you can get involved in on this internship, which gives you a well-rounded experience. These tasks include:

    • Interview and screen potential loan beneficiaries
    • Monitor and support current entrepreneurs with their business
    • Provide training for the current ...

    About the program

    There is a wide range of different activities you can get involved in on this internship, which gives you a well-rounded experience. These tasks include:

    • Interview and screen potential loan beneficiaries
    • Monitor and support current entrepreneurs with their business
    • Provide training for the current Micro-finance beneficiaries

    Your work will focus on the following main areas:

    Interview and screen potential loan beneficiaries

    An important part of this project is spreading the word among entrepreneurs who can benefit from a small loan. You’ll introduce the Projects Abroad Micro-finance programme to potential beneficiaries. The next step is then to conduct interviews with prospects who are interested in participating, and review their business plans. You may also have the chance to sit in on meetings to help decide candidates for the loans.

    Monitor and support current entrepreneurs with their business

    You’ll spend a lot of your time on this internship monitoring our current beneficiaries, and supporting them in their business ventures.This may take the form of:

    • Conducting home and business visits to track their progress
    • Helping them with business plans
    • Providing personalised advice for improvements

    The majority of our beneficiaries are food and drinks sellers, tailors, or salon owners.

    Provide training for the current Micro-finance beneficiaries

    You’ll also help organise regular training workshops.  This will equip the local entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully manage their business. These can cover different topics that are relevant for small businesses, such as:

    • Basic accounting practices
    • Customer service
    • Marketing
    • Project management

    Typical day

    After a hearty breakfast in your shared apartment, you’ll travel to work by tuk-tuk. On your first day, a Projects Abroad staff member will accompany you to show you the way.

    A typical day on this internship runs from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. You’ll have your evenings and weekends free ...

    Typical day

    After a hearty breakfast in your shared apartment, you’ll travel to work by tuk-tuk. On your first day, a Projects Abroad staff member will accompany you to show you the way.

    A typical day on this internship runs from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. You’ll have your evenings and weekends free to socialise, relax, or travel.

    On a daily basis you will be involved in a wide variety of tasks. These may include meeting with beneficiaries, planning and conducting training sessions, and managing loan accounts. You’ll gain great insight into how small businesses operate in Cambodia, and the challenges that they face. We typically work with food and drink stalls, as well as tailors and salon owners.

    A fun aspect of this project is that you get to travel around the city to visit the beneficiaries at their home or work, so you’re not stuck in an office all day.

    Once you’re done for the day, it’s time to soak in sights and sounds of Phnom Penh. You can join us on one of our regular socials, where you’ll get to know your fellow interns and volunteers and local Projects Abroad staff. Or explore the city, visiting tourist attractions such as the National Museum, the Royal Palace, or one of the many temples and local markets.


    Free-time activities

    Explore Cambodia and you will be amazed by the juxtaposition of vibrant cities, achingly beautiful scenery, and famous historical landmarks. This country has a lot to offer during your free time.

    The world-famous gathering of temples near Siem Reap is a must for all visitors, especially the ...

    Free-time activities

    Explore Cambodia and you will be amazed by the juxtaposition of vibrant cities, achingly beautiful scenery, and famous historical landmarks. This country has a lot to offer during your free time.

    The world-famous gathering of temples near Siem Reap is a must for all visitors, especially the magnificent Angkor Wat. Climbing over huge tree roots to temple doorways shrouded by vines is guaranteed to bring out the Indiana Jones in you!

    However, Cambodia offers far more than ancient temples. You can go trekking in the jungles or try snorkelling and dolphin-spotting in the seas surrounding Sihanoukville. For a more relaxed afternoon, you can spend time on one of the beautiful beaches.

    What’s more, with a network of international volunteers in Cambodia with you, you can decide if you want to spend your free time exploring independently or in a group. 


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 16 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 16 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:30 - 16:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Projects Abroad

    • Accommodation

    • Food (three meals a day)

    • Airport pick-up and drop-off

    • Full induction and orientation by an experienced staff member on arrival

    • Transport to and from your work placement

    • In-country support and 24-hour back-up from our team of full-time local staff

    • Emergency assistance from our international emergency response team

    • Project equipment and materials, including access to our database with thousands of resources

    • A supervisor/mentor at your work placement

    • Training and workshops from our experienced local staff

    • Regular social events and community activities with other volunteers and interns

    • Access to our local office with internet connection

    • Certification of project completion

    • A cultural awareness course

    • Membership to our volunteer social media groups, to share information and to get in touch

    Airport Pickup at Phnom Penh International Airport

    You’ll fly into Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH). Once you’ve arrived, you’ll go through immigration and stand in a queue for your visa on arrival. Once your passport has been stamped, you’ll collect your luggage and exit into the arrivals area. A member of Projects Abroad staff will be easily visible, waiting for you behind the barrier with a Projects Abroad sign.

    You can also fly to Siem Reap International Airport (REP). However, you’ll need to pay an additional fee for a round-trip airport transfer to Phnom Penh International Airport. Our staff will then meet you at Phnom Penh International Airport.

    Our staff will have organised everything from the moment you arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport, and the cost of your pickup is included in your programme fees. Depending on the time of your arrival, you’ll either travel directly to our office, or you’ll head straight to your accommodation. Both of these trips are a 30 minute drive. However, the length of this trip can change depending on traffic.

    Accommodation

    You'll share accommodation with other Projects Abroad volunteers and interns during your stay in Phnom Penh. This is a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers and interns, share experiences, and explore your surroundings in your free time together.

    The accommodation is safe, clean, and comfortable. 

    Food & Beverages

    Your programme fees include three meals a day.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) in Phnom Penh. We assist you to find cheap flights to Cambodia. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Cambodia provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Cambodia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Cambodia. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    This internship is available from June to September, with a minimum of one week. Our start and end dates are flexible within this timeframe, so you can choose a time that suits you.
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 1,720€
    2 weeks 2,035€
    4 weeks 2,665€
    8 weeks 3,925€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 4,757€
    Average fees 1,058€/week

    Program fees

    1,058€ per week 1 - 12 weeks Age 16 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Projects Abroad during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Projects Abroad

    Outstanding 5 rating (207 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 1992

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Bethany

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    For over 30 years, Projects Abroad has been the world's leading provider of international volunteer programs, internships, and life-changing travel experiences.

    Meet your organization

    For over 30 years, Projects Abroad has been the world's leading provider of international volunteer programs, internships, and life-changing travel experiences.  

    We connect passionate individuals with impactful projects that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, fostering a better future for all.

    Why Choose Projects Abroad?

    • Impactful projects: Make a real difference in communities worldwide while gaining valuable skills and experience.
    • Responsible travel: We champion sustainable practices and ethical interactions, ensuring your journey is both enriching and responsible.
    • Safety first: Your well-being is our top priority. We provide comprehensive support and 24/7 assistance throughout your experience.
    • Trusted provider: Over 130,000 participants have trusted us with their transformative journeys.
    • Diverse opportunities: Choose from a wide range of projects in healthcare, conservation, education, and more.

    Join Projects Abroad and embark on a transformative adventure that will broaden your horizons, deepen your understanding of the world, and empower you to create lasting change.

    207 reviews · rating5

    Timothy Baum rating5

    2019 at Micro-finance Internship

    I enjoyed Working with the beneficiaries, traveling around the city and working with the excellent staff. The weekend trips were very nice and the evening get togethers with PA were also very nice. ...
    Rosemary Mechem rating5

    2019 at Micro-finance Internship

    I enjoyed the PA social events, but as I was there for 2 months they were replicated, so I did not join in the second time around. Thoroughly enjoyed our outing to Siem Reap, we added an extra day so that we could visit a Silk Farm to facilitate our research on a possible Silk Weaving ...
    Catrina Healey rating5

    2019 at Micro-finance Internship

    I really enjoyed how amazing the staff was. Danei was a great chef and was very accommodating. My coordinator was really amazing and was super help. Phirum was great when he transferred us from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Overall, I really enjoyed projects abroad in Cambodia and I found the staff and ...
    David Welsh rating5

    2017 at Micro-finance Internship

    I particularly enjoyed working with Sothea, our co-ordinator, and Seiko, my fellow micro finance volunteer, especially when we were out visiting beneficiaries or discussing training ideas and posters. I was able to travel to Siem Reap one weekend and go to Kampot & Kep on another ...
    Neela Hanuman rating5

    2017 at Micro-finance Internship

    Most enjoyable were the people I lived and worked with. Also Cambodians seem to be really, really, really warm and welcoming and sweet. Whenever we went to collect repayments, they always insisted we sit. ...
    Phoebe Coupland rating5

    2020 at Medical Intern

    The most enjoyable experience in Nepal was the Chitwan safari on one of our leisure activities that went for the weekend. In CMC hosptial working in maternity and the operation theatre, we had the amazing experience of being able to watch a lot of babies being ...

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Cambodia > Phnom Penh

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