Job Discussion Forums

[Luxe]

There are significant numbers of international NGOs with offices in Cambodia, and I was wondering how difficult it is to find work within these organizations? I will be doing an online MPA and studying French at the Alliance fran�aise Cambodge, as well.

From what I've gathered by reading through the last few pages, obtaining a business visa is simple as applying and paying for it. Is this correct, i.e. there's no wait and you simply pay for it and get it at the airport?

Has anyone done any work outside ESL?

Any information or opinions would be greatly appreciated!

[PattyFlipper]

Getting the business visa is indeed as simple as you stated. There have been several posts on this board outlining the procedure - suggest you do a search for more detailed information.

With regard to finding non-teaching work, Cambodia is perhaps one of the few Asian countries where this is possible without being recruited internationally, though it mostly comes down to contacts and networking.

For a fresh-off-the-plane newbie, finding non-teaching work will not be easy unless you have a highly-specific skill set which is in particular demand here - and perhaps not even then. Most of the NGO jobs are either filled by employees from the organizations' home country, or else use experienced Cambodian staff, for whom these jobs are highly sought after. You will be in competition with locals who have more experience, a far better understanding of the language and culture, and who will work for considerably less than you may be prepared to get out of bed for. Many of the non-Khmers working for NGOs are actually volunteers. Your MPA will be a plus, but it will in no way guarantee that you will walk into a lucrative position, particularly if you do not have the requisite practical experience to back it up.

[Luxe]