Hello! We are Wild Rose Schools, a non-profit that is focused and dedicated to giving opportunities to unprivileged students. Here are the frequently asked questions from volunteers who are interested in our program:
Is this open to everyone?
We would encourage anyone who has an interest to apply. Most of our applicants are university students or people within the university student age bracket.
Is there an age requirement to volunteer?
You must be 18 years old before the semester starts to participate.
Is being a student a requirement to volunteer?
No, it is not. We have applicants who are not students as well.
Can I still volunteer even if I haven’t traveled before?
Of course! This is a way to introduce you to travel in a whole new way. Under our program and care, you will have a rich and meaningful opportunity abroad.
What if I don’t have a passport?
A passport is required to travel abroad.
What countries do you operate in?
Right now our schools operate in Cambodia. As other countries also come available we will update it on our website.
Do I have to pay to apply?
You do not have to pay to apply. After the interview process is done, and we have determined that you would be well suited to work with us, we do require a non-refundable $300 deposit to secure your spot.
What happens after I get accepted?
After you have been accepted and paid the deposit, we will continually update you as the date gets closer. We have a series of interactions that will help you be prepared to take on this wonderful adventure.
Do I get paid to do this?
This is a volunteer opportunity. You will not receive monetary compensation, only amazing experiences and the opportunity to serve humanity.
Does it cost money?
Yes, there is a cost to going on a Teach and Travel Abroad trip. The fee charged will cover airfare, travel visas, housing, meals, transportation to the school, and teacher training. The profits from these Teach and Travel Abroad trips are what is used to fund the much needed education of the children at Wild Rose School. All of our students come from impoverished homes and are not charged a tuition to attend school. We operate as a 5013c charity and direct the income earned toward the betterment of the children and families in Cambodia.
How much does it cost?
A trip can cost between $1800 – $3900. It includes travel visas, housing, meals, transportation to the school and teacher training. There are significant discounts that can be applied for early enrollment to our Teach and Travel Abroad program. Airfare is a separate cost and depends on market conditions. Airfare usually costs between $800-$1800 depending on time of year and early booking deals. We negotiate and arrange airfare at the best possible rate on your behalf.
What is the timeline?
Each trip is approximately 30-90 days in length. We have trips in January, June and September of each year. Applications can be submitted at any time. Discounts apply to applicants who enroll at least 5 months before departure.
Is the program flexible?
We do have some flexibility in the program. Each case is treated individually. If there is something regarding your circumstance that is unique, we encourage you to notify us and we will see what we can do to accommodate your needs.
Do I have to speak the language to teach English?
No, you do not need to speak the local language to teach English. We would expect that you do not speak the language. Wild Rose School is an English immersion program, so the children will be speaking English throughout the day. We prefer you only speak English to help enhance our English immersion program and help the children to practice their English speaking skills. We do have bilingual teachers in the school already that help with the older classes where explanation is necessary in their native language.
What is the requirement or qualification?
There are some basic requirements for our candidates that participate. They will be expected to be at Wild Rose School for 4 hours each day, Monday through Friday to teach English. There is also a Behavioral Code of Conduct that they are expected to follow while overseas. They are expected to travel in groups of 2 or 3 at all times, notify our office of travel plans and respect local customs as well. In order to qualify, there will be character references required as well as background checks since you will be working with children.
What if I only want to do less than a semester? Is that possible?
Yes, we have the option of 30 day trips or semester long trips.
How is the housing situation?
We rent housing in Phnom Penh, Cambodia that our applicants will be staying at. The housing is furnished with air conditioning. Meals will be provided there daily and it has access to wifi and comfortable amenities. Applicants will be housed with other people participating in the Teach and Travel Abroad program. The rooms are large and will house 2-3 applicants.
Is it safe over in Cambodia?
Cambodia is a much different environment than the USA. With this being said, travelers from the USA frequent Cambodia regularly without incident. At Wild Rose School we take extra precaution to protect our applicants. Most incidents overseas travel happen because travelers fail to follow necessary precautions. Red light districts, late hours of the night, and alcohol and drug consumption that inhibits cognitive ability many times are involved in reported incidences. Our applicants will not be allowed into Red Light Districts, will have a curfew, are required to travel in groups and are prohibited from taking any drugs or alcohol in any form while they are on our trips.
Is this program on-going in Cambodia?
Yes, we own and operate Wild Rose School in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and will be operating for the foreseeable future.
What is the difference between this program and other programs?
There are many different companies that offer opportunities to travel to other countries. They each offer their own locations and experiences. Wild Rose School is unique in that our primary mission is humanitarian based and all proceeds are directed to bettering the lives of our students and the families of those students. We are also unique in that we own and operate our school so that we have complete control over the environment and curriculum that our students participate in.
What if I can find other ways to get to Cambodia without paying you guys, can I still teach with you?
That is a possibility that can be considered. If you feel this is your situation, we would encourage you to let us know of your individual circumstances.
Can a couple do this program?
Yes. Special accommodations would need to be made regarding housing for this to happen, but it can happen.
Why does it cost more than other programs?
Each company offers different programs based on their mission and goals. There are many factors regarding pricing. One of the biggest factors is airfare, and airfare to Southeast Asia tends to be higher than other closer destinations. We try to keep all costs down as much as possible but have to consider the cost of travel to Southeast Asia and the costs to operate the school which serves the underprivileged community in which we work in Cambodia.
How long will the program take?
Our program follows school semesters closely. Your time abroad will be approximately 3-4 months and will fall within a school semester, which allows you to return before the next semester starts to continue your education.
How much does the program cost?
The cost is $6000 per semester including housing and utilities, 3 meals a day, roundtrip airfare, training, and transportation to and from the school.
What other expenses should I prepare for?
Additional transportation to tourist sites or other regions, as well as entrance fees to the destinations you want to see, are possible expenses. We recommend that everyone bring some spending money with them in case they want to participate in any shopping, tourist experiences, local markets, or adventure activities.
What time do classes start?
You will be assigned to teach in the morning or the afternoon. The morning class starts at 7:30 am and ends at 11:00 am. The afternoon class starts at 1:00 pm and goes until 4:30 pm.
What does a typical day look like at Wild Rose Schools?
Each day you will have a period of lesson preparation that will prepare you to teach the upcoming lessons. During your shift, you will teach 2 different classes with 2 different lessons. The lessons are meant to be fun, engaging, informational, and memorable. We will train you on our teaching methods to help you attain this goal.
When can I go around to tour the city?
The morning class starts at 7:30 am and ends at 11:00 am while the afternoon class starts at 1:00 pm and goes until 4:30 pm. Once you are done with your classes and other preparatory tasks, you are free to go around and have fun around the city. This could include things like touring the city, taking nature walks, trying different foods, shopping at local markets, and a variety of other things. You can also do these things during your weekend as you will only teach from Monday to Friday.
Is there a tourist guide available in the area?
There are many tourist guides and you will find many local people that would be happy to recommend tourist activities. Our staff is also willing to help arrange any tourist activities you might enjoy and we are willing to make recommendations.
Who will prepare our food?
We have a local cook who will prepare three meals for you every day. The meals will be served at the residence. You’ll discover that the Cambodian diet is both nutritious and delicious. You may discover that you prefer to go out with friends or try local restaurants for some meals. You are free to do so whenever you choose.
What does our housing look like?
We’ve made accommodation and food arrangements for you so you can settle in quickly in Cambodia. You will live in a furnished house and share a room with another teacher participating in the program. Your home will be spacious, with running water, hot showers, wifi, air conditioning, and other modern conveniences.
Can I bring a laptop or smartphone?
Yes, we would encourage it. You will find that you will have access to most of the technology and conveniences that are found in the USA.
Is there a WiFi connection?
There is in the school and at your accommodations. You can also find local coffee shops or even a Starbucks to hook up to wifi.
Is it required to have an international phone plan?
It is not required but encouraged. You might find that it would be better to get a data plan through a local SIM card when you get to Cambodia to help communicate better.
Can I receive letters and packages?
It is possible, but difficult and expensive. Shipping anything to Cambodia has an astronomical expense, so we would encourage you to bring what you need. You will find that Phnom Penh is an international city and while you can’t find everything you would find in the USA, you will find many items and acceptable substitutes.
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