Elephant & Bear Conservation in Cambodia for Teenagers

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Elephant & Bear Conservation in Cambodia for Teenagers

Destination

Cambodia

Age

14-18 y/o

Minimum Stay

2 weeks

Start Date

During school holidays

Accommodation

Mixed

Service Hours

What’s included

Accommodation & Amenities

Clean, safe, and welcoming accommodation. A home away from home with comfortable amenities.

Transportation

To and from the airport, plus everything in between. Daily transport to your placement and back.

Certification

Certified record of service hours, workshops, and activities for your CV.

Pre-departure Support

Everything you need to prepare for your trip, including visa advice, cultural awareness training, access to your dedicated pre-departure portal, and more.

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Starting at £2,095 for 2 weeks

Flexible 0% Interest payments
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Trip Overview

Interact with rescued elephants

Trek through the lush Mondulkiri jungle to track and observe rescued Asian elephants in their natural habitat while learning about animal welfare.

Support Sun and Moon Bears

Gain hands-on experience at a world-class sanctuary, assisting with food preparation, enrichment, and rehabilitation for Sun and Moon bears.

Discover ancient Angkor Wat

Experience the magic of a sunrise at Angkor Wat and explore the mysterious “Tomb Raider” temple, Ta Prohm, with your new friends.

Immerse yourself in culture

From traditional Khmer dance and the Phare Circus to floating villages on Tonle Sap, dive deep into the heart of Cambodian heritage.

Develop conservation skills

Build your confidence and practical skills in reforestation, animal tracking, and environmental protection in a safe and supervised setting.

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What you need to know

Overview

This project is perfect for adventurous teens with a passion for wildlife and a desire to make a real impact on the environment. If you want to swap the classroom for the Cambodian jungle, this is your chance to gain practical conservation experience that stands out on university applications.

You’ll split your time between the remote mountains of Mondulkiri, the rich history of Siem Reap, and the exciting energy of Phnom Penh. In the jungle, you’ll support the welfare of elephants that have been rescued from years of hard labour. You won’t just be a tourist—you’ll be part of a team tracking their health and restoring the forest they call home.

When you aren’t in the field, you’ll be immersed in the “Kingdom of Wonder.” You’ll watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat, navigate the floating villages of Tonle Sap by boat, and learn the art of Khmer cuisine. You’ll even get to participate in a meditation session with local monks at Wat Langka.

Living and working alongside other teenagers from around the world, you’ll develop independence and global perspective.

With 24/7 supervision and expert local staff, you can safely push your boundaries while contributing to the protection of some of the world’s most vulnerable species.

Activities

Your time in Cambodia is split between hands-on wildlife work and deep cultural immersion.

Here is what you can expect:

Elephant Welfare & Tracking

Spend your days in the Mondulkiri jungle observing rescued elephants. You’ll learn how to track their movements, perform non-intrusive health assessments, and understand the complex social structures of these gentle giants.

Bear Sanctuary Support

At the wildlife reserve, you’ll work with Sun and Moon bears. Your tasks include preparing specialised diets, cleaning enclosures, and creating “enrichment” activities—hiding treats and puzzles to keep the bears mentally and physically active.

Forest Restoration

Conservation isn’t just about the animals, it’s about their home too. You’ll participate in community reforestation projects, planting native trees and maintaining jungle trails to ensure the ecosystem remains healthy for generations to come.

Cultural Exploration

Experience the best of Cambodia through guided tours. This includes a full day at the Angkor Archaeological Park, a boat trip to see how communities live on the water at Tonle Sap, and visits to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh.

Aims & Impact

The primary aim of this project is to support the long-term protection of Cambodia’s endangered wildlife while educating the next generation of conservationists.

You’ll be learning new skills from expert conservationists, observing their daily work and supporting longer-term initiatives.

By assisting at the elephant reserve and bear sanctuary, you provide the essential human resource needed to maintain high welfare standards for rescued animals.

Your work in reforestation helps combat habitat loss, which is the greatest threat to wildlife in Southeast Asia.

Beyond the environmental impact, this project aims to foster cultural exchange, supporting local social enterprises like the Phare Circus and helping you develop into a globally-conscious citizen.

Map & Location

Uncover the magic of Cambodia, a Southeast Asian gem with ancient wonders and modern marvels. Here, the legendary Angkor Wat stands as a testament to the Khmer Empire’s power, but it’s more than just temples. Beautiful beaches, stunning skyscrapers, and roaring rivers can be found everywhere you look.

It’s a country on the rise, with tourism and agriculture driving its economy. Though marked by a complex past, Cambodia is developing as a tourist destination and offers an unforgettable experience.

Sen Monorom

Sen Monorom is the capital city of Mondulkiri province, Cambodia. It is the largest city in the province with over 10,000 inhabitants. Sen Monorom is inhabited by the indigenous Bunong people.

Siem Reap

Siem Reap is Cambodia’s second largest city and the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Archaeological Park. This area was the heart of the ancient Khmer Empire and is home to Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument, attracting millions of tourists every year.

Steeped in history, it is one of the best places to see traditional Apsara dance and theatre performances. It is also the home of the APOPO Centre, training rats to detect landmines and unexploded ordnance to create a safer world.

Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, lies where the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers meet. This busy city blends French colonial architecture with ornate Buddhist temples and is home to 2.5 million people. It has a tropical wet and dry climate, meaning it can be hot all year.

Filled with artisan markets, excellent Khmer cuisine, and historic landmarks, Phnom Penh has something for everyone. It is also well connected, offering easy access to the countryside and the wonders of Angkor Wat.

Food & Accommodation

Accommodation

In the jungle, you’ll stay in a remote reserve lodge, offering a true “off-the-grid” experience surrounded by the sounds of the forest.

In the cities (Phnom Penh and Siem Reap), you will stay in comfortable hotels with modern amenities and swimming pools to cool off after a day of exploring.

Food

All meals are included. You’ll enjoy a mix of authentic Khmer dishes—like mild curries, stir-fries, and fresh tropical fruits—and familiar international options.

Food is a major part of the experience, including a farewell dinner and even a karaoke party.

When you are in a city, you’ll eat at a different restaurant each day. In the jungle, you’ll have meals prepared by your own chef.

Dietary Requirements

We easily accommodate vegetarians, vegans, and those with specific allergies. Just let our team know your needs during the application process.

Your Arrival Made Easy

When you arrive at your respective airport, a member of Projects Abroad staff will be there to meet you. You can find more detailed information on arrival airports, orientation, and visas on our Cambodia Arrival Procedures page.