Why volunteer in Cambodia? Here are our top five reasons!

Cambodia was once a quick stop-over on the South East Asia tourist circuit. People came to visit the 12th century Angkor Temple complex just outside of Siem Reap, and then quickly fled to other more comfortable tourist hangouts in Vietnam and Thailand. But today Siem Reap holds its own – at once an international scene and a place of enormous need, it is the perfect town to spend a few weeks volunteering and soaking up life, Cambodian style. There are endless reasons to volunteer in Cambodia, but here are the top five to make this your next adventure:

1.) The People

Cambodian people are gracious and kind. In spite of a dark past, a warm smile awaits visitors and especially those who come to do volunteer work. Cambodians are eager to get to know you, to share their life stories and to welcome you into their culture. They are generous people; you can’t help but feel a sense of connectedness when you are working side by side with our local partners in the clinic. Volunteers get a window into Cambodian life that regular tourists simply cannot access.

2.) Angkor Wat Temple Complex

The Angkor Wat Temple Complex, period. Need I say more? Built in the 12th century and then hidden by jungle for hundreds of years, the Angkor Temple Complex is something to behold. The iconic faces of Bayon and the elaborate red sandstone carvings of Banteay Srei offer a welcome break from daily volunteer work. Group Visiting the temples early in the morning or after the clinic ends in the afternoon, rounds out the perfect day. There is a steamy mysticism in this land of gods; one cannot help but be moved by the numinous essence these temples exude.

3.) The Khmer Children Need You

Although a quick scan of Siem Reap would lead one to believe that the Khmer people are flourishing economically, the sad truth is that the majority of economic resources are squandered by an elite few. There is little access to healthcare or dental care of any kind, except for those who are well off. Joining a volunteer dental clinic with Global Dental Relief means that you will be part of helping more than 600 Cambodian children to better health, in just a week. Without you, these children do not have access to dental care. They need you, so what are you waiting for?

4.) The Food

Siem Reap is a food lover’s paradise, with a lively and varied dining scene. There are endless food options. Try the traditional Fish Amok, or head to an international restaurant for a taste of Kangaroo. You really can’t go wrong in the food department. Street food is delicious and you always have the option of patronizing a restaurant “with a cause.” Several restaurants educate, train and employee former street children and sex workers. Not only are you giving back during the day, but even your meals can serve as a symbiotic function – nourishing you while helping others. Pretty cool, eh?

5.) The Volunteer Experience

And finally, the big secret that those who volunteer understand – you actually get more out of the experience than those you are helping. Yes, it’s true! Something about stepping outside of yourself and focusing wholeheartedly on another person is cathartic, fulfilling and gratifying in a way that escapes description. You have to do it to understand. Volunteers return over and over again, addicted to the positive vibes that are created when you are completely focused on helping others.

Cambodia is waiting for you! Make this your next adventure. To find out more about volunteer opportunities in Cambodia email volunteer@globaldentalrelief.org.

The post THE TOP 5 REASONS TO VOLUNTEER IN CAMBODIA! first appeared on Global Dental Relief.

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Student Growth Through Volunteering

Many of our volunteers are experienced dental professionals or established career professionals, but what about the great experience to be had by future dentists and global citizens? Volunteering with GDR is the perfect way to give back while learning about yourself and the dental profession.

Read more about Maya Patel’s story volunteering in Kenya.

JOIN US NEXT YEAR!

We set the date for next year’s event early, in hopes that our out of town GDR family can join in the festivities next year. Save September 19, 2018 – come to Colorado, see old friends, meet new ones and spend the evening helping children in need.   

Upcoming Clinics

Thanks to Trip Leader Andrea Swenson for hosting a terrific fundraiser at her home in California in late August.  If any of you have the time and interest to host either a volunteer party to recruit new folks to GDR or a fundraiser please let Kim know! They are easy and fun events to help us spread the word and we would love to join you for an event!

The post Global Dental Relief Fall 2017 Newsletter first appeared on Global Dental Relief.

Global Dental Relief (GDR) partners with Cranberry USA, a dental supply company and generous sponsor. As a GDR sponsor, Cranberry USA offers five $1,000 scholarships to pre-dental and pre-dental hygiene students who are passionate about bringing dental care to kids overseas.

Thanks to Cranberry USA, Jocelin Calcagano – our first scholarship recipient – was able to join Global Dental Relief as a general volunteer in San Martin, Guatemala. Jocelin taught oral health education to students, she was able to gain hands-on experience by assisting dentists all while gaining practical experience for her future.

Jocelin was moved by the children she served and worked with, experiencing another culture first hand.  She gained insight into her future profession while working alongside experienced dentists and hygienists.

“The Cranberry Scholarship allowed me to see dental care in action. I’ve always wanted to do service overseas but could never afford it. Cranberry helped me tremendously, they were the reason I was able to attend the clinic.”

Jocelin is highly motivated with a strong desire to make an impact, big or small.  She applies for dental school this summer, aiming for a dual degree in dentistry and public health. In her scholarship application she writes: A career in dentistry, gives me the platform to promote preventative care and create alliances that drive change in communities … Dentistry is not just a career choice for me; it is a commitment to service that I’m ready to fulfill.

Jocelin has taken a major step in her pursuit of making a difference in the world of dentistry.  As a pre-dental or pre-dental hygiene student, you can be a part of the difference too.  Global Dental Relief has two remaining scholarships for our 2017 Fall clinics in Cambodia and India.

Global Dental Relief is thankful for generous sponsors, like Cranberry USA, who give students the unique opportunity to work and gain experience in the field of dentistry overseas.

If you are interested in learning more about the Cranberry scholarship or ways you can volunteer with us, call 303-858-8857 or email volunteer@globaldentalrelief.org.

The post Our First Cranberry Scholar in Action: A Cranberry USA and Global Dental Relief Partnership first appeared on Global Dental Relief.