Empower Cambodian students through English education and mentoring

Saint Paul Institute, through Palms International Volunteering, is seeking a qualified and enthusiastic English Lecturer to strengthen teaching quality, support curriculum development, and mentor young adults in their academic and personal growth.

Your contribution will help students gain the language skills they need to access employment, higher education, and leadership opportunities.

What you’ll do

First few weeks – Learn, observe, build trust

• Learn local language, cultural norms, and workplace context with support from a local mentor.
• Build relationships across the institute
• Document existing strengths, systems, and community assets.
• Avoid recommending changes during this period—focus on understanding why things are done the way they are.

Ongoing responsibilities

• Teach English within SPI’s Associate and Bachelor programs.
• Support curriculum development and resource creation.
• Assist with extra English programs, including evening classes.
• Mentor students in academic skills, confidence, and communication.
• Support English major clubs such as debate and public speaking.
• Collaborate with local teachers to strengthen teaching practices.

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor of Education or related field, or Master of Education or related field
• Related field of study e.g. TESOL Certificate (Teaching English as Second Language)
• Experience in mentoring teachers and young adults
• Strong teamwork, communication, and coaching skills.
• Patience, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity.
• Willingness to work with limited resources in a rural setting.

What you’ll gain

• Deep cultural immersion in rural Cambodia.
• The opportunity to strengthen English education for underserved students.
• Professional experience in cross cultural teaching and mentoring.
• Contribution to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 17 (Partnerships).

About Saint Paul Institute Located in Takeo Province, SPI provides Associate and Bachelor programs in IT, Agronomy, English Literature, Social Work, and Tourism. As a non profit institution, it exists to serve students from poor communities and promote moral, values based education.

About Palms International Volunteering For 65 years, Palms International Volunteering has supported skilled Australians to live and work alongside communities in the Asia-Pacific. Our volunteers don’t ‘fix’ problem - they build relationships, strengthen local capacity, and walk with communities striving for dignity and opportunity.

These are ‘solidarity placements’. Accommodation and a small stipend is provided, as well as preparation and ongoing support. The focus is on living as a true neighbour to learn, and to establish an effective mentoring role. This is the basis for lasting capacity building in the community. It is also a chance for you to step out of the rush and reconnect with what matters through a deep cultural immersion and genuine community relationships.