Contribute your skills.Step into a distinctive professional environment shaped by years of experience.Develop capabilities and challenge yourself.Create lasting social impact.
Our on-site Social Engagement programs currently take place in Cambodia.
There are many ways to engage with Friends-International — whether you are an individual, a student, a company, a school or simply looking for responsible local experience.
Here for yourself or for your organization? Explore the different ways to engage and find what works for you.
Bring your professional skills, academic knowledge, language abilities or fresh perspectives to real priorities across our social programs, social businesses and partner organizations to contribute to meaningful social impact.
See how you could contributeDepending on your skills, experience and chosen program, you could contribute across a wide range of areas. Examples include
Strategy & organizational developmenthelp address a strategic challenge, develop an initiative or strengthen an operating model.
Business development & partnershipsexplore new markets, strengthen partnerships or support the development and growth of a social business.
Marketing, brand & communicationunderstand audiences, strengthen positioning, develop marketing strategies, campaigns or communication materials.
Finance & business performanceimprove business models, KPIs, dashboards or financial sustainability.
Operations & customer experiencereview processes, improve efficiency, service delivery or customer experience.
Human resources, learning & talent developmentstrengthen HR practices, learning, leadership or staff development.
IT, Digital & AIexplore practical digital and AI opportunities and develop tools or implementation approaches.
Environmental sustainability & responsible practiceshelp strengthen resource use, waste management, sourcing or other responsible operational practices.
Impact & performance measurementdevelop indicators, tools and approaches to measure social impact.
Education, employability & program innovationstrengthen existing approaches, develop learning materials or contribute to new solutions for emerging needs.
Language & international development Translate or adapt materials, explore international audiences and help us engage more effectively across cultures and markets. Lead practical English conversations that help Friends-International students communicate with greater confidence in work and everyday situations.
Friends-International has many of the functions you would find in other organizations — strategy, finance, HR, marketing, operations, IT and business development — but within a very different social impact context.
Depending on the experience, you may work alongside our teams, discover how a social impact organization operates in practice, and gain new professional, personal and intercultural perspectives that you can take back to your work, studies or future plans.
Discover what makes a social enterprise differentFriends-International is not a placement provider. For more than thirty years, we have worked alongside vulnerable children, young people, families and communities across Southeast Asia, developing practical solutions through social programs, social businesses, vocational training and partnerships.
You will engage in this real social impact environment, working with and learning from experienced local teams and partners, and benefiting from Friends-International’s expertise in ChildSafe, safeguarding and responsible engagement.
Over the years, Friends-International has welcomed more than 1,000 international participants who have contributed their skills while working and learning alongside our teams.
Our approach is firmly skills-based and provides a responsible alternative to voluntourism.
Every experience is built around 4 commitments that make Social Engagement with Friends-International different. They are designed to help you make a meaningful contribution, gain more from the experience and engage with confidence in a complex social impact environment.
Put your skills where they can make a real difference
Read more ↗You contribute, learn and gain new perspectives
Read more ↗Engage responsibly, with the right preparation and support.
Read more ↗Create value that continues beyond your experience.
Read more ↗Put your skills where they can make a real difference
Your skills, knowledge or perspective are matched with real organizational needs within Friends-International, its social businesses and programs, or one of its partners.
Your contribution is built around a clear purpose, practical activities and expected outcomes.
You contribute, learn and gain new perspectives
Each experience is designed to create value for you, Friends-International and, where relevant, partner organizations. You contribute your skills while experiencing a real learning journey — learning from local teams, discovering how Friends-International works from the inside, and developing new perspectives through cross-cultural collaboration, complex challenges and social impact in practice.
Engage responsibly, with the right preparation and support.
Every experience follows Friends-International’s safeguarding and ethical engagement framework. You receive preparation, orientation, coordination and supervision appropriate to your experience, while direct contact with vulnerable children or beneficiaries is never a default part of participation.
Depending on the program and its duration, practical guidance may include visa support, support in identifying suitable accommodation and, where relevant for longer placements, guidance with local bank account set-up.
Visit the ChildSafe Movement websiteCreate value that continues beyond your experience.
Your contribution is designed to leave something useful behind — knowledge, skills, tools or solutions that our teams can continue to use and build on.
And your engagement can continue too. Stay involved through future opportunities, mentoring, advocacy or other ways to contribute as your interests, experience and availability evolve.
From discovering the right opportunity to staying connected, your journey is structured and supported every step of the way.
See how it worksExplore Friends-International, our mission, Child Protection and safeguarding principles through the learning platform.
Find an experience that matches your interests and skills.
Together with participants and, where relevant, partner organizations, we agree the objectives, activities and deliverables.
We clarify the expected outcomes, supervision and how the contribution responds to a real need.
Before any commitment, we discuss timing, participation fees where relevant, visa support and accommodation options.
You will receive adequate preparation and support. This may include pre-engagement information, onboarding and orientation, Child Protection and Volunteering e-learning, safeguarding guidance, team integration, assignment supervision, learning and immersion activities, outcomes reviews, and knowledge transfer.
Continue through future assignments, mentoring, advocacy or other opportunities.
Begin your journey with our Child Protection and Volunteering e-learning modules. Discover Friends-International, understand the principles behind responsible engagement and get ready for your experience.
The platform link will be added here once confirmed by Friends-International.
There are two ways to engage with Friends-International:
You do not need to wait for a published opportunity. Choose the pathway that best fits your profile and tell us about your skills, objectives, availability or project idea. We will assess whether these can be matched with a real need, suitable supervision and available capacity within Friends-International or one of our partners.
Apply to a specific assignment linked to an identified need, with a defined mission, duration, activities, expected deliverables and required skills.
Use your skills remotely or on-site, develop your capabilities and gain new perspectives through a meaningful professional and personal experience.
Explore ↗Build practical and international professional experience while applying your knowledge to real social impact challenges.
Explore ↗Put your team’s skills to work on real social business challenges. Build capabilities and create lasting impact.
Explore ↗Connect learning with real-world social challenges
Explore ↗Let your students discover a social enterprise, explore ChildSafe principles and see social impact in action
Explore ↗Discover Cambodia and Laos through responsible experiences that combine cultural discovery and ChildSafe awareness.
Explore ↗When a defined need is available, it will be published. Each opportunity will outline the type of contribution sought, the expected objectives and deliverables, the format and approximate time commitment, and any relevant eligibility requirements.
Opportunities may include skills-based professional assignments, internships, university projects, employee team assignments or other forms of support for Friends-International or one of its partners.
SEE CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES“Patience, commitment, teamwork. I have learned so much from all of you.”
An architect brought her safety and risk-management expertise to Friends-International in Cambodia. She worked alongside local teams to strengthen fire-safety practices and left with new perspectives on collaboration, culture and ways of working.
Discover her story“I DIDN’T EXPECT TO LEARN…”
Architect Advisor
Safety & Operations
“Patience, commitment, teamwork. I have learned so much from all of you. I leave with gratitude, respect, and many beautiful memories.”
Architecture and safety expertise, risk assessment, process improvement, coaching and knowledge-sharing skills.
Worked alongside local teams to review fire-safety practices, identify improvement opportunities, strengthen procedures and emergency roles, and develop practical tools and staff awareness.
A fire-safety assessment and recommendations, updated procedures and evacuation framework, defined emergency roles, a practical fire-drill protocol, staff knowledge-transfer sessions and a roadmap for continued improvement.
A different perspective on teamwork and cross-cultural collaboration — and the experience of applying familiar professional expertise in a very different social and cultural environment.
Discover what brought others to Friends-International, what they contributed and what they gained from the experience.
Every experience is different. Discover more stories from our participants and partners.
Discover All storiesIf one of our programs interests you, you can submit an enquiry. Tell us about your professional skills, field of study or organization’s objectives, as well as your interests, availability and preferred format. We will discuss whether a suitable opportunity may be available now or in the future.
Talk to us about your projectFriends-International is not a placement provider. For more than thirty years, we have worked alongside vulnerable children, young people, families and communities across Southeast Asia, developing practical solutions through social programs, social businesses, vocational training and partnerships.
You will engage in this real social impact environment, working with and learning from experienced local teams and partners, and benefiting from Friends-International’s expertise in ChildSafe, safeguarding and responsible engagement.
Over the years, Friends-International has welcomed more than 1,000 international participants who have contributed their skills while working and learning alongside our teams.
Our approach is firmly skills-based and provides a responsible alternative to voluntourism.
Every experience is built around 4 commitments that make Social Engagement with Friends-International different. They are designed to help you make a meaningful contribution, gain more from the experience and engage with confidence in a complex social impact environment.
Put your skills where they can make a real difference
Read more ↗You contribute, learn and gain new perspectives
Read more ↗Engage responsibly, with the right preparation and support.
Read more ↗Create value that continues beyond your experience.
Read more ↗
Whether you are a student, a professional, an expatriate, a retiree or exploring a new direction, discover different ways to contribute, learn and engage with Friends-International.
For students & recent graduates
Build practical and international professional experience while applying your knowledge to real social impact challenges.
Explore ↗For professionals & experienced individuals
Contribute your skills remotely to a real organizational need, while developing your professional capabilities and gaining new perspectives
Explore ↗For professionals & experienced individuals
Bring your expertise to an immersive international social impact environment while developing your professional and personal capabilities and broadening your perspectives
Explore ↗Open to students, professionals and other individuals
Facilitate practical English conversations with Friends-International students
Explore ↗A meaningful international internship that combines real social impact with structured learning and professional development.
A skills-based international internship with Friends-International or one of its partners as part of an academic program, professional development or personal learning journey providing a learning experience designed around real social impact priorities and measurable outcomes.
Undergraduate and postgraduate students, including students required to complete an academic internship, and recent graduates seeking meaningful international professional experience.
Remote, hybrid or on-site in Cambodia. Full-time or part-time arrangements are agreed according to the assignment, academic requirements and organizational priorities.
Depending on the duration and level of support, a participation fee may apply. Any applicable fee and financial conditions will be clearly explained before confirmation.
You will apply your academic knowledge to real social impact priorities in an international complex professional environment, contributing to a defined project, assignment or area of work alongside Friends-International teams or one of its partners while developing practical professional experience
See how you could contributeYou will gain meaningful international professional experience, strengthen your capabilities, develop a practical understanding of social impact and sustainability, and build skills and confidence for your future career.
Practical solutions, strengthened capacity, specialized knowledge and fresh perspectives.
Share your English through meaningful conversations and discover new perspectives.
A remote program connecting you with Friends-International students for regular, supportive English conversations that help them build confidence and practise the language they need for future professional situations.
Conversation facilitators: professionals, expatriates, university students, retirees and corporate employees. Facilitators do not need to be teachers or native English speakers; a diversity of accents and backgrounds is valued.
Remote, regular small-group online sessions, generally 45 minutes, over an agreed program cycle and script.
Depending on the duration and level of support, a participation fee may apply. Any applicable fee and financial conditions will be clearly explained before confirmation.
Facilitate inclusive conversations, encourage participation and follow Friends-International conversation guides, with a regular commitment to agreed sessions. The focus is on listening, speaking and confidence building — not formal language teaching.
Conversations are practical and can cover topics such as:
Everyday and workplace conversation
Hospitality, retail and customer-service situations
Introductions, recommendations and customer questions
A meaningful international engagement experience from anywhere in the world, offering rewarding intercultural exchange, the opportunity to build connections with Friends-International’s community, and a deeper understanding of social enterprise, vocational training and youth employability. Participants also develop communication, active listening and facilitation skills.
Stronger employability support for students.
Facilitators create a supportive and respectful space for conversation, adapt their communication to the students’ level and encourage participation without judgement.
They follow Friends-International’s safeguarding and ethical engagement framework, respect confidentiality and appropriate boundaries, and do not work alone with students outside the agreed program format.
Facilitators receive a clear introduction to the program, its objectives and the students they will meet, together with practical guidance on leading supportive conversations. They also have access to ongoing coordination and support from the Friends-International team.
Interested? Contact usBack to Individuals programsContribute your expertise from anywhere in the world. Make an impact and gain new perspectives
A remote skills-based program that connects your professional expertise with real organizational needs at Friends-International or one of its partners, creating mutual value while giving you new perspectives.
Professionals, consultants, independent experts, freelancers, entrepreneurs, expatriates, retirees and individuals in career transition wishing to develop their capabilities while contributing remotely.
Remote, with a schedule and duration agreed around the assignment and participant's availability.
Depending on the duration and level of support, a participation fee may apply. Any applicable fee and financial conditions will be clearly explained before confirmation.
Your remote assignment is matched with your skills and experience and responds to a real priority identified by Friends-International or one of our partners. Projects are designed to be achievable remotely, with a clear scope, defined outcomes and regular interaction with the relevant team.
See how you could contributeStep outside your usual professional environment: meaningful professional experience in a distinctive social enterprise environment, new perspectives on ESG, sustainability and responsible business, renewed purpose. Personalized feedback, expanded professional networks and a certificate of completion.
Practical solutions, strengthened organizational capacity, specialized expertise, fresh perspectives and additional support for strategic and operational initiatives.
An immersive international professional experience with real social purpose.
An on-site skills-based program where you contribute your professional expertise to a real organizational priority, working alongside Friends-International or partner teams while experiencing a different professional, social and cultural environment.
Professionals, consultants, independent experts, freelancers, entrepreneurs, expatriates, retirees and individuals in career transition who want to contribute their expertise while experiencing a different international professional, social and cultural environment.
On-site in Cambodia, with timing and duration agreed according to the assignment, participant availability and operational capacity.
Depending on the duration and level of support, a participation fee may apply. Any applicable fee and financial conditions will be clearly explained before confirmation.
You will bring your professional expertise to real strategic or operational challenges identified by Friends-International or one of our partners. Assignments are designed to make full use of your experience and can involve analysis, design, implementation and knowledge transfer.
See how you could contributeStep outside your usual professional environment: meaningful international professional experience, personal development, practical experience in a social enterprise, new perspectives on ESG, sustainability and responsible business, renewed purpose, expanded professional networks, personalized feedback and a certificate of completion.
Practical solutions, strengthened capacity, specialized expertise, fresh perspectives and support for strategic and operational initiatives.
Discover two ways to engage students with Friends-International, adapted to their age, level of study and learning objectives.
Give your students an age-appropriate educational experience that introduces them to child protection, social enterprises and responsible engagement, while building awareness and opening new perspectives.
Give your students the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to real social impact challenges, develop professional and intercultural skills, and achieve measurable outcomes aligned with your academic and ESG objectives.
Location: Cambodia
Discover a social enterprise, explore ChildSafe principles and see social impact in action
An age-appropriate educational experience that helps students understand Friends-International’s integrated approach to child protection, social programs, vocational training and social businesses and how they help create sustainable opportunities for young people.
Primary and secondary school groups, international and local schools, educational organizations and youth groups with accompanying teachers or supervisors. Activities are adapted to the age, interests and learning objectives of each group.
A half-day, full-day or multi-day educational experience at selected Friends-International locations, according to the program and school objectives.
Discovering Friends-International’s mission and child protection approach
Visits to social businesses and other relevant locations
Meeting staff and understanding different professional roles
Age-appropriate discussions, reflection and hands-on learning activities
Greater awareness of child protection and social inclusion, understanding of social enterprises and responsible tourism, and real-world learning connected to citizenship and sustainability.
Greater awareness of Friends-International’s mission and integrated approach, stronger engagement with educational institutions, and wider understanding of ChildSafe and how young people can make thoughtful, responsible choices in the world around them.
Where relevant, Friends-International provides teachers and students with pre-visit information or preparation activities to support the group’s learning objectives.
Students are encouraged to participate actively, ask questions, listen respectfully to staff, facilitators and community members, and contribute positively to group discussions and activities. Teachers and Friends-International facilitators remain present throughout the program to provide guidance, ensure appropriate supervision and support students’ learning.
Participation fees and financial arrangements are defined through a tailored proposal based on the format, duration, group size and level of preparation and support required.
Interested? Contact usDiscover this opportunityBack to Schools & UniversitiesLocation: Cambodia
Connect academic learning with real social impact. Develop global competencies. Strengthen employability.
Partner with Friends-International to create structured, skills-based international experiential learning projects that connect students’ academic knowledge with real strategic and operational priorities in an social impact environment. Develop students’ professional capabilities and achieve measurable learning and contribution outcomes.
The program is designed for universities, business schools and higher education institutions seeking meaningful experiential learning opportunities for Master’s, MBA and final-year Bachelor’s students.
Give students practical experience applying academic knowledge to real organizational challenges while developing professional capabilities and career readiness.
Develop intercultural collaboration, adaptability, communication, problem-solving and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders in a different environment.
Create measurable learning outcomes and practical deliverables that can support academic assessment, experiential learning and course objectives.
Offer students a responsible way to contribute to meaningful social priorities while supporting your institution’s sustainability, global citizenship and social impact ambitions.
Students apply their academic knowledge within Friends-International’s distinctive international social environment, combining professional challenges, different perspectives and meaningful social impact.
Discover why Friends-InternationalReal projects. Real organizational needs.
Each project is co-designed with the university and matched to students’ disciplines, academic objectives, calendar and what can realistically be achieved within the selected format. Students work on a clearly scoped challenge and produce practical deliverables alongside measurable learning outcomes.
These examples can be adapted to students’ disciplines, academic objectives, available information and the time allocated to the project.
How can FI increase sales and customer traffic for one of its social businesses while advancing its social mission?
Customer segmentation, partnerships, pricing, upselling, marketing and visibility.
3–5 priority initiatives, a simple business case and a 90-day action plan.
How can FI strengthen the appeal, visibility and accessibility of its ChildSafe Experiences, grounded in responsible tourism and safeguarding principles?
Customer needs, experience design, pricing, promotion, partnerships and the customer journey.
Improved experience concept, customer journey, pricing recommendations and pilot plan.
How can FI’s social businesses and ChildSafe Experiences become easier to find, understand and book online?
Website and platform visibility, customer journey, content, reviews, visibility in search engines and booking experience.
Digital audit, priority improvements, content recommendations and a booking optimization plan.
How can financial, operational and impact information be connected and presented clearly to support decision-making?
Sustainability indicators, KPIs, data structure, dashboard design and accessible data visualization.
KPI framework, dashboard prototype and recommendations for data collection and presentation.
How can FI assess and strengthen the reach, engagement and impact of an awareness campaign?
Audience definition, campaign journey, engagement indicators, feedback methods and communication analysis.
Measurement framework, audience insights, campaign recommendations and an evaluation plan.
How can FI develop or strengthen practical learning resources for a defined group of learners or facilitators?
Curriculum and resource review, learning objectives, lesson plans, training materials and evaluation tools.
A learning module, facilitator guide, participant materials and an evaluation approach.
Where could digital tools or AI provide practical value to FI in a safe, responsible and appropriate way?
Use-case identification, user needs, feasibility, data and safeguarding considerations and prototype design.
Prioritized use cases, feasibility assessment, risk considerations and a simple prototype.
How can FI reduce the environmental impact of its activities and social businesses?
Energy, waste, sourcing, packaging and food waste.
Environmental opportunity map, priority initiatives, estimated environmental impact and pilot plan.
One student works independently on a clearly defined project linked to their field of study and academic learning objectives.
The project is co-designed by the university and Friends-International around a real organizational priority, with agreed objectives, deliverables and learning outcomes.
A group of students works together on a real organizational challenge as part of an academic module, course, consulting project, capstone or other experiential learning activity.
The group may be single-discipline or multidisciplinary. The project is co-designed to connect academic objectives with a concrete Friends-International or partner need.
One student undertakes a structured internship with Friends-International or, where relevant, one of its partners as part of their academic pathway.
The internship combines professional experience, defined responsibilities and deliverables with the university’s academic and learning requirements.
Each of these formats can be remote, hybrid or on-site, and organized full-time or part-time. The duration and rhythm are defined with the university according to the academic calendar, learning objectives, project scope, organizational needs and available supervision.
Students do not simply observe. They contribute to a defined project with clear objectives, expected deliverables and outcomes, while learning from the professional, social and cultural environment in which the work takes place.
We start with your academic objectives, student profiles, calendar and expected learning outcomes, and identify where students’ knowledge can meet a real Friends-International or partner priority.
• Align academic objectives, student profiles and real organizational needs.
• Co-design the project: scope, activities, deliverables, outcomes, working arrangements and evaluation approach.
• Prepare students through orientation, organizational context, safeguarding and relevant learning.
Learn more about our responsible approach and support• Support the engagement through professional supervision, coordination and regular interaction with the relevant teams.
• Review outputs, student learning and value created.
• Where relevant, agree indicators and reporting that demonstrate both learning outcomes and the social or organizational value created.
• Participation fees and financial arrangements are defined through a tailored proposal based on the format, duration, group size and level of preparation and support required.
Start with one project, one course or one student cohort. Over time, the partnership can expand across disciplines, academic modules, countries or different organizational priorities — creating recurring opportunities for students to contribute, learn and generate lasting value.
EXPLORE A UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP Talk to us about your academic objectives, your students and the type of learning experience you want to createBack to Schools and universities programs
On-site programs currently take place in Cambodia.
Connect your employees’ expertise with real strategic and operational priorities through structured, skills-based engagement in an international social impact environment.
The program is designed for companies and corporate foundations, bringing together CSR, ESG, Sustainability and Community Engagement priorities with HR, Learning & Development and Talent Management objectives, while offering employees a meaningful opportunity to share their expertise, contribute to social impact, find purpose, experience a different professional environment and develop their skills.
Give employees the opportunity to strengthen leadership and professional capabilities by applying their expertise in a very different international, professional, social and cultural environment.
Connect employees with meaningful organizational and social challenges strengthening engagement and retention while enabling them to contribute their expertise where it can make a real difference.
Employees bring back new perspectives on collaboration, adaptability, resourcefulness, sustainability, responsible business and social impact.
Create measurable social impact while supporting your ESG / CSR, responsible business and employee engagement priorities.
Employees apply their professional expertise within Friends-International’s distinctive international social impact environment, combining familiar business challenges with a different context, new perspectives and the opportunity to create meaningful social impact.
Discover why Friends-InternationalEach team works on one strategic or operational challenge selected before the engagement and matched to participant expertise, company objectives, available information and what can realistically be achieved within the chosen format. The expected result is a focused analysis, practical recommendations and a realistic way forward.
These examples illustrate how employee expertise can be connected to a clearly defined Friends-International priority. The final challenge, scope and expected output are agreed before the engagement.
How could FI test and develop a new social business or service that responds to an identified need, creates measurable social impact and has a viable operating model?
Stakeholder needs, value proposition, operating and revenue models, pricing, partnerships, delivery, risks and impact measurement.
Feasibility assessment, business model options, pilot design and a phased roadmap.
How can FI build stronger relationships with companies that can recruit young people from its programs?
Employer needs, company segmentation, partnership models, outreach and the employer value proposition.
Employer proposition, partnership package, outreach toolkit and key performance indicators.
How can FI strengthen a people, team or organizational process linked to an identified operational priority?
Process review, team practices, role clarity, knowledge sharing, tools, change management and capability development.
Practical recommendations, improved tools or processes, an implementation plan and knowledge-transfer materials.
How can FI build on its existing impact measurement practices and strengthen the way activities, outcomes and impact are connected and communicated to different stakeholders?
Reviewing indicators, connecting activities to outcomes, data visualization and ways to communicate impact clearly.
Refined KPI framework, dashboard prototype or reporting recommendations.
Where could AI provide practical value to FI while remaining safe, responsible and appropriate for its work?
Translation, reporting, information management, feedback analysis and administrative processes.
Prioritized AI use cases, feasibility assessment, risk considerations and a simple prototype.
How can FI strengthen practical tools that help young people explore entrepreneurship and develop the capabilities needed to create their own activity?
User needs, existing resources, entrepreneurship competencies, practical exercises, facilitator guidance and evaluation tools.
A modular entrepreneurship toolkit, facilitator materials, participant resources and a testing plan.
Have specific expertise, talent-development priorities or ESG objectives in mind? We can explore a project built around a real need and adapted to your organization.
Small multidisciplinary teams work together on a defined challenge — a strong format for collaboration, leadership development and cross-functional or cross-country engagement.
Selected employees contribute specialist expertise to a specific priority, working alongside Friends-International teams and transferring knowledge where relevant.
Remote • Hybrid • On-site in Cambodia | Engagements can be designed around employees’ day-to-day responsibilities, with flexible formats, duration and time commitments adapted to your organization and participating employees
We start with your objectives — for example talent development, leadership, employee engagement, ESG / CSR, community engagement or team collaboration — and identify where employee expertise can meet a real Friends-International or partner priority.
Align company objectives, employee profiles and organizational needs.
Co-design the assignment: scope, objectives, deliverables, outcomes and working arrangements.
Prepare participants through orientation, safeguarding and relevant learning.
Support and supervise the engagement throughout delivery.
Learn more about our responsible approach and supportReview outputs, learning and value created, with knowledge transfer and handover.
Measure and report on the social impact of the engagement, with relevant outcomes and indicators that can support your ESG and CSR objectives and internal reporting.
Start with one assignment, one team or a pilot. Over time, the partnership can expand across functions, countries or different organizational priorities — creating recurring opportunities for employees to contribute, learn and generate lasting value.
Talk to us about your objectives, the talent you want to engage and the expertise your teams could bring.
Participation fees and financial arrangements are defined through a tailored proposal based on the format, duration, group size and level of preparation and support required.
Talk to usDiscover this opportunity
A range of authentic local experiences in Cambodia and Laos combining cultural discovery, responsible tourism and ChildSafe awareness, while contributing to Friends-International’s social mission.
Individuals, families, friends, corporate groups, university groups and schools seeking an authentic, enjoyable and socially responsible experience.
Experiences in Cambodia - Phnom Penh and Siem Reap - and Laos - Luang Prabang. Half-day experiences can be combined for a full day.
Discover Friends-International’s mission, social businesses and work with children, young people, families and communities through a selection of responsible local experiences. You will gain practical awareness of Child Protection, ChildSafe principles, responsible tourism and responsible participation, while experiencing the city and its communities in a different way.
Experiences may include:
ChildSafe Awareness and Responsible Tourism: learn about ChildSafe principles and how travelers can act responsibly.
Tuk Tuk Tour: explore the city while learning about the realities faced by vulnerable children and young people, and the solutions developed by Friends-International and its partners.
Cooking and Cocktail or Mocktail Experiences: prepare and share food or drinks alongside Friends-International students, while discovering their vocational training and future employment pathways.
Crafting Experience: create handmade products using local and recycled materials, taught by community members and artisans.
ChildSafe experiencesMemorable cultural experiences, meaningful local interactions, a deeper understanding of Friends-International’s social work and increased awareness of child protection and responsible tourism.
Greater awareness of Friends-International’s mission and ChildSafe principles, and stronger support for vocational training and social businesses.
Throughout the experience, participants are expected to engage actively, interact respectfully with students, staff
and local communities, follow ChildSafe principles and contribute positively through responsible behavior.
Interested? Contact us
Each opportunity responds to a real organizational need and sets out the contribution, expected outcomes and skills required.
The main responsibilities, workstreams and collaboration expected during the assignment.
The practical outputs to be produced and the change or value the assignment should create.
Essential technical capabilities, relevant professional experience and useful personal qualities.
Supervision, onboarding, safeguarding, tools and working arrangements.
Complete the form below and attach your CV and motivation letter.
Current opportunities are specific assignments linked to needs already identified within Friends-International or one of our partners. They are not the only way to engage.
If you do not find a suitable opportunity, you can explore one of our Social Engagement Programs at any time and tell us about your skills, objectives, availability or project idea. We will assess whether an engagement can be developed around a real organizational need, suitable supervision and available capacity.
Explore our programs
Discover what brought others to Friends-International, what they contributed and what they gained from the experience.
Skills and assignments: a participant explains the challenge and contribution.
Read his story ↗Professional and personal discovery in a different environment.
Read her story ↗Stories from interns and experienced professionals: the skills contributed, the work completed, what remained and the learning gained.
Read the stories ↗A continuing connection through mentoring, advocacy or future engagement.
Read the stories ↗Futures Employment Agent
Building Futures & Self-Employment
“This experience allowed me to strengthen both my analytical and interpersonal skills while contributing to a meaningful social impact project supporting marginalized people.”
Communication, critical thinking, data collection, research, analytical, summarizing and problem-solving skills.
Worked with the Building Futures team to review self-employment placements, develop a structured questionnaire for beneficiaries, analyze self-employment cases, identify key success factors and challenges, and present her findings to the organization.
A structured beneficiary questionnaire, a review and analysis of self-employment cases, recommendations and a lessons-learned plan, a practical and replicable methodology for the Friends Alliance, and updated tools for the Self-Employment Toolbox.
A multicultural experience within an international NGO, stronger analytical, research, synthesis, communication and presentation skills, greater adaptability and teamwork, and a deeper understanding of social work and community development.
Education Advisor
Education, English & Soft Skills
“This experience was both meaningful and rewarding, allowing me to contribute practical resources and training to educational programs that empower young learners while personally supporting me to grow in confidence, collaboration and my passion for education and community development.”
Curriculum and educational resource development, content review and evaluation, collaboration and teamwork skills.
Worked with the Building Futures team to review and create tools and resources for English and soft skills curricula, improve learner engagement and support skill development.
Reviewed and revised curriculum content, new lesson plans, classroom activities, training materials and guidelines, together with feedback and evaluation tools and reports that support more consistent delivery, learner engagement and the use of practical resources to meet learner needs.
Stronger skills in curriculum development, educational resource design and content review, improved communication, teamwork and organizational abilities, and increased professional learning and growth in education, training and community development within an NGO environment.
Architect Advisor
Safety & Operations
“Patience, commitment, teamwork. I have learned so much from all of you. I leave with gratitude, respect, and many beautiful memories.”
Architecture and safety expertise, risk assessment, process improvement, coaching and knowledge-sharing skills.
Worked alongside local teams to review fire-safety practices, identify improvement opportunities, strengthen procedures and emergency roles, and develop practical tools and staff awareness.
A fire-safety assessment and recommendations, updated procedures and evacuation framework, defined emergency roles, a practical fire-drill protocol, staff knowledge-transfer sessions and a roadmap for continued improvement.
A different perspective on teamwork and cross-cultural collaboration — and the experience of applying familiar professional expertise in a very different social and cultural environment.
Social Business Finance Advisor
Finance & Social Business
“Working at FI has been a rewarding and learning experience. I am pleased I can make an impact in the working lives of FI staff, allowing them to perform better in their roles and focus on more value-added tasks.”
More than 30 years of international leadership experience across finance, accounting and treasury.
Worked directly with Finance and Operational teams to strengthen financial reporting, policies and processes across Friends-International’s social businesses, while supporting finance teams across five countries through training and process improvement.
Monthly management accounts, a comprehensive finance policy, improved finance processes, staff training and reporting tools that teams can continue to use and build on.
A rewarding experience in a social enterprise environment, working with teams committed to using his expertise to strengthen their practices and decision-making.
Do I need professional experience to participate?
Not always. Some pathways are designed for students, schools or individuals who want to begin with an introductory experience. Professional development, internship and employee programs are matched to relevant skills, experience and organizational needs.
Will I work directly with vulnerable children or beneficiaries?
No. Direct contact is not a default part of Social Engagement. Any contact is only organized when operationally necessary, professionally justified, approved and fully compliant with Friends-International’s safeguarding and child protection policies.
However, every engagement is designed to contribute to meaningful social impact by supporting Friends-International’s work with children, young people, families and communities.
What support will I receive?
Support is adapted to the pathway and may include pre-engagement information, orientation, e-learning, safeguarding guidance, a supervisor or coordinator, regular feedback, learning resources and final debriefing.
Can Friends-International help with practical arrangements?
For eligible on-site programs, Friends-International can provide visa support, support in identifying suitable accommodation, arrival information and, where relevant for longer placements, guidance with local bank account set-up. The exact level of support depends on the program, its duration and the participant’s situation.
Can I participate remotely?
Yes. The Remote Social Engagement Program and English Conversation Program are delivered online. Other programs may include remote or hybrid elements depending on their objectives.
How long do programs last?
Duration depends on the pathway. ChildSafe and School Discovery experiences may be half-day, full-day or multi-day. Professional, internship and employee assignments are agreed according to objectives, availability and organizational capacity.
Can I continue my engagement after the program?
Yes. Participants may explore future opportunities, mentoring, ambassador roles, referrals, testimonials or other ways to remain connected with Friends-International.
Is there a participation fee?
Participation fees and financial arrangements vary according to the program, format, duration, location, group size and level of preparation and support required. Any participation fee and applicable costs will be clearly explained before confirmation. Universities and companies receive a tailored proposal. Participation fees may contribute to program design, preparation, coordination, safeguarding, supervision and learning support. They are not a payment for access to communities or beneficiaries.
Not sure which pathway is right for you? Tell us a little about yourself or your organization, what you hope to contribute and the type of experience you are looking for. Our team will help you explore the most appropriate next step.
Share the information relevant to you in the form below.
Skills, interests, availability, and whether the individual is looking for a remote, on-site or introductory experience.
Students, academic objectives, timing, preferred format, location and any learning or assessment requirements.
Employees’ skills, ESG or development objectives, preferred format and potential timeframe.
Friends-International confirms every professional, university, internship and employee engagement following an interview and relevant checks, and against real organizational needs, suitable supervision and available capacity.
Insights from the social sector bring fresh perspectives
You may discover how Friends-International operates in a different and complex environment shaped by social objectives, limited resources and the realities of working with vulnerable populations: