Expectations and Attitudes

We want to take a few moments to set expectations for your upcoming time as part of the PEPY team. We believe that if expectations are clear, we can minimize problems due to miscommunication. We also think you probably want to know what you are about to get yourself into! The primer below should give you an idea of what you can expect, what expectations we have of you, and some other insights and tidbits about PEPY culture.

“IT’S NOT PERSONAL. . . IT’S PEPY!”

At PEPY, we have a culture of constructive criticism. We ask that people be honest and speak up when they see something that could be improved in how we work or how we act. We embrace an environment in which people actively search out problems and suggest improvements. Pointing out problems without working towards a solution just doesn’t jive with our PEPY culture, so we tend to seek out people who are proactive, hard working, self-starters, and who are not afraid to tackle a problem to make things better!

OK, FINE.  SOMETIMES IT IS PERSONAL.

We firmly believe that the first step towards a better world is working towards a better you! We want to collaborate with people who are constantly striving to improve themselves, who take on personal challenges to reach their own goals, and who are willing to have the hard conversations that start with “How could I have done things better?” We can remind each other that if we are always blaming outside forces for our own problems, we are never going to be able to find a solution.

PLAY WELL WITH OTHERS.

We want to attract people who work well in a team and know how to collaborate. We don’t think development work is best executed with a unilateral approach to saving the world. The PEPY team needs to be willing to take the time to learn about what other organizations and people are doing. We believe in sharing our ideas and the lessons we are learning with others. We view mistakes as opportunities to learn, and by sharing and reflecting on them, we can not only improve our own work, but help others maximize their impact as well.

WORK HARD. PLAY RESPONSIBLY.

We have high expectations of our staff and our interns. We make it clear to all foreign staff that:

a)     As a foreigner, you represent not only your country, but all of the outside world to every Cambodian you meet or work with. Be sure to consider your role as a cultural diplomat before you do something that might put you in a bad light.

b)     You are expected to follow all local laws, of course, but you are also expected to act as a role model to our local staff. Most foreigners are accustomed to social environments and social norms that differ from Cambodian traditions. Keep in mind that the majority of Cambodians marry their first boyfriend or girlfriend, many saving their first kiss until marriage. Most Cambodian women do not drink, and drunken behavior is associated with the very prevalent problem of domestic violence.

c)     We will not tolerate a violation of the trust implicit in the PEPY-supported Cambodian visa issued to foreign staff. Involving yourself with drugs, prostitution, or violence is cause for immediate dismissal. 

DRINK UP!

Or not. In order to adhere to social norms and maintain a professional environment, no PEPY foreign staff member is allowed to drink under any circumstances in Kralanh. In Siem Reap, moderate and responsible drinking is allowed for staff, but is unacceptable when wearing a PEPY T-shirt. While leading trips, a drink at dinner in a responsible manner is allowed, but trip leaders must remain sober in order to take care of the group, even when guests are drinking.

LIVING IN A SMALL TOWN

If you have lived in a small town before, you know the drill. Everyone in the English-speaking expat community knows everyone else. News travels fast. This can be a bit claustrophobic, but it’s also nice to know that there is a community of people around with whom to connect. It means you need to make smart choices and always be aware that you are constantly representing not only yourself, but PEPY and your country as well. Make the most of the opportunities presented to make friends with Cambodians and communicate in Khmer as a way of opening up a whole new network of friends.

LIVING/WORKING/EATING/BREATHING TOGETHER

Yes, this can get difficult. But, as with many things in life, the more challenging a situation, the more rewarding it is when you make it work. Even for those staff members who choose to live outside of the office, there is a lot of overlap with work and play. If that appeals to you, then you’ll love this environment! If this isn’t the ideal situation for you, then you need to make a concerted effort to take time for yourself, away from the group. We are each responsible for our own happiness, so make sure you take the actions you need to take to make our team work!

WHERE SHOULD WE EAT?

Our staff will show you around, but remember: You are in Cambodia! Living in Siem Reap, it’s sometimes hard to remember that. Some foreign staff members have ended up eating at relatively expensive international hotels on a near daily basis. Of course that is posh and fun, but if you’re looking for a more authentic experience, try some of the many fine Khmer establishments in the area. Furthermore, while many Western establishments may seem affordable to you, it excludes Cambodian staff from joining in meals, as they cannot afford these grand expenses on a regular basis. We are lucky to live in a place with many modern luxuries, and while indulging in those is not frowned upon, we encourage staff to also consider the $1 fried rice shops, the Ban Chao restos, and of course the stalls selling fried vegetables with noodles…. Yum!

WE’RE HERE TO HELP (not just play!)

When South East Asia is at our fingertips, sometimes it is easy to forget that we are here with a purpose. Here in Cambodia, PEPY celebrates a lot of holidays (we observe 22 national holidays), as well as one discretionary vacation day per month. As such, we ask that foreign interns consider their year-long commitment as such, a commitment to filling a much-needed role at PEPY. It is hard to be productive when staff are constantly coming and going from the office. With this in mind, we ask that if you are looking to travel extensively throughout the region, to plan your travel before or after your year-long commitment. This will allow you to be more fully present to the team while you are here and will provide more consistency in our team roles.

I DON’T DO WINDOWS.

It’s a fact that some tasks are just not that glamorous. Everyone has to-do items they are not that thrilled about, whether it’s signing accounting sheets, reviewing budgets, or cleaning data in our donor spreadsheets. If you signed up for this job thinking you would be playing with kids, working with teachers, and riding bikes, then please turn around. This is a job, and all jobs come with mundane tasks as well as interesting ones. Ideally the reward of being part of something you believe in will provide enough motivation to get even the most boring task done! The job also includes some weekend work, as we often have trainings, meetings, or tours on the weekends. Jump at these opportunities when they are presented to you! By showing our team that you are willing to help out wherever needed, you are showing your commitment to PEPY and its goal of empowering people to create the changes they want to see in their lives and the world.

RIDE OFF INTO THE SUNSET.

The PEPY vibe changes depending on who is on the team, but there are always at least a few bike-happy people around. We have 14 mountain or hybrid bikes upstairs which belong to PEPY Tours. PEPY staff can use these bikes for day rides around Siem Reap for free, with permission from PT management. If anyone, staff or not, wants to take the bikes on a multi-day ride which will include bus or plane use, the PT staff will likely suggest renting a bicycle elsewhere (available from Mr. Lucky in PP for $5 per day), as non-cycling transport can result in bike damage. Even if you are not an avid cyclist, you might want to consider bringing a pair of bike shorts along with you to try out some riding!

You will also be assigned a one-speed basket bike for commuting around town when you arrive in Siem Reap. You are responsible for keeping the bike in good repair. Damaged or stolen bikes must be replaced.

WELCOME TO THE TEAM!

Hopefully, this page gives you a feel for our organizational culture and expectations. We know that we will continue to grow and evolve with each new addition to the PEPY family. We look forward to the new ideas you will bring to our team and we are ready to welcome you with open arms to PEPY!