The US embassy is hosting the 2023 EducationUSA Fair for Cambodian students keen on pursuing studies at American universities.

The September 28 event, part of the US Department of State network, will feature over 20 prestigious colleges and universities, including New York University (NYU), Washington State University (WSU), Tacoma Community College (TCC), Bellevue College (BC), Northeastern University (NU) and the University of Arizona (UA).

“The event aims to enhance the quality of education and expand educational and career opportunities for Cambodians,” a September 25 embassy press release said of the fair, scheduled to take place at the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh from 2pm to 6pm.

The initiative provides a distinctive platform for citizens to engage with US higher education institutions and understand the benefits of attaining a university education in the US.

“The fair … will help students prepare and give them an understanding of the requirements and conditions,” said Chhit Bunthong, director of the Institute of Cultural Relations, Education and Tourism at the Royal Academy of Cambodia.

He noted the importance of the fair in fostering the partnership between the countries.

“It’s good for the educational union between the two nations, in addition to our cultural and trade ties,” he said.

Bunthong is optimistic that US-Cambodian ties under the new government will strengthen, resulting in increased educational access for Cambodians. He expressed a particular desire for the embassy to organise more such events, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.

EducationUSA represents a network of over 400 international student advising centres across more than 170 nations.