The US embassy in Phnom Penh hosted the annual EducationUSA Fair on September 30, offering Cambodian students the opportunity to explore higher education and exchange initiatives in the US.
The fair featured representatives from 20 US universities, showcasing a variety of academic programmes, scholarship options and admission pathways, according to an embassy press statement released the same day.
The event was officially inaugurated by acting deputy chief of mission at the embassy Jason D. Kalbfleisch and Som Ratana, undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, who also toured the fair's booths to engage with participating institutions and students.
The fair aimed to provide Cambodian students with detailed information about studying in the US, the visa process and guidance on scholarships, the release noted.
“Education opens up economic opportunity and contributes to the development of your communities, Cambodia and the world,” said Kalbfleisch during the opening remarks.
“Last year, the number of Cambodian students in the US jumped 21 per cent, and this year, I’m confident we will see even more,” he highlighted.
According to the release, students at the fair had opportunities to interact directly with university representatives, gaining insights into programmes, admission requirements and application procedures. The event served as a comprehensive resource for those interested in studying abroad, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels.
The release highlighted that the embassy has long promoted educational opportunities in Cambodia through its free EducationUSA advising centres, located in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap province.
It noted that these centres offer personalised coaching and access to essential resources for navigating the US college application process.
Beyond the fair, the embassy also supports Cambodian students through exchange programmes, scholarships and regular educational events hosted at its “American Spaces” in Phnom Penh and Battambang, Kampong Cham and Siem Reap provinces, according to the embassy.