Golden Opportunity: Go on an Exchange Program in the US for only $9,900!
Going on a high school exchange program in a foreign country can the best experience a student’s life: a thrilling and life-changing journey which he or she will one day look back and appreciate the numerous benefits it has on his or her higher education and career.
However, many has to miss this opportunity, mainly due to one big problem: money. Certainly, without a well-qualified agency to come up with a providential financial scheme, studying abroad can be costly. Yet, ICES (International Cultural Exchange Services) Cambodia, nonprofit youth exchange organization committed to educational study abroad programs, is now helping parents and students in to overcome their financial constraint. How? by offering a special early bird promotion of $9,900 for the USA High School Exchange Program!
Taking the annual tuition for international schools in Cambodia can range from $8,000 to $20,000 into consideration, being able to live and study in the USA for 1 academic year under $10,000 may sound like a good bargain. Nevertheless, ICES, with more than 25 years of experience in student exchange and study abroad, is not compromising on its services, says Eun Lee, the Senior International Relations Officer in charge of the exchange program at ICES Cambodia.
“We offer the early bird promotion to students who apply and pay deposit by August 31, 2021,” Lee says. “The program fees are subject to increase after this date. To be eligible, they must pass the English Proficiency Test provided by ICES Cambodia and have a good academic record (Average C in main subjects for the past 3 years)”.
The program fee covers school placement, host family placement (meals & room), medical insurance, monthly progress report, visa application assistance, pre-departure trainings and orientation and 24-hour emergency contact in the USA.
Lee, who is also a former exchange student in the United States, adds that while going on a High School Exchange Program, also known as J1 Program, through ICES Cambodia is already perfect for prudent parents, it also allows the participating students to learn to manage their finance, a skill they may not develop in their home country because of the direct supervision from their parents.
“Students need to have a daily or weekly budget and keep track of their spending so there are no surprises at the end of each month,” Lee says. “They will look for ways to save money and make sure to use it smartly by creating a priority list. It is about taking responsibility and practicing discipline.”
According to experts’ advices, the recommended spending per month is $250-$300 (lunch money and personal expense) but it depends on the student’s lifestyle, although his or her host family will provide meals and in most cases transportation to and from school, meaning that shopping and eating out will draw more spending.
Growing financially smart, meanwhile, is just one the advantages offered by the program. According to Dr. Quach Mengly, a well-known education expert in Cambodia, studying in the U.S. comes with many benefits beyond language acquisition including quality education, unique curriculum, multicultural environment and abundant opportunities.
“Sending your child abroad to study could be the first step in securing their future success,” he says. “Travelling and studying abroad play an important role in not only broadening your child’s horizon but also in making sure they are as well-equipped for their future.”
According to the U.S. government report, the number of Cambodian students who studied at U.S. colleges and universities reached an all-time high in 2019-2020, increasing by 8.3 percent over the previous year. In the meantime, the U.S. is number 1 destination in the world for international students, with more than 1 million students in 2019-2020.
As a person with a memorable hands-on experience, Eun Lee stresses that signing up for the exchange program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“It is strictly for those who are in high school,” she says. “If you wait thinking that you are too young or not ready, you’ll miss the opportunity forever. For the parents, I want to tell them that it’s an investment for their future and a safe way for their children to become more responsible and mature.”
Being a former exchange student, I can say that J1 program is one of the best and most economical ways to study abroad while being fully immersed in a foreign culture. One year may not seem like a long time, but this time being away from your home, family and friends will push you to try new things, become more independent and take on new challenges all of which will leave a lasting impact.
It is now time for you to go on the thrilling journey oversea! ICES Cambodia is offering a special early bird promotion of $9,900 for the USA High School Exchange Program to students who apply and pay deposit by August 31, 2021. To be eligible, they must pass the English Proficiency Test provided by ICES Cambodia and have a good academic record (Average C in main subjects for the past 3 years). If you would like to take the English test to see if you are eligible to apply, register via: https://forms.gle/3qifKLu79f4hx5uB7