The oversea adventure of four high school students who signed up for the second generation of High School Exchange Program through ICES Cambodia finally set out on their eye-opening journey this week. 

On Tuesday, Chealeang Ear,​ a student from the American Intercon School (AIS) was saying goodbye to her family as she was departing for Oklahoma. Next week, she will be attending Mustang High School, a school renowned for its sport curriculums and nationally competitive marching-band program. 

“I am looking forward to new experiences, global insights and exposure to different lifestyles, as much as I want to try eating different cuisine and meet new people,” Chealeang said. 

“I am determined to share those experiences with my friends and also use them to develop myself after the exchange program is complete”.

Likewise, Amra Chamroeun from E2STEM Education and Sonalen Saing from New Generation School are also heading to Oklahoma, where they will be attending Foyil High School and Santa Fe High School respectively. 

Both of them are nervous but at the same time excited to get on the life-changing adventure. 

“What motivated me to sign up with ICES Cambodia is my dream of studying abroad and understanding new technology and cultures and bringing those experiences to develop my country,” Amra said. 

“When I was selected as an exchange student by ICES, I was very excited and proud because I have always wanted to go on a cultural exchange studies abroad to better understand the world as well as to share Cambodian culture to the outside world,” Sonalen added.

Meanwhile, Rathreacheany Samat from New Generation School Preah Sisowath before her departure said she is ready to share the Cambodian culture and tradition with American students at Fennimore High School in Wisconsin. 

“I want to show them Khmer food, Khmer dances, Khmer traditions and Khmer customs,” she said. “At the same time, I look forward to a thrilling experience which will change my life.”  

Eun Lee, the Senior International Relations Officer in charge of the exchange program at ICES Cambodia, said it took 6 months between registration to flying to the selected study destination, during which the students had to complete required vaccines and attend various trainings provided by ICES to prepare them for their study abroad. 

“I would like to remind the students that their exchange year is going to go by very fast so to enjoy every bit of it. They’ve chosen to embark on a journey which could be a defining experience of their lives. It’s going to be great opportunity for students to try something new, become more mature, meet American friends and discover new talents/skills,” Lee said.  

“I am really proud of four young ladies representing Cambodia this year. They are the ambassadors of Cambodia and Cambodian culture. I wish them a safe trip and an unforgettable year in the U.S.” 

Before them, Chihok Gauy, the first ever exchange student to be on an exchange program through ICES Cambodia, has had a very successful exchange year in the U.S., at the end of which he was selected as the winner of ICES Student of the Year Award, a prestigious recognition of the exchange student who has shown outstanding participation and enthusiasm in the Student Exchange Program.

Chihok called for other students in Cambodia to follow his footstep and “find the new you”.

“There are going to be differences, and differences in understandings, so you have to get to know each other and understand each other more,” he said.

Now is your turn to go on the thrilling journey overseas 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). Register now to take the English Test: https://forms.gle/3qifKLu79f4hx5uB7.