In November 2019, Mengly J. Quach Education (MJQE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with International Cultural Exchange Services (ICES) to bring the youth exchange organization committed to educational study abroad programs to the Kingdom.

While ICES Cambodia has been active in the Kingdom for only 2 years, the speed at which its popularity is going to makes it a key player in enhancing the nation’s education.

In 2020, ICES Cambodia’s first year in service, Chihok Guay, a student from Aii Language Centre and American Intercon School, became the first Cambodian student to sign up for its High School Exchange Program. Yet, Chihok has proved that number is not everything after he has achieved notable successes during his exchange year in Oklahoma, US, including winning the prestigious ICES Student of Year Award.

In the next year, other four Cambodian students, all female, have signed up for the second generation of ICES Cambodia’s High School Exchange Program. They are now spending their academic year in American high schools and enjoying their once-in-a-lifetime adventure with their host families. While learning about new cultures and academic experiences, the four girls are also sharing their national identities, arts, and tradition with their American friends and exchange students from other countries.

And now for the third batch, as of October 13th, thirteen students have applied for the 2022-2023 USA High School Exchange Program through ICES Cambodia, according to Eun Lee, ICES Cambodia Senior International Relations Officer.

“The students come from both public and private schools across Phnom Penh,” Lee said.

“ICES is growing steadily each year. This is only our second year and we already have +10 students for August 2022 departure.”

Among those who have signed up for the one-year exchange program is Laykim Taing, 9th grader, who claimed that ICES Cambodia would make her dream come true.

“I always dreamed of going to places outside Cambodia and going on adventures,” she said. “I’m also very passionate when it comes to enhancing my experience in different fields.

“By signing up for this exchange program, I will not only have insight on the American curriculum but also broaden my communication skills which will make me become more confident and approachable. My parents weren’t shocked by my desires, as they know that I love adventure and have wanted to study abroad. They fully supported and encouraged me.”

Panharatn Sokhorn, another Grade 9 student who signed up for the exchange program, said he would never miss this one-in-a-life opportunity.

“In the exchange year, I will learn, develop, experience, and explore many things,” he said. “My parents were excited the moment I told them about the result. Mainly, they were proud and ecstatic that I can join the exchange program to the U.S.”

This year, ICES Cambodia is also launching the regular high school study abroad programs for the 2022-2023 academic year in the U.S., UK, and Canada. It is designed for students in Grades 9-12 and they can study multiple years and graduate from high school, a pathway for them to continue to college/university abroad.

“ICES has a partnership with public and private partner schools in these countries,” Lee, the Senior International Relation Officer said. “Currently we have one student who started the application for the U.S. high school study abroad program.”

The key message that Lee, herself a former exchange student in the US, wants to give to all Cambodian students out there is “No need to wait until university to study abroad”.

“By participating in the exchanges program with ICES Cambodia, you can have a head start in studying abroad, becoming independent & mature, building a global network, and pursuing your interests,” she added.

There are limited spots available and the application will close in December. So what are you waiting for? Signed for the exchange program with ICES Cambodia and go on a thrilling adventure overseas right now!

For more information on how you can high school abroad with ICES Cambodia, as well as the program fees and application process, please contact 077 777 244 or 098 686 901. To be eligible, you 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 .