ICES Cambodia, an international student academic and exchange organization dedicated to increasing international awareness and cultural understanding, held its second orientation for the 3rd Generation students who will go on the overseas adventure later this year. 

The orientation is one of many training sessions students will receive before departing for their study destination, is aimed at to ensure that students are emotionally and mentally ready to travel on their own, live abroad and adjust to a new environment.

According to Eun Lee, ICES Cambodia’s Senior International Relations Officer, studying abroad is not only about booking flights, applying for a visa, or packing their bags but also dealing with issues like being homesick, culture shock and miscommunication due to language barrier.

“By discussing these issues and hearing from former students, both parents and students can gain more confidence and have realistic expectations,” Lee said. 

During the orientation, students and their parents were introduced to ICES rules and setting realistic expectations. They also received insight on applying for the U.S. visa and living with the host families. The meeting was also virtually attended by Mr. Sangkarn Amsamang, CEO of ICES Thailand, who presented on the exchange program in Southeast Asia and their successes. 

The main feature was a sharing session with Chihok Gauy, ICES Cambodia’s Generation 1 exchange student and the recipient of last year’s ICES Student of the Year Award. He was there to answer the new-generation exchange students’ questions about issues he encountered during the exchange year, from joining American school sport to his thoughts on bullies. 

The post-orientation survey showed that the participants received it well, calling the meeting “organized and interesting”. 

“I liked the details and information that ICES Cambodia provided in the meeting,” said one student. “I like how they gave specific information to both parents and students about living in the U.S. and how life there will be like. I like the idea of exchanging cultures so our host family and friends can learn more about us and we can learn more about them.”

“I liked the part where Chihok shared his experience because it helped me know what to expect as well as what he went through during his exchange year,” wrote another student. 

Meanwhile, Eun Lee, the organizer and also a former exchange student in the U.S., said she was delighted to see young Cambodian students getting out of their comfort zone and parents seeing the value of sending their children overseas.

“We are extremely happy with the growing interest and number of students joining our program,” she added. “As parents and students have given the trust to our organization, we will continue to focus on quality and make sure students are prepared for their journey and can reach their full potential.”

The exchange program for the 2022-2023 academic year is closed, but you can start preparing for the next generation now. You don’t have to wait until college to study overseas.   

For more information on how you can attend 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