The United States of America for decades has been known as the “Land of Dreams” for a reason. It is a place where passions know no boundaries, and individuals have the freedom to explore them to the greatest extent.

For instance, Rathreacheany Samat, an international exchange student from ICES Cambodia, realized her lifelong dream in the US last week, and for her, the experience was magical. 

Rathreacheany, who is spending an academic year at Fennimore High School, Wisconsin, is a die-hard fan of the J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series and everything related to it. She is a true Potterhead. 

In Cambodia, she had heard about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, theme park inspired by the Harry Potter franchise at the Universal Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida. She always dreamt about visiting the place, and it became a reality over Christmas break.  

The surprising journey began on the teenage girl’s first Christmas in the States. It was a surprise gift from her host family. 

“[On Christmas], my host family gave me a Harry Potter wand and said that they’re taking me to Harry Potter World,” she says. “Hearing this moved me to tears.” 

Rathreacheany and her host family spent an entire day at the Universal Studios, mostly at Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. For the first time in her life, she felt as if she was actually a wizard! 

“I also got a Gryffindor robe, a necktie to match, and an interactive wand for the full experience,” she says, adding that there are different spots around the theme park that respond to the wand’s movements. 

“I also tried butterbeer for the first time, went into Honeyduke and got some candies, and picked out my wand at Ollivanders.”

Hogwarts Castle in particular was beyond what she had imagined. After going on a full tour inside the castle, Rathreacheany went on a short roller coaster ride called “Flight of Hippogriff” with her host sister. 

“I think the experience got my host sister interested in Harry Potter as well,” she adds, laughing. 

For the new girl in town, the trip was an enchanting experience and definitely one of the best times in her life. It is the first story she will be telling her friends when she returns Cambodia upon the completion of her exchange year.

“Overall, this trip was amazing. The Harry Potter World was even better than I thought. I enjoyed every moment of it”, She added.

Studying and staying in the “Land of the Opportunities” could make many of your dreams come true, and that is just a part of it! Sign up for a high school study abroad program with ICES Cambodia right now for the life-changing adventure!

For more information on how you can join ICES Cambodia, as well as the program fees and application process, please contact 098 686 901 or 061 924 141. 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 .