Understanding culture shock and culture clash in an important part of living abroad and preparing for study abroad. ICES Cambodia, the leading international student academic and exchange organization, conducted a training course on the subject for its 3rd generation students who will depart for the US later this year. 

During the session, ICES introduced the American culture and what to expect. They were given a brief overview of the country and how various events have shaped its people. Also, ICES staff explained about the regional differences such as the climate, major cities, etc. 

Meanwhile, the training is also aimed at encouraging students to share about Cambodian culture and identity. For example, each student had been asked to bring one item that represents Cambodian culture such as krama a sturdy traditional Cambodian garment with many uses, and num ansom, a traditional Khmer snack wrapped in banana leaf. Doing so means creating an opportunity for students to appreciate Cambodian culture.

“The exchange program is not only learning about the other culture (destination) but to share one’s own culture as well,” said Sereycheat Phuong, ICES Cambodia’s International Relations Officer and the organizer of the event on Saturday. 

“ICES Cambodia would like the Generation 3 students to proudly share about Cambodian food, traditions and way of life with their host families and friends they will make in the US.” 

Cultural exchange, Phuong adds, can be as simple as learning/teaching how to say “Hello” in a new language and trying/cooking a new and interesting dish. 

“There are many ways to promote cultural exchange and engaging in the host community is one of the most effective ways to share your own culture as well as learn more about a new one,” she said.  

“ICES Cambodia would like our students to start thinking about what they can bring and share with their American host families and friends.”

The training was received well by the attending students, according to a post-event survey done among them. 

“It was nice to hear about how the ICES Generation 2 students dealt with obstacles they encountered when they first arrived in American especially with culture shock and being homesick,” wrote Sovann Sourn, one of the Generation 3 students.   

Another student Sokmean Heng shared, “One thing that I learned is that it’s important to communicate to make new friends and understand the cultural differences. I really enjoyed meeting other students and hearing from Gen 2 students on their experiences in America.” 

The next training that the Generation 3 students shall go through will be about the US high school, living with a host family, and visa application as well as the interview process.

At ICES Cambodia, thorough preparations are done before the students’ departure to ensure that their once-in-a-lifetime adventure would be the most memorable. And you can become part of this, too. Intake for the 2023-2024 academic year starts in June 2022. Don’t wait until university to study abroad; ICES Cambodia will show you the way. 

For more information on how you can join ICES Cambodia high school study abroad program 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 .