Since leaving Cambodia in August 2021 for an exchange program, Chamroeun Amra, ICES Cambodia’s Generation 2 student, has spent more than half of the year attending Oklahoma’s Foyil High School. With three more months to go, she is having a thrilling time studying in the U.S. as she has countless stories to tell and share. This week, ICES Cambodia spoke to Amra about her journey so far.

ICES Cambodia: It’s been more than half of year since you left Cambodia. How would you describe your exchange year and experiences there?

Amra: It’s been great. I’ve experienced things I’ve never done before like playing sports, joining events at school, meeting friends from other countries and going to church.

ICES Cambodia: What is your favorite memory about studying in the U.S.?

Amra: By far, my favorite is school sports games. When I first started doing basketball, it was so hard to physically get used to it and the practice routine every day. I’m so grateful to have my team and coaches. They are so supportive. They encourage everyone to get better every day. Practice is getting more fun every day. When we play in a tournament or just games in general, it’s always so exciting. In the first tournament of our season, we got 2nd place. It was amazing, I’m so proud of my team. 

ICES Cambodia: What part of the program do you like the most? 

Amra: I got to make new friends from all around the world and I get to do and try something new.

ICES Cambodia: What do you miss most about home? What do you do when you get homesick? 

Amra: I miss my family and definitely Cambodian food. I call and talk to my family when I feel homesick. I share how my day was with them.

ICES Cambodia: Would you share some advice for Generation 3 students? 

Amra: I want to tell the next generation not to be afraid to try something new and get out of your comfort zone.

ICES Cambodia: Do you have any comments or advice for students who are interested in joining the exchange program? 

Amra: It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I am glad that I got to experience the things that I’ve done. I am grateful for all the new friends I made. The exchange program is really an eye-opening experience that you don’t get to experience anywhere else. I get to see things differently now. I have matured a lot and I feel like I’m more independent and open-minded. I’m not afraid to try new things now.

Exploring a foreign country with people of different backgrounds and cultures offers you many stories to tell for the rest of your life. And you can do it, too. Don’t wait until college to go study abroad. ICES Cambodia can show you the way.

For more information on how you can high school abroad with ICES Cambodia, as well as the program fees and application process, please contact 061 924 141 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/kssVi53beRzEQYmY6.