Phnom Penh: U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh organized the annual 2025 EducationUSA Fair in Siem Reap on September 8 and Phnom Penh on September 10 to connect Cambodian students with U.S. educational institutions and exchange opportunities. In Siem Reap, Sara Feuerstein, Acting Public Affairs Officer, and Ly Bunna, Director of the Provincial Department of Education, Youth, and Sport, opened the event with over 900 attendees. “Through EducationUSA, Cambodian students gain access to unparalleled opportunities to study in the United States, fostering mutual understanding and empowering the next generation of leaders to contribute to global progress,” said Feuerstein in her remarks.
In Phnom Penh, Benjamin Chiang, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, and H.E. Dr. Som Ratana, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, inaugurated the fair with a ribbon cutting and engaged with visiting university representatives during a tour of the booths. Every year, the EducationUSA Fair offers Cambodian students an invaluable platform to explore higher education opportunities in the United States. At this year’s fairs, attendees gained insights into scholarships and U.S.-funded exchange programs, learned about the visa process from a U.S. consular officer, and connected directly with representatives from 10 U.S. higher education institutions. These representatives shared detailed information about their academic programs, admission criteria, and application procedures, encouraging students to take the next step toward achieving their educational goals.
College and university representatives at the EducationUSA Fairs 2025 included Bryant University, Clark College, Edmonds College, Foothill College, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Kent State University, Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Middle Tennessee State University, Minnesota State University – Mankato, Seattle Colleges, Shoreline Community College, and the University of Arizona.
“Cambodia’s commitment to education and international collaboration reflects the aspirations of its youth to engage with the world,” said Chargé d’Affaires Benjamin Chiang.
The colleges represented are located in large cities and small towns, ranging from large to small, public to private, four-year universities to two-year community colleges, which represent the diverse options available to students to find an education that fits their interests and goals. Over the past five years, Cambodia has seen a 55 percent increase in students studying in the United States, the highest percentage growth in the East Asia Pacific region.
Throughout the year, U.S. Embassy Phnom Penh promotes educational opportunities through free EducationUSA Advising Centers in Phnom Penh at AmCam Exchange and Siem Reap at Pannasastra University, as well as EducationUSA services at all American Spaces. The centers offer free one-on-one coaching through the application process and access to books and preparatory materials. The U.S. Embassy also offers exchange programs and scholarships, holds regular events at our four American Spaces in Battambang, Kampong Cham, Phnom Penh, and Siem Reap, and conducts outreach at schools across Cambodia.
Photo by: Supplied
