By Dr. D. Kyle Latinis, Dean for Research and Development
University of Cambodia (UC) students and members from the UC Student Senate (UCSS) were invited to a joint student and faculty interactive lunch and discussion with American students and faculty from Texas A&M International University and West Texas A&M University on March 15. The pan-Cambodia educational tour was organized by PEPY Ride educational tours. PEPY Ride also works with the SEACS (Southeast Asia Comparative Studies) exchange program that hosts American students visiting the University of Cambodia and Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The country tour had a break in Phnom Penh and PEPY Ride directors decided to take the opportunity to expose the American visitors to higher education institutions (HEIs) and their status in Cambodia.
A very fascinating visit to the Royal University of Fine Arts introduced the state university system, followed by an equally illuminating visit to the Buddhist University which introduced both traditional and modern Buddhist educational goals—vital to Cambodian society at all levels. Incidentally, the Venerable Monks who oversaw the discussion are very familiar with the UC campus, and included one of the UC Master’s students, Venerable Cham Thyrak who also works at the Buddhist University.
Finally the morning excursion ended with a visit to UC, which represented the research-, academic- and skills- oriented private HEIs in Cambodia. Kong Rathana, Registrar and Deputy Director of the Office of Administration, oversaw a group introduction and warm welcome from the University. Lim Ngoun, a UC student representative of a research team, Chanty Pisal, President of UC Student Senate (UCSS), and many other UC students provided a brief explanation about the University and its programs, as well as information about the new campus. Deep appreciation is also extended to Por Malis, Vice President for Operations, and the UC faculty, staff, and students for making the visit informative and memorable.
The opportunity allowed UC students and the visiting Texans to jointly discuss and compare the young generation and goals of university students in both countries. Although informal, it was a truly educational cultural exchange forum that resulted in lively student-to-student group discussions over lunch. Students shared numerous ideas and experiences. Leadership, youth goals, and cultural similarities and differences were among the popular topics (besides food, of course). Both sets of students were equally impressed with each other. The luncheon ended with high praise and numerous compliments to the UC students, as well as from the UC students. The Texas students and faculty members left a very memorable and positive impression upon the UC students and are certainly welcome back anytime.
The University extends its sincerest gratitude to the visitors, the various organizations that participated in this, and the Cambodian community, as represented by the UC students and other participants.
