By Siem Pichnorak
International Business Major
College of Management
Like many outward-looking students out there, going abroad was the opportunity to be exposed to the big world. Studying abroad had always been one of my goals. In late 2012, my dream came true when I received a scholarship to attend an exchange program at Deajeon University in South Korea.
I am not sure if other exchange students felt the same way, but to me the study abroad program was an exciting opportunity, as well as a challenging one, which marks a turning point in my life.
Following my ambition to study abroad, I become an avid scholarship hunter. I had applied to so many programs, but failed. Yet, I never gave up. I relentlessly kept on looking for study abroad scholarships and opportunities until I landed one. To all you students, there is no success without struggle!
As an exchange student everything was tough for me. It was the fi rst time I had ever been away from home. Culture, food, lifestyle, language, and a new learning environment were all challenges I faced every day. But these are not at all bad things, for they helped me grow, learn, become more mature, and independent.
I was challenged to be different. To walk the extra kilometer. To think outside the Cambodian box and look at the world to see the bigger picture. Personally, I believe that life’s challenges are good opportunities to help people grow and become better successful individuals. Without life’s challenges, one would tend to be complacent in life and less committed to improving society.
Tough and joyful times came and went. Going through life’s challenges should make you a better and brighter person. I believe being pressured help reinforce my commitments in life. What didn’t kill me, only made me stronger and better.
Besides tough times, I also had countless joyful moments like living under the same roof with citizens of the world; sneaking out for parties, cooking, learning different courses, shopping, travelling and talking to people from different countries are unforgettable
memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. These are all things that I call life-changing experiences. I was able learned and lived with people from around the world, a priceless lesson which I can never acquire in Cambodia.
For all you students, if you want to study abroad, don’t just dream it, go fi ght for it! The path to success is rough and complicated. It requires lots of commitment and hard work to achieve it. If you want to apply for scholarships be committed! Get involved! Work hard! Be open-minded!
To get a scholarship to study abroad, what you need to have social experiences, excellent English skills, and impressive academic performances. The Center for English Studies of UC is good starting point. Getting involved in university activities and student programs, build your social network through volunteering, internship, workshops and other various social activities are extremely important. The English language and your academic performances make you qualifi ed, while your social experiences make you the priority.
I dare not to say I am a successful one. But life is short. If you dare do nothing in life, you gain nothing. If you dare do something, you gain something. Do not just dream, do!
