Tuesday, June 12, 2007

18 Cambodians to Pursue U.S. Graduate Degrees As Fulbright Scholars in 2007-2008

Press Release
US Embassy, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Members of the press are invited to attend the opening ceremony of the pre-departure orientation for new Fulbright Scholars to be held on Thursday, June 14th at 9:00 AM in the Embassy's main conference room. Ambassador Joseph A. Mussomeli and H.E. Kol Pheng, Senior Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, will preside over the opening ceremony. After the opening session, the scholars will be available for individual interviews with the press.

For the 2007-2008 academic year 18 Cambodian scholars will pursue graduate studies in the United States. This number includes 10 new Scholars and 8 Scholars currently in the U.S.

The Fulbright Program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1945 as a means “to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.” The Fulbright Fellowship program was re-instituted in Cambodia in 1994. Since that time, 84 Cambodian students have pursued programs of graduate study in the U.S., and more than 30 American Senior Scholars and Specialists have come to Cambodia to work in local universities. For 2007, the U.S. State Department increased the allocation for the Cambodian Fulbright Program to $500,000.

Several Fulbright returnees are working in key positions in the Ministries of Finance, Agriculture and Natural Resources Preservation, and Interior. Many others are lecturers at different universities and national program officers for health and other rural development programs under the auspices of a variety of international and non-governmental organizations.

To be eligible for the Fulbright program, applicants must:
  • have a strong academic background and a record of excellence in previous studies;
  • have completed a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university;
  • be proficient in English (minimum TOEFL score 550);
  • be able to adapt readily to a foreign environment;
  • be in good health and able to undergo a rigorous study program.
  • Fulbright Student Fellowship grants provide round-trip transportation to the United States, and tuition, fees and living expenses for full-time graduate study.
Members of the press wishing to attend the opening session should confirm their attendance by contacting the Embassy's Public Affairs Section by e-mail at ChreaV@state.gov or by telephone at 023-728-258.

Released June 11, 2007

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