I had been to Cambodia several times before but never really took the time to learn how to read and write Khmer. During my previous visits my speaking and listening improved dramatically, but without dedicated time in school, I was never going to be able to read Khmer well enough to do research in Khmer or sing all those karaoke songs I’ve always wanted to join my parents in! After just two months of formal training at the Royal University of Phnom Penh with ASK, I am proud to say that my Khmer is exponentially better (and I can sing along too).

I heard about ASK while searching for Khmer language programs and it was one of the best discoveries of my life. I had an incredible time in Cambodia, and a uniquely different experience from my previous travels there. My Khmer has improved dramatically. I went from reading basic children’s books to being able to read the newspaper. I progressed from sloppy Khmer handwriting to beautifully written sentences. Growing up I spoke basic Khmer with my parents, but now I have a much more advanced vocabulary. What you learn in ASK is not what you learn around the house – it is formal education that prepares you for scholarly work and communication.

I did have to work though. A lot. With a program like ASK – an immersion experience in a place full of excitement and distractions like Phnom Penh – you only get out what you put in. If you do all of the readings, write all of your journal entries, study all the new vocabulary, and go out of your way to speak Khmer all of the time, your proficiency will grow by leaps and bounds. I experienced this and several of my classmates did as well.

Everything about the program was fantastic. Nak Kru Sisotha did a marvelous job arranging visits to various NGOs and community organizations. We got a chance to network with Khmer nationals who are working in all the fields of development, government and culture. Our field trips and homestays complemented our academic work, and memories from those parts of the program will stay with me forever. Nak Kru Chhany maintained the academic nature of the program – pushing us to do research and taking us to various scholarly and cultural events. The two Khmer instructors from RUPP were very helpful and encouraging.

Thank you, ASK, all of our teachers, and the Fulbright Group Projects Program for funding and supporting such a wonderful opportunity. For those of you considering applying, learning Khmer is definitely worth the time and effort!

Federick Ngo
Stanford University