The University of Arizona and the American University of Phnom Penh recently signed a deal that will see the former open up a small campus overseas in Cambodia, the first-ever partnership of its kind between the two nations.
The new agreement will provide an American education to Cambodian students and allow them to earn both undergraduate and master’s degrees from both universities while studying full-time in Cambodia, according to Nial Farrell, vice president of academic affairs for the American University of Phnom Penh.
“We’re very excited about the possibilities the dual-degree program opens up for our students. It opens up the possibility for them to get degrees from both the American University of Phnom Penh and the University in Arizona, and thus we are providing access to quality U.S.-style education,” Farrell told NBC News.
The U.S. Ambassador of Cambodia, William A. Heidt, was present at the signing of the deal and said that higher education is growing quickly in Cambodia. According to him, more than 250,000 Cambodians currently attend universities.
“Just like in America, those with college degrees have the best chance to find satisfying, well-paid jobs that offer career advancement,” Heidt said, according to NBC News.
However, it’s important to note that higher education won’t be cheap for Cambodians as tuition at AAUP would be $9,000 per year, though students may receive scholarships and financial aid based on how they perform on their high school exams, according to the university’s official website.
According to Billie Slott, director of student affairs and business development and an associate professor of law at AUPP, the dual program will allow Cambodian students to study law and business and will eventually branch out to include civil engineering and architecture.
