Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
Teach up to 10 hours per week in undergraduate or graduate courses within an area of specialization. Possible additional activities include conducting research, advising on curriculum and program development, assisting faculty and students with developing research skills, giving public talks, mentoring students, and otherwise engaging with the academic community. For teaching/research, teaching must be a minimum of 50 percent of the proposed project.
Professor Ricky Bates of Penn State University took the "Agriculture Seed System" students to the farm. These students are undertaking the Master of Sustainable Agriculture (MSA) program at the National University of Battambang, Cambodia.
Institute of Technology of Cambodia (ITC); Royal University of Agriculture (RUA); Prekleap National School of Agriculture (PNSA); Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP); National University of Management (NUM); Royal University of Fine Arts (RUFA); University of Battambang (UBB); Pannasastra University of Cambodia (PUC); University of Cambodia (UC); University of Puthisastra; or other appropriate institutions will also be considered.
The academic year runs from November to August. Grants typically commence at the beginning of the school year.
Fulbright East Asia Pacific Regional Travel Program
As conditions allow, Fulbright Scholars in the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region may have the opportunity to apply for funds to support short-term (3-14 days) travel to other countries in the EAP region for activities such as lectures, workshops, graduate or faculty seminars, master classes or recitals, curricular advising, or panel presentations. EAP Regional Travel Program funding covers transportation only. Regional Travel Program activities/host sites should not be included in the initial Fulbright application. Scholars may start the process of seeking out invitations for short-term activities in other EAP countries once notified that they have been selected for a Fulbright grant but will only be able to apply for travel program funds, conditions permitting, once they have actively started their Fulbright grant in their host country. Scholars on Flex grants are not eligible for the regional travel grant.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
All teaching will be in English; additional language proficiency is not required. Translation services may be provided by host institutions depending on availability.
For teaching/research applicants without Khmer or other applicable language proficiency, feasibility of conducting research in English must be demonstrated in the proposal. Completion of the language proficiency report(s) is optional.
Applicants should have at least two years of teaching experience at U.S. universities and knowledge of university management. Teaching experience may include work at a community college, but teaching assistant work does not qualify.
Experience with local, regional or international scholarly publications preferred. Prior work experience in Cambodia or other developing countries is desirable but not required. Applicants residing in Cambodia are not eligible to apply.
The following contacts can provide information about their institution and participation in the Fulbright Scholar Program:
Prof. Saphonn Vonthanak, Rector
$4,050
$1,000 books and educational materials allowance (per semester) to be donated to the host institution (or other entity) upon grantee's departure
Additional living and housing allowance is provided for grantees with one accompanying dependent or two or more accompanying dependents. These amounts range from $550/month to $1050/month.
In addition, travel allowances are provided for up to two dependents. These amounts range from $2,750 to $5,500.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
Housing: $600 - $1,000 per month (taxes included)
Foods: $400 - $500 per month
Local transportation: $300 per month
Electricity: $100 - $150 per month
Gas (cooking): $15 for 2-3 months
Language allowance of up to $500 upon submission of receipts.
Please refer to the figures above for an estimate of total monthly Fulbright award benefits. Benefits may include a monthly base stipend, living and housing allowances, and additional one-time allowances. Benefits may vary based on a scholar's current academic rank (or professional equivalent), the city of placement, the type of award (teaching, teaching/research, or research), and the number of and duration of stay of accompanying dependents. Research-only or Professional Project grantees receive a standard stipend that is not adjusted for academic rank. In most cases, dependent benefits will not be provided to Flex grantees, or to grantees pursuing grants less than four months (or a semester) in length.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State reserves the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Sixty-five percent of Cambodia’s population is under 35 years old. Young Cambodians are thriving and are hopeful for a better future, which means Fulbright scholars can make a significant impact in the country. Cambodia has a conservative culture and generally students respect rules in classrooms, temples, and daily life. Khmer is the official language used nationwide but English is widely spoken in major cities, particularly by youth. However, people with strong English skills are difficult to find outside of the capital and Siem Reap.
Of all the changes that have taken place in the last decade, the rise of a large and distinct youth demographic is arguably the most important. Young Cambodians are more educated, more outward looking and more connected than previous generations. Tapping into the energy and optimism of this youthful core is critical to Cambodia’s future success.
The Fulbright Program plays an important role in supporting bilateral relations by bringing U.S and Cambodian youth and educators together. Cambodia’s higher education system is still developing, giving U.S. Fulbrighters the opportunity to have an outsized impact on teaching, curriculum development and program evaluation. Cambodia presents endless opportunities for research, both as a stand-alone country and as part of the ASEAN region. Previous Fulbrighters have made significant contributions in fields including political science, agriculture, environmental studies, education, nursing, health and biochemistry.
The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh provides support to U.S. Fulbright Scholars, including an in-country orientation, housing information, visa assistance, and help connecting Fulbrighters with the Embassy's community.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh will provide a briefing.
The U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh will assist scholars and dependent(s) with obtaining visas and provide information on housing.
Potential applicants interested in learning more about Cambodia may contact the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh via email.
For more information, please visit our East Asia and the Pacific regional webpage and view our schedule of upcoming webinars.
Email the East Asia and the Pacific Team with questions about applying.