1. Please introduce yourself. (Name, age, major, current job, etc.) and Why did you choose Paragon.U?
My name is Sophapanha Rith, and I am 21 years old. I am currently a senior student majoring in International Trade and Logistics. At the same time, I am pursuing a second degree in Taxation and Auditing, where I am now in my third year. Since I am nearing the end of my studies, I am actively looking for an internship to gain real-world experience.
The reason I chose Paragon.U is because it is one of the top-tier universities in Cambodia. It is well-known for providing a high-standard education and has many great professors with impressive academic backgrounds. I knew that studying here would give me the right environment to grow both personally and professionally.
2. How did you know about the Exchange program and why did you decide to join it?
I found out about the exchange program because I regularly check for opportunities through the university’s Office of International Cooperation and stay updated with their emails. I decided to apply because studying abroad has always been a dream of mine. I want to challenge myself in a new academic environment, experience a different culture and develop my independence.
3. Can you tell us the process of applying for an Exchange Program? What is the most challenging part?
The process started when I received an email about the exchange program. I carefully read through all the requirements, and once I felt that I met the criteria, I submitted my application. After that, the Office of International Cooperation shortlisted the candidates. Once you are shortlisted, the university sends your profile to the host institution abroad. From there, you have to complete the specific application requirements for that school to be fully accepted.
For me, the most challenging part was completing the host school’s online portal. Unlike our usual process where we might send documents via email, their system required us to log in and upload everything directly to their website. It took some time to understand their specific system and ensure all documents were formatted correctly. It wasn’t impossible, but it definitely required a lot of patience and attention to detail to get everything right.
4. What was the biggest culture shock you experienced when you got there?
The biggest culture shock for me was definitely seeing how multicultural Canada truly is. Walking through the university, I heard so many different languages and saw people from every corner of the world.
What surprised me even more was the daily social etiquette. I wasn’t used to people saying ‘sorry’ or ‘thank you’ for almost everything, or strangers asking ‘How is your day?’ while waiting in line. I also noticed that people frequently compliment each other, like telling a stranger they like their outfit, even if they don’t know them at all. At first, it felt a bit unusual to have these interactions with people I didn’t know, but I soon realized that it’s a way of showing kindness. It made me appreciate how much Canadians value polite, open, and positive communication.
5. How did this experience influence your personal growth and development?
I noticed that I changed and grew a lot after joining this exchange program. The biggest change was becoming much more independent. Since I was living alone in a new country, I had to make all my own decisions and handle everything by myself.
Doing things on my own like managing my money, traveling, and solving daily problems—gave me a lot of confidence. I realized that I can handle difficult situations even when I am far from home. This experience helped me become more mature and independent.
6. What advice would you give to students who also want to join an exchange program?
My advice to students who want to join an exchange program is: Don’t be afraid! Trust Yourself: Many students are scared they won’t pass, but you shouldn’t doubt your abilities. Just go for it and believe in yourself. Be Prepared and Follow Your Dream.
