Cambodia/Success of the Francophone Tour 2025 in Cambodia

The Tournée francophone 2025, organized by the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) - Cambodia, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) in 11 high schools in 9 cities and provinces of the Kingdom, was a resounding success. The event enabled many students learning French to discover study opportunities at French-speaking universities in Cambodia and France.

Every year, this tour is organized with the constant support of the MoEYS, illustrating a lasting cooperation between Cambodian institutions and the AUF. It enables AUF member institutions of higher education, as well as partners such as Campus France Cambodge, to present their programs to students in bilingual classes and French as a foreign language classes.

Mr. SOK Daline, Head of the Foreign Languages Office, welcomes this collaboration:

"La Tournée Francophone - Édition 2025 is the fruit of a very fruitful cooperation. It's an excellent initiative! "

He also stresses the importance of this initiative in helping students choose their post-baccalaureate studies, particularly in the French-speaking world.

Rich and instructive exchanges

Representatives from Cambodian universities and Campus France visited high schools in Phnom Penh, Takeo, Pursat, Puok, Battambang, Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Kandal and Banteay Meanchey. The presentations covered the admission criteria, the courses offered and the conditions for obtaining scholarships, in particular the need for a B2 level in French, often required to access scholarships in France.

Mr. Ta Sothea, URDSE's French-speaking referent, underlines the students' growing interest:

"They listen carefully, take notes and ask pertinent questions. This shows that this tour is helping to improve their level of French and give them better guidance. "He also notes that more and more students from the bilingual classes have gone on to study in the top streams, often with the support of scholarships.

During the presentation at Kampong Thom high school, the Tournée francophone team was honored to welcome His Excellency NUON Pharoth, Governor of the province and former student of the special stream.tudiant de la filière spéciale de l'Université royale de Droit et de Sciences économiques, et ancien boursier du gouvernement français.

The Governor shared his testimony with the students, encouraging them to make an effort in their studies. He also stressed the importance of the French language, closely linked to Cambodia's history and culture.

Feedback from the schools was also very positive. Mr. An Limkheng, Principal of Lycée Puok, expressed his satisfaction:

"This is the first time we've hosted the AUF. Our 800 French-speaking students were able to discover training courses adapted to their talents and aspirations. This saves them from misdirections and unnecessary expenses. "

Inspiring testimonials from students and teachers

Pyrou Sopanha, a 12th grader at Preah Monivong high school, shares:

"This morning, I had the opportunity to learn many things and gather good ideas from the university presentations. This has enabled me to think more about my future and choose a career I'm passionate about. Above all, I understood the importance of the French language."

For her part, TY Dalèn, also in 12th grade, affirms:

"I want to become a doctor and continue my studies in France. This tour helped me a lot in my choice. "

Continued momentum

Given the positive impact of this 2025 edition, the various players involved are calling for the initiative to be continued and strengthened. The AUF, MoEYS and their partners have demonstrated once again that the French-speaking world is a powerful vector for training, academic mobility and success for young Cambodians.

Source: www.auf.org/