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Kret Sok

Master of Public Policy,

UniversitiMalaya, Malaysia
Year of Graduation: 2021

Currently employed as:

Principal of Anlungkuki Community School in Cambodia

I began my studiesat Universiti Malaya, Malaysiain 2019. During my stay, I faced several challenges. For instance, I

found it difficult to adjust to the local food, as many dishes were too spicy for me. Buying food at the university
canteen was also a challenge, as most of the staff spoke Malay, which I did not understand. I often had to point at the
food I wanted in order to communicate.Another difficulty was going shopping. I didn’t know the addresses of the

shops or how to get there, and I found it confusing to use public buses from the university to shopping malls in Kuala
Lumpur.

Academically, I struggled at first to keep up with the lessons because some professors spoke English very quickly.
Working on group assignments was also difficult for me, as I wasn’t confident enough to ask questions or expr
ess my
ideas with my teammates. In addition to these challenges, I experienced homesickness. Being far from my family,
friends, and familiar surroundings often made me feel lonely and isolated. I also felt the stress and pressure that came
from managing academic responsibilities while adjusting to a new culture. However, after about six months, I began
to feel more comfortable. Despite the challenges, it turned out to be a valuable and enriching experience.

Studying in Malaysia was a thrilling chapter of my life. It was my first time leaving Cambodia to pursue higher education
abroad. One of the most rewarding aspects was doing research and engaging with communities to collect data for my
thesis. My research focused on how Cambodian refugee children access education, and I had the opportunity to meet
many families and hear their stories. This was a unique experience that allowed me to develop new skills and broaden

my perspective.

I was fortunate to have kind and supportive professors and advisors who guide me along the way. I also made many
friends from different countries. Living on campus with both local and international students gave me the chance to
build lasting friendships. We shared both good times and hard times together, and these global connections have

become valuable parts of my personal and professional network.

Today, I serve as the principal and a teacher at a nonprofit school called Anlungkuki Community School. We provide
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free education to children from lowincome families in my community. I currently support over 300 students, and I am

deeply committed to this mission.

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