Architecture Schools and Programs in Cambodia

Architecture Studies in Cambodia

Royal Palace complex, Phnom Penh, CambodiaHave you ever thought about studying architecture in a foreign country, a country as beautiful as it is exotic—a place such as Cambodia?  Officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, the country is located on the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia.  Visitors to this proud nation have a lot of options in terms of sightseeing and general tourism, both within the country’s borders and in the neighboring countries of Thailand, located to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest.
 
With a population of nearly 15 million inhabitants, Cambodia is the 68^th most populous country in the world.  While the majority of its population are native-born citizens, the country is also home to several small pockets of minority groups, including Vietnamese, Chinese, Chams, and over 30 smaller hill tribes, making it a very diverse country from both an ethnic and cultural perspective.  Religiously, the country is very homogenous, with over 97 percent of the population practicing the country’s unofficial national religion, Theravada Buddhism.  A good portion of Cambodia’s residents are concentrated in and around the capital and largest city, Phnom Penh, the political, economic and cultural hub of the country.  From a leadership standpoint, the kingdom is a constitutional monarchy, with a ruling monarch, chosen by the Royal Throne Council, as head of state.  The head of Cambodia’s civilian government is Hun Sen, the longest-serving leader in Southeast Asia, who has ruled the nation for more than 25 years.

Architecture Education in Cambodia

Architecture is a very important area of study in Cambodia, as trained professionals are consistently needed to help design and build structures that are harmonious with the Cambodian environment.  As an academic major, architecture is offered as an undergraduate and graduate program at many of the country’s major institutions of higher learning, including one of the largest schools: Cambodian Mekong University, located in the capital city of Phnom Pen.
 
The main goal of Cambodian Mekong University’s architecture program is to accommodate the needs of its students in preparation for a successful career in the profession. The university takes special pride in providing quality education to its students using international standards. Its support facilities include a library with discussion rooms, computer laboratories, a student lounge, spacious parking lot, recreational center, comfortable classrooms equipped with up-to-date amenities such as computers and LCD projectors, and an Internet facility, where you can access the web from anywhere on campus for the purpose of learning, socialization and enjoyment.  Their commitment lies in becoming “the center for the development of new ideas, decision-making and practice for the greater good of humanity” and the bridge that leads students to a better quality of education, life, and standard of living.
 
Foundation courses for the undergraduate degree program in architecture, which typically spans four full years in duration for full-time students, include Social Science, Science, Art and Humanities, Foreign Languages, Civil Engineering and Design.  Students can focus their studies on a wide variety of specialties, with coursework that may include topics such as structural, steel, concrete and soil engineering; building design; material experimentation and survey methods; architectural design and workshop; conservation and restoration; construction management; seismic engineering; electrical engineering; sketch and color; urban planning and construction law.

Why Study Abroad In Cambodia

While there can be no doubt that the universities in Cambodia offer an excellent and comprehensive program of architecture for visiting students, there are also plenty of other reasons to choose this scenic country for your study abroad adventure.  Tourism is Cambodia’s second-largest industry (after textiles), with nearly 2 million people visiting each year.  When they’re not busy studying in the classroom, popular spots for students include the bright lights and party atmosphere of Phnom Penh; Sihanoukville, a town in the southwest of the country with several attractive beach resorts; and the area around the cities Kampot and Kep, including the Bokor Hill Station.  Places such as these allow students an opportunity to visit some of the country’s most treasured landmarks, practice new-found language skills, and mingle with other students—local students as well as other foreign visitors from around the world who have come to Cambodia to study.
 
The culture and traditions of Cambodia are another enticing lure for foreign students; a culture that is immensely diverse, with several contributing factors, including Theravada Buddhism, French colonialism, Angkoran culture and modern globalization.  The culture not only includes the customs of the lowland ethnic majority, but also of some 20 culturally distinct hill tribes colloquially known as the Khmer Loeu.  Collectively, the practices, values and celebrations that define Cambodia allow students to broaden their cultural horizons and learn to look at the world through a different lens than that of which they are accustomed.
 
While studying in Cambodia, students can take part in any number of popular activities, including Bon Om Teuk, a Boat Racing Festival and the most highly-attended Cambodian national celebration. 
 
And finally, there is the food.  The delicious cuisine in Cambodia revolves around rice as the staple grain, along with many varieties of fish and shell-food from the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers.  It also blends a number of unique key ingredients such as kaffir lime, lemon grass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce and curry, all of which help to produce a flavorsome one-of-a-kind taste that simply can’t be beat.