American University of Phnom Penh – AUPP

“Study locally, live globally.” Those words, the motto of the American University of Phnom Penh, or AUPP, hang in the air here, don’t they? They resonate with the ambition and potential radiating from this modern campus. AUPP isn’t just a university. It’s a bridge. A bridge between Cambodian students and the American education system. A bridge between local traditions and global perspectives. AUPP was founded in August 2013, a dream brought to life by individuals like Dr. Chea Vandeth, Dr. Kem Reat Viseth, and Dr. Kenneth Dunn. They envisioned a university that would offer Cambodian students a top-tier education without having to leave their home country. Initially, AUPP started small, with just 40 students in a temporary location in Toul Kork. But its vision quickly grew, fueled by the desire to contribute to Cambodia’s human resource development. By mid-2017, AUPP had moved to its current, state-of-the-art campus in Russei Keo, capable of accommodating up to 4,000 students. Now, imagine walking through these halls, surrounded by students pursuing dual degrees. They study subjects like Business Administration, Communications, Law, Global Affairs, and cutting-edge fields like Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. These ambitious individuals earn not one, but two bachelor’s degrees: one from AUPP and another from an American partner university like the University of Arizona or Fort Hays State University. AUPP is more than academics. It’s a vibrant community. Students participate in numerous clubs, from dance and music to debate and entrepreneurship. They engage in service-learning projects, contributing to their community and developing a sense of social responsibility. They are supported by a dedicated Student Affairs department that fosters their personal growth and helps them achieve their full potential. AUPP is a testament to the power of education to transform lives and build bridges across cultures. As you stand here, before this dynamic institution, you can almost feel the energy of the future leaders of Cambodia. They are studying locally, yes, but their aspirations are undoubtedly global.