Sophak Kanika Nguon, who has a physical disability, shares her studying in the USA experience 

Social justice - to make a difference in legal systems and in equal access to social services for groups such as people with disabilities - to this I am strongly committed. I learned the concepts of social justice and community empowerment during my two years in a Master's of Social Work program at the University of Washington in Seattle, USA. I also gained leadership knowledge and advocacy skills - including advocacy for myself as a woman with a physical disability from Cambodia.

I worked as an employee for non-governmental organization in Cambodia when my disability advisor introduced me to the Social Work Partnership between the Royal University of Phnom Penh and the University of Washington. After an interview with the program director, and receiving her recommendation as a strong candidate for their partnership scholarship, I decided to apply. I waited with anticipation. Months later, I was accepted into the program and awarded a full scholarship to cover my two-year Master's degree tuition fees, airfare and other expenses. I also applied for and received additional scholarships through the Channel Foundation, P.E.O. Educational Loan Fund, and The Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation Scholarship to help with living and other expenses. Along the way I got a strong support from my faculty advisors, volunteer tutors, and other advisors with whom I worked with.  

Being an international student living in another country is not easy; being a disabled person who gets around on crutches, like me, can make it even more challenging. The university campus where I studied is huge, making long distances with just my crutches difficult. Using an electronic wheelchair was the most comfortable way around the campus, since I could go independently from one building to another. Although some buildings are old, the accessibility is good with ramps and/or elevators in every building. A university access guide and other assistance for students with disabilities are provided by the university's Disability Resources for Students office. I made gains every day in navigating the campus and my studies. I studied how to organize communities, how to run and facilitate a support group, and how to conduct a child development evaluation. Through my experiences, I learned everything is possible with solid English skills and a clear study and support plan.

It was also important that I had a good medical insurance plan while in the United States (read more about insurance at http://www.miusa.org/ncde/tipsheets/insurance). My school made available a Graduate Appointee Insurance Plan (GAIP) which covered most of the expenses related to my health. In terms of disability-related care, as a student enrolled at the university I had access to the Rehabilitation Clinic at the Medical Center at the University of Washington. I followed up with the doctor almost every month about my leg braces. Part of the expenses were covered by the GAIP; I applied for a charity program within the Medical Center of University to cover the remaining expenses.

Although time consuming and expensive, I appreciated the medical services I had access to and the doctors who followed up regularly until I got everything I needed (e.g. leg braces, wheelchairs, other items).

I am very thankful for the many opportunities provided to me and what I gained while studying in the USA. Most significantly, I had the opportunity to complete a teaching seminar, which included curriculum development and design and teaching methodologies. I will apply what I learned to my teaching at the new Social Work Department, Royal University of Phnom Penh.

I will continue as an advocate in the disability movement in Cambodia for equal opportunities.

I hope that what I learned from the Master's of Social Work program will help contribute to the development of Cambodia, particularly for the younger generation to make a difference in Cambodian society.

For more information about studying as an international student with a disability in the US, visit Mobility International USA: www.miusa.org where free information and referral is provided by its National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange, which is sponsored by U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs