Although the job market in Cambodia might seem complex and over-crowded, with students from universities across the country trying to challenge each other for highly skilled jobs, there are steps you can take on your way to get ting the job of your dreams, and getting an international scholarship is one of them.

Here are some techniques and ideas from the speakers at the National Forum on Youth and Opportunities that should give you a better idea of what you need to do to get your ticket to study abroad.

Speaking at the forum held at the National Institute of Education earlier this month, Miss Kong Davy, a deputy general coordinator of Outstanding Youth Group of Cambodia (OYG-CAM) shared her invaluable experience and ideas related to winning international scholarships.

She said that in order to win a scholarship, candidates must first find out what is required from the scholarship foundation and then make sure their credentials fit the prerequisites (TOFL scores, IL scores, etc). Second, they should apply for as many scholarships as possible in order to gain experience putting together an application even if they don’t get accepted. “Having strong general knowledge and involvement in community service projects is also very useful to show that we are not selfish and have the ability to study abroad,” she added.

Tout Sopeak, an administrator for OYG-CAM, says she has been to six countries: Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam on scholarships. “I have been successful because I was careful in preparing my applications and I have a very good relationship with others and lots of experience in the community,” she explained.

Miss Chay Chansopheakra, a member of OYG-CAM, told the audience that she won international scholarships because she researched each individual scholarship and what they were looking for in applicants. Then she put together her own personal information in a way that was attractive to the people giving the scholarship.

She also said that the personal statement is the most important component of a scholarship application because it really lets the judges get to know you and understand what positive things you would do with the scholarship. Your application should make very clear why you want the scholarship and how you will improve yourself, your school and your country once you have studied abroad, because sponsors don’t give scholarships to people who don’t want to help others. She added that volunteering for NGOs and other organisations is crucial because it gives you practical experience.