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After a year and half, determined language learner Bun Sreyleak, also a foundation-year student of English language at the University of Cambodia, has made some impressive progress; not only is she one of the best students in her class, she has already been offered a job as a teaching assistant to the professor at her institute.

“When you equip yourself with good skills, the jobs come to you,” says 20-year-old Bun Sreyleak, a student of English language at New World Institute, one of a number of education institutes focusing on English, which was established in Phnom Penh in 2005.

Aside from spending lots of time outside of class doing her homework, Bun Sreyleak says, “My parents always advise me to work hard in school so that I don’t waste money.” The young and driven student regularly listens to radio shows in English so that she can improve her listening skills and pronunciation.

“When I was young, I was hesitant to ask and answer questions. I couldn’t learn much. Now I know I have to dare to communicate with my teachers and make sure that I understand all of the points they are making,” Bun Sreyleak advises her peers who are also trying to learn English.

“And of course, don’t be too lazy to learn new words every day,” she adds.

When asked what was the main factor in a student’s decision to learn the world’s most popular language, Bun Sreyleak says, “First and foremost, it’s you – a reputable school and a great teacher come second and third, respectively.”