Myanmar (Burma) College Pathways Program
About the Program
Northampton Community College is committed to engaging with diverse communities locally and globally. As part of this commitment, the College offers the Myanmar (Burma) College Pathways Program, which allows students to take online courses at NCC, then join in-person classes here in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA, and earn an associate degree at Northampton. This program is an expansion of the Myanmar High School Dual Enrollment Program, which was first introduced in the fall of 2021. The initiative was developed in response to a major global crisis and was created by members of the College. The program reflects the dedication to involving students, faculty, and staff in significant global engagement activities that connect communities in the Lehigh Valley with those around the world.
Background
NCC's High School Dual Enrollment Program provided one option to address educational access in Myanmar. Burmese high school students could take NCC courses online, thus mitigating some of the "hard choices" students and their families faced as they tried to navigate the educational landscape under a formidable situation in Myanmar. And they could do so at a reduced cost. The College Pathways program at NCC allows international students in high school to take on-line classes at a reduced rate. The program began with 6 students in fall 2021 and enrollment in the program has since grown rapidly.
The Myanmar Pathways Program in terms of the number of students enrolled, it has demonstrated a need not only for students to take classes but also to complete associate degree programs. In fact, the students in the 2021 pilot program completed their associate degrees at NCC and continued to seek their bachelor's. This is designed as a global engagement program that provides high quality US education online at a reduced cost for Burmese students.
Programs of Study
Students will enroll in one of NCC's programs of study that can be completed 100% online from anywhere. Currently, NCC offers 21 fully online degree programs and 15 hybrid (75% classes are online and 25% have an in-person component) degree programs. The Myanmar program has a coordinator who effectively serves as their advisor for students throughout their experience here. Students are also assigned an academic advisor based on their field of study and in accordance with the College's advising policies. The Transfer Office also works with our students to prepare them for the bachelor’s degree.
Program Costs
The program runs on a reduced tuition model along the lines of other programs at NCC. The reduced tuition and fees model applies only to Myanmar students enrolled in the program and are taking courses online. Those who choose to subsequently enroll at NCC on an F-1 visa would follow standard protocols for international students and subject to the international student tuition and fees.
Eligibility
Myanmar citizens who live in Myanmar or any other country are eligible with college-ready English and Math placement testing. Must be a current high school student or graduate (no age limitation). IGCSE or GED is not required, however a transcript or affidavit may be required on a case-by-case basis. Myanmar citizens who have graduated from high school and living in the United States do not qualify for the reduced rate.
Download our Myanmar Application Infosheet (PDF)
Program Application Process
- How to apply: Dual Enrollment
NCC Admissions & Financial Aid (Workday)
Watch our application video - Submit the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Form
Watch Upload FERPA Form (YouTube) - Deposit $300 using Flywire or Credit Card with your Student ID. Payment outside the United States through Flywire (Non-US transactions)
Payment from within the US with a credit card through Cashnet
If students have questions about others paying on their behalf, please refer them to our NCC Payment FAQ page at "How to Make a Payment". Look for your acceptance email from NCC (this email will come from adminfo@northampton.edu). This is sent to the email you used for the application within 24 hours of applying. (Be sure to check your spam mailbox.) - Check your Workday account regularly for additional messages and instructions. Need to provide Passport or Notarized National Registration Card (NRC) with photo endorsement.
- Get the voucher or schedule to take a placement exam if you are taking placement required classes in the first semester.
- Complete Orientation - This virtual session will introduce you to the basic processes and technology you need to be successful as a student. We'll cover important next steps in the enrollment process like transcripts, placement and academic advising as well as review how to log into your Student Workday account, access your email and more.
- Consult your program/major with Professor Soemoe Aung and select the classes.
- If you can't enroll Myanmar cohort classes, you need to ask Katie to add you in the Myanmar cohort by emailing her at international@northampton.edu
- Log in to your Student Workday Portal to set up your student portal and create your new password. If you need help, watch this video (YouTube).
- Attend the classes once the semester starts.
If you have any questions or need help, reach out to our International Team at international@northampton.edu.
