Campus Visit: Northampton Community College
Global UGRAD Program Officer Melanie Winters recently visited one of our institution host partners, Northampton Community College (NCC).
NCC is a large public community college in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In support of the surrounding community, NCC offers associate’s degrees, certifications, and career training programs in a variety of unique and practical fields including architecture, funeral services, and welding. As the only community college in Pennsylvania with on-campus housing, NCC sets itself apart in many ways, including the tailored support it provides to over 100 international students from around the world. NCC prides itself on the support it gives to all students at any stage of life, whether they are planning to earn a certificate, transfer to another institution, or simply further their career goals.
NCC is the first community college to host Global UGRAD students in several years, and World Learning had the pleasure of sending three students there for the fall 2024 semester:
- Aidana Usupkodzhoeva (Kyrgyzstan) – Communications and Media
- Alina Duschina (Moldova) – Mathematics and Computer Science
- De Vie Prospere Kim (Cambodia) – Digital Business
During Melanie’s visit, the Global UGRAD students were excited to share about all the exciting things that NCC has to offer including a variety of student organizations and clubs, campus events, and fun trips with the International Student Services Office. The college’s location offers access to both rural and suburban life, as well as to major cities such as Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New York City. The Global UGRAD cohort were particularly impressed by NCC’s unique courses, which emphasize a hands-on learning approach. Specialized learning spaces and resources across campus include an embalming room, automotive center, allied health labs, construction and HVAC labs, lineman poles, TV station, student-run restaurant and more. There is also an early childhood education center that acts as a full-time daycare. Alina Duschina (Moldova) shared that one of her most interesting classes was Philosophy 111: Death and Dying, which is part of the funeral services department. Although it is not in her major field of study, she has found the course to be “helpful both personally and professionally as [she] expects the content will help [her] navigate difficult conversations with [her] future students.”
Students credited their success and engagement throughout the semester to all of the International Student Services (ISS) staff, especially their advisor, Patty Bolous. The ISS staff ensure that students are taken care of in every aspect of their experience, from providing transportation to connecting them with local community service opportunities.
Thanks to Patty and the ISS team at Northampton Community College for a wonderful and productive visit. World Learning has greatly valued the opportunity to partner with this excellent institution.