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International Students

Information about applying and registering for courses as an international student

How do I apply as an international student? Refer to the "How to Apply Section" of this webpage for updated instructions. If you have questions about the process, complete the Contact Us form and a member of our team will be in touch.

How do I register for classes as an international student?

Once you apply to NCC, follow these steps:

  1. Your student ID number and login information will be emailed to you. Use this information to log in to Workday and your student email account.
  2. Submit your application requirements and complete all steps.
  3. Then, we will connect you to an academic advisor so you can register for classes.
  4. NCC’s International Student Services will stay in contact with you during this process to answer your questions. You may contact us at international@northampton.edu.

Does NCC offer an English as a Second Language (ESL) program?

Prepare for college-level courses, your career, and day-to-day conversations in full-semester, for-credit ESL classes. You’ll gain cultural experience and make friends from around the world alongside fellow Northampton County residents, neighbors, and international students from over 70 countries!

NCC’s ESL program offers four levels of English classes, from beginner to advanced. You’ll practice skills in reading, writing, speaking, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Your courses will also bring you up to speed on American culture, using computer technology, and how to succeed in college. Our ESL classes in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, are available in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Study full-time or part-time to improve your English skills.

Additionally, NCC offers free non-degree ESL classes for community members. Community ESL classes and Community Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) classes are designed for non-native speakers of English who want to improve their ability to communicate in English at home or at work. Classes focus on reading, writing, speaking, listening, numeracy, and digital literacy. IELCE classes also focus on civics, citizenship, health, wellness, and consumer economics, and students may be eligible to obtain free training in high-demand occupations.

For more information, please call: Northampton County – 610-332-8650 or Monroe, Pike, and Wayne Counties – 570-369-1883. 

Are financial aid or scholarships available to international students?  International students do not qualify for state or federal financial aid or NCC scholarships, but we highly encourage students to visit an Education USA Advising Center to learn more about financing your education at NCC. Continuing international students are eligible to apply for an NCC Global Ambassador Assistantship. For more information, please email: global@northampton.edu.

What type of housing is available? NCC has on-campus housing at our Bethlehem campus and offers residence halls and an apartment building. You also may also choose to live off campus.

Can my spouse and children come to the U.S. with me? Yes. As an international student, you will apply for an F-1 Student Visa. Your dependents (spouse and/or children) will apply for F-2 Visas. When completing your Certification of Finance as part of your NCC application, you will need to provide proof of an additional $2,000.00 for each dependent.

Can I work while I study at NCC? As a student with an F-1 Visa, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week on NCC's campus. However, positions are very limited. Generally, F-1 Visa students cannot accept off-campus employment at any time. Under very limited circumstances, U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services may grant permission to accept off-campus employment after one year of study.

Can I study part-time as an international student?  No. As a student with an F-1 Student Visa, you must enroll full-time with at least 12 credits in order to maintain status.  You can enroll in either 12 credits of ESL classes or 12 credits of academic classes.

Can I participate in sports while I study at NCC? NCC has an excellent, nationally ranked athletics program. Interested international athletes should visit NCC's athletics website. Additionally, students may participate in any of the many intramural sports programs on campus and may use the free campus fitness center.

How can I transfer from another U.S. college to NCC? If you are already studying in the U.S. on an F-1 Student Visa, your SEVIS record can be transferred to NCC. First you must apply to NCC. When you are accepted at NCC, complete NCC's Transfer Request Form. Give the form and your NCC acceptance letter to your current institution so they can transfer your SEVIS record to NCC. You must continue to attend classes at your current institution while your transfer is being processed. Your current institution and NCC will notify you of the transfer release date. You should contact NCC soon after the transfer release date and ensure that the DSO has the biographical and financial data needed to update the student's SEVIS record. You must also report to NCC within 15 days of the program start date and enroll full-time in the first required session or term at NCC.

I am already in the U.S. on another type of visa. How can I change my status and apply to become a student?  If you are already in the U.S. on another type of nonimmigrant visa, first you must apply to NCC. You will need to indicate your type of visa and provide a copy of it with your NCC application. When you are accepted by NCC, we will send your Form I-20 and SEVIS Remittance Form I-901 to you. Complete the Form I-901 and pay the SEVIS fee. Then you can apply for your change of status by filing a Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services. Click here to download the Form I-539 and filing instructions. Please note that some classes of nonimmigrants must wait for their change of status application to be approved before they can begin taking classes.
 

Contact International Student Services

Our contact information and service hours are listed at the top of this webpage.