Most students face difficult challenges at some point during their education. Having escaped a civil war and learning a new subject in a completely different teaching style, Shwe Let Let Aung from Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) has overcome these challenges and adapted smoothly.

Shwe Let Let Aung was an English major at Kalay University in Burma until her studies were abruptly interrupted by a military coup in February 2021, which caused the university to close. Instead of feeling despair over the violence and political chaos, she decided to take action and study in the US by taking the IELTS exam for international students. Shwe passed the exam, allowing her to pursue studies in the US. Afterwards, she researched many community colleges and chose SPC because of its strong Data Science program and welcoming environment for international students.

Like many students, Shwe was initially nervous about arriving on campus, but her feelings quickly changed as many welcomed her. Despite having no background in data science, Shwe made an impressive transition from her English major to the field of data science, and she currently maintains a 4.0 GPA! She describes the field of data science as “similar to shopping and comparing prices and value by using analytical thinking, curiosity, statistical applications, and an understanding of programming language to help communicate important information to decision-makers.”

Another challenging transition for Shwe is adapting to the different teaching styles between Burma and the US. Shwe explains that the teaching style in Burma mainly emphasizes helping students memorize information, with little focus on practical application. In contrast, the US approach encourages students to understand the material for real-world use. Although it was a significant adjustment, she has quickly embraced the US learning style as it prepares her for her future.

With supportive teachers, a welcoming campus, and excellent on-campus student organizations, Shwe feels at home at SPC. Besides her studies, Shwe enjoys working 20 hours a week in the Tutoring Center, helping students with math and statistics. She also participates in Student Organizations, serving as Vice President for Cru & Bridges International, a community that provides meaningful connections and encouragement for students seeking to grow in their faith. She also stays active in the Myanmar group and is proud to have earned PTK honors.

Shwe credits much of her success to her sister, Shwe Htet Htet Aung. Although her sister is only three years older, she sees her as a strong, supportive mother figure who motivates her to succeed. Shwe’s sister is very proud of her younger sibling.

My sister’s courage to overcome her fears is remarkable! Building on Myanmar’s education system and switching to the world’s best education system is, in my opinion, very challenging. I worried she would struggle as she switched from an English major to a STEM program. I thought she would fail or earn poor grades, but she exceeded my expectations and showed me what she could do. She started at SPC in December 2024, and within 9 months, she has completed 38 credits and is close to graduation. All of this success couldn’t have been achieved without Saint Paul College. All the faculty, staff, and mentors have helped her thrive and, as a result, have changed her life through education.

Shwe Htet Htet Aung

Proud Older Sister

Learn more about our International Student Services, which assists students from all over the world.