The GED Trap: A Warning for Burmese Parents on the Path to Studying Abroad

This article is also available in [Burmese]

"What is really happening in schools in Myanmar? What should we be careful of? And is the GED really the answer?"

Today, I want to focus on the immense challenges facing students struggling to get a quality education, especially those trying to transition from the government curriculum to an international path. This is a guide to the pitfalls you need to be aware of.

Part 1: The Current Crisis and the "GED Trap"

Due to the shifting education system in Myanmar, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the aftermath of the 2021 military coup, many students have lost two to three years of proper schooling. As they approach university age with significant gaps in their foundation, a sense of panic sets in for both students and parents. This desperation leads them to a supposed "quick fix": the GED (General Educational Development) test, often advertised as a 4-month path to studying abroad.

This is an extremely dangerous path. Here’s why.

The GED is a test of US high school equivalency. Its questions are deeply rooted in American history, politics, economics, and social context. For a student from the Myanmar school system with a weak English foundation, it is nearly impossible to prepare for and pass this exam in just a few months. Even a student from an IGCSE background would need significant time to adapt.

Therefore, for younger students who still have some time, the best strategy is to commit to a robust international curriculum like the IGCSE.

Part 2: The Cracks in the System - Curriculum, Teachers, and Why "It's Too Hard"

When a student switches from the Myanmar curriculum to an international one, the differences are jarring. In a foreign textbook, a topic is explained comprehensively. In the Myanmar curriculum, they will take one paragraph from that text, add a few pictures, cram in a lot of dense text, and then test you on it. It’s hard to even call it a textbook. But they don’t make them better or relatable. It’s a "pacifying education" where quality is sacrificed for the sake of accessibility—designed for passing, not for learning.

The new system was already struggling to keep up during the previous civilian government's era, and then the coup happened. Under those who don't value education one bit, with a "just get it done" attitude, there's no way to move forward. Everyone knows this.

This problem is compounded by a lack of qualified teachers. While excellent teachers certainly exist, I don't deny that. However, many are themselves products of the very broken system they are now tasked with teaching their way out of. How can a teacher who has only ever known one system effectively deliver a curriculum rooted in critical thinking and analysis?

Ultimately, when a student says, "The subject is too hard," it's rarely about the subject itself. It is the result of a combination of four systemic failures:

1. The student's weak academic and English foundation.
2. Teachers who are not equipped to teach the curriculum.
3. An unstable and disruptive learning environment.
4. A curriculum that is inaccessible and poorly delivered.

Part 3: A Practical Guide for Parents

In this crisis, parents play the most critical role. Here’s how you can make a real difference:

1. Provide the Right Support: Identify your child's weaknesses and find the right way to support them. Don't hesitate to invest in good tuition, your own time, or other resources.
2. Choose Schools and Teachers Wisely: Seek out genuine, honest reviews. Speak directly to former students and parents. More often than not, "you get what you pay for."
3. Use Your Voice and Your Rights: If your child tells you something is wrong with their teaching, listen. Parents are often afraid to speak up, fearing it will damage the school's reputation or that the teacher will single out their child. Do not be afraid. A quality education is a service you have paid for and a right your child deserves.

Part 4: School Marketing Traps and "Online Mobs"

Finally, be aware of the sophisticated marketing tactics used by some schools.

• False Marketing: I have personally seen schools offer students tuition discounts or volunteer hours in exchange for writing positive testimonials on their personal social media accounts.
• Online Attacks: When a student posts a negative review, it has become common for the school's supporters to launch coordinated personal attacks, twisting the issue into a personal vendetta to pressure the young student into silence.

How can you judge a school in this environment? Judge them by their response.

• A good school: Accepts criticism, apologizes, admits its mistakes, and takes immediate corrective action.
• A bad school: Acts ignorant, attacks the critic (directly or indirectly), and turns a professional complaint into a personal problem.

Conclusion: The Strength to Move Forward

Choosing a high school path is one of the most important decisions in a young person's life. It sets the stage for university, a career, and the future. The stress of making the right choice now is worth it.

Stay calm and make your decision thoughtfully. If you don't know where to start, revisit these key points:

1. Your Academic Qualification
2. Your Budget
3. Your Timeline
4. Your Intended Major
5. Your Target Country
6. Your Background

Talk to people with experience and trusted consultants. You can also ask me. Nothing is ever perfect. The most important thing is to keep moving forward and never stop. Enjoy the process and be proud of every step you take.