International Student Services
The University of Hawaiʻi: A Global University
The core mission of International Student Services (ISS) is to facilitate the academic success and personal development, growth, and transformation of international students as they pursue their educational and career goals. ISS provides a holistic approach and array of services designed to assist international students with clarifying and achieving their academic, career, and personal goals while complying with regulations pertaining to their immigration status. ISS serves as an interface between UH Hilo and international students to facilitate communication, understanding and appreciation between international students and the UH Hilo community. ISS also aims to facilitate and assist all students at UH Hilo, regardless of national origin, with developing intercultural awareness, understanding, and competency in our increasingly global community. In addition, ISS advocates for and supports efforts for advancing internationalization on campus.
Information about applying for admission to UH Hilo can be found on the Admissions website.
New International Students
If you have been accepted to UH Hilo, view a list of important dates and things you need to do. Also check out Study Guide to the States for an online, interactive resource to help international students navigate through the process of studying in the US. Topics include what to consider if you want to study in the US, how to apply for a visa to enter the US, how to maintain your status while in the US, guidelines for traveling back home, and working in the US.
Connect Virtually
Not on campus and need to connect with International Student Services? Easily schedule an appointment online. Contact the Director at 808-932-7467 or email mellon at hawaii.edu to set up a virtual meeting. You can also make an appointment to connect virtually with the Director using STAR Balance (look for UH Hilo International Services under "Specialized Student Services") or by sending an email
Upcoming Events & Activities
Merrie Monarch Festival Hoʻike Performances
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
5:00-11:00 pm
Join us to watch the free performances at the Hoʻike night of the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival at the Edith Kanakaʻole Stadium. The Hoʻike night is an exhibition of hula and dances from around the Pacific. Tickets are not required, but the festival organizers are requesting a voluntary donation at the door to benefit Maui wildfire victims. Space is limited. Check your UH email to sign up.
Pau Hana! Graduates Recognition and End-of-the-Semester Dinner
Thursday, May 8, 2025 (tentative date)
5:00-7:00 pm at the Pacific Islander Student Center (Campus Center 307)
Take a break before final exams and celebrate the end of the semester as we recognize students who are graduating this semester. Free food!
Whale Watching Trip
Date & Time To Be Announced
Take a boat trip in Hilo Bay to see the humpback whales! More details coming soon.
Zip Line Adventure Trip
Date & Time To Be Announced
Zip line over waterfalls on the Hamakua Coast! More details will be forthcoming.
International Student Association (ISA)
ISA is a student club for international students and their friends. The club's motto is "Unite, Serve, Educate". The club organizes trips, social events and service opportunities throughout the year, as well as UH Hilo’s annual International Nights.
ISA Officers for 2024-2025:
- Jeanelle Marquez (Pohnpei, FSM) - President
- Caroline Lynch (Pohnpei, FSM) - Vice President
- Jing Feng (China) - Secretary
- Folliet Schutz (Kiribati) - Treasurer
- Mario Ruiz (Spain) - Member-at-Large
- Marina Sasagawa (Japan) - Member-at-Large
- MaryNuia Lenja (Marshall Islands) - Memeber-at-Large
About the Director
Jim Mellon
Jim Mellon has been the Director of International Student Services since 2011. Jim earned his bachelor's degree from Duke University and master's degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where he was immersed in intercultural programs as a grantee with the East-West Center.
Did You Know? He swam 28.5 miles around New York City in 7 1/2 hours, won a 10-mile Maui channel ocean swim from Lanai to Maui, competed in the Ironman Triathlon World Championships four times, and lived and worked on the island of Pohnpei in Micronesia as a volunteer teacher for three years.