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 here. 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
New International Student Welcome & Check-In Meeting
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
8:00 am at the Student Services Center Room 201
Welcome to UH Hilo! All new international students are required to check-in at this short meeting. Breakfast will be provided. Immediately following the meeting, we will take you to get a TB test and any other required vaccinations you may need before the campus-wide orientation program begins. Bring your passport (and cash or card if you need to get a TB test and/or other vaccinations).
New International Student Orientation Meeting
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
4:00-5:00 pm online on Zoom
All new international students are required to attend this online meeting on Zoom to learn about important information such as visa regulations, health insurance, important dates and deadlines, and upcoming events and activities. Check your UH email for the Zoom link and passcode.
Meeting for New Pacific Islander Students
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
7:00-8:00 pm online on Zoom
Join this follow-up orientation session on Zoom for new Pacific Islander students and learn about how to get a job on campus, a US social security number, and health insurance. Also learn about upcoming events, activities, and deadlines, and resources on campus to help you be successful! Check your UH email for the Zoom link and passcode.
Welcome Party for International Students
Friday, August 25, 2023
5:30-8:30 pm at the Student Life Center swimming pool
All new and returning international students are invited to this welcome and welcome back party at the Student Life Center swimming pool. Free food, prizes, and games, including volleyball and basketball! Bring your UH ID card.
Ku'u Lei Hilo
Thursday, September 7, 2023
5:00 pm at Campus Center Room 301
Join us for an introduction to the Hawaiian language and other activities to introduce you to Native Hawaiian culture. Check your UH email for details and to sign up. Space is limited.
Community Service Trip at Hale O Lono
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Time to be announced
Give back to the local community while learning about Native Hawaiian stewardship of the land and ocean. Help restore a Native Hawaiian fishpond in beautiful Keaukaha in Hilo. Check your UH email for details and to sign up. Space is limited.
Working in the US after Graduation
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
4:00-5:00 pm - Location to be announced
Students on F-1 visas have the option of staying in the US after graduation and working for one year or more. Come to this workshop to learn about this option and the application process. Check your UH email for more information and the Zoom link.
Constitution Day
Friday, September 15, 2023
5:00-7:00 pm at UCB Room 100
In recognition of Constitution Day, join us for special presentations from students around the world about their constitutions. View a complete schedule of the international Constitution Fellows here.
Roots & Routes along the Keaukaha Shoreline
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Time to be announced
Join us for a huaka'i hele (a sightseeing tour in which a knowledgeable guide takes others along a route to reveal the stories surrounding a particular land area) with Halena Kapuni-Reynold in the Keaukaha area to learn about the cultural and historical signifcance of this area in Hilo. Reminiscing about his childhood experiences, Kapuni-Reynolds reminds us of how we can connect to the lands and water that surround us and that these places are meant to be cherished. Check your UH email for more details and to sign up. Space is limited.
Lava Viewing Trip
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 6:30-9:00 pm
Join the International Student Association for a trip to Volcanoes National Park to view the lava flow in the evening. Check your email for more information and to sign up.
Community Service Trip
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Time to be announced
Join us for a morning of service to the Hilo community with the 'Aina Ho'ola Initiative. Embrace the spirit of aloha 'aina and contribute to the revitalization of our precious wetlands. By volunteering with the ʻAina Ho'ola Initiative, you’ll be immersing yourself in a meaningful journey of conservation and community engagement. You’ll get hands-on experience with restoring native habitats, learn about our unique ecosystem, and make a tangible impact on our environment. Check your UH email for details and to sign up. Space is limited.
United Nations Day
Friday, October 20, 2023
10:00 am-1:00 pm on the Library Lanai
Celebrate United Nations Day on campus with UH Hilo international students who come from 40 different countries around the world! The event features a parade of nations, tabling, and ends with a special performance from the Samoan club. Free Teapresso drinks for the first 50 students who visit each table! Visit the United Nations Day website for more details.
International Conflict Resolution Day
Friday, October 20, 2023
5:00-7:00 pm at the Campus Center Room 301
Free event in observance of International Conflict Resolution Day on "Compassion: How to practice care for self and care for community." Presented by Ami Kunimura, founder of The Self-Care Institute. Register online here or email info@hawaiimediation.org.
Friendsgiving
Friday, November 24, 2023
12:00-6:00 pm at the Pacific Islander Student Center (Campus Center 307)
Come enjoy a "friendsgiving" meal with the Pacific Islander student clubs.
Pau Hana! End of the Semester Dinner
Thursday, December 7, 2023
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! Free food, fun, and fellowship!
Welcome & Check-in for New International Students
Thursday, January 4, 2024
8:00 am at the Student Services Center Room 201
Welcome to UH Hilo! All new international students are required to check-in at this short meeting. Breakfast will be provided. Immediately following the meeting, we will take you to get a TB test and any other required vaccinations you may need and get a UH ID card before the campus-wide orientation program begins. Bring your passport (and cash or card if you need to get a TB test and/or other vaccinations).
New International Student Orientation Meeting
Thursday, January 4, 2024
4:00 pm online on Zoom
All new international students are required to attend this online meeting on Zoom to learn about important information such as visa regulations, health insurance, important dates and deadlines, and upcoming events and activities. Check your UH email for the Zoom link and passcode.
Tour of Hilo and Waterfalls
Saturday, January 6, 2024
12:00-5:00 pm
Join us for a tour of Hilo and nearby waterfalls as you get acquainted with your new island home. Space is limited. Check your UH email for more information and to sign up.
Working in the US after Graduation
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
4:00-5:00 pm - Location to be announced
Students on F-1 visas have the option of staying in the US after graduation and working for one year or more. Come to this workshop to learn about this option and the application process. Check your UH email for more information and the Zoom link.
International Night
Friday, February 23, 2024 (tentative date)
7:30 pm at the Performing Arts Center
International Night features performances from the many different cultures and countries represented at UH Hilo. International Night is a long-standing tradition at UH Hilo that spans over four decades, and is a favorite event on campus among students, the community, and visitors. See the shows, see the world! For more details, go to the International Nights website.
International Women's Day
Friday, March 8, 2024 (tentative date)
In observance of International Women's Day, hear the voices of UH Hilo women from around the world as they talk story about gender and women's issues in their countries and cultures and their experiences in the US.
Pau Hana! Graduates Recognition and End-of-the-Semester Dinner
Friday, May 3, 2024
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. Visit the International Student Association website for more information.
ISA Officers for 2023-2024:
- Ginate Mahuru (Papua New Guinea) - President
- Leoshina Kariha (Papua New Guinea) - Vice President
- Natsumi Takeda (Japan) - Secretary
- Mio Kamioka (Papua New Guinea/Japan) - Social Media Coordinator
- Hema Asiata (American Samoa) - Member-at-Large
- Rasi Fa'amausili (American Samoa) - Member-at-Large
About the Director
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. He previously served as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs & Dean of Students at UH Hilo.
Goals: Facilitate the success of international students and promote the development of intercultural competence among all students with an emphasis on social justice.
Did You Know? He swam 28.5 miles around New York City, won the 10-mile Maui channel swim from Lanaʻi to Mauʻi, 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.