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
PIPES Internship Information Session
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
12:00 pm at the Pacific Islander Student Center
Come learn about paid summer internships in environmental-related careers with PIPES (Pacific Internship Program for Exploring Sciences)! Applications are due January 31.
Pacific Islanders and Law in Hawai'i and the Pacific
Friday, November 15, 2024
2:00-3:00 pm at UCB Room 127
Come to this session to learn about Pacific Islanders and law and law school in Hawai'i and the Pacific. The session will feature speakers Vincent Kruse, Executive Board Member of the Pacific Islander Bar Association and Ainsley Aiono, President of the Pacific Islander Law Student Association at the UH Richardson School of Law. Facilitated by Dr. Line-Noue Memea Kruse.
F-1 Student Visa Work Options
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
10:00-11:00 am online
F-1 students studying at US universities have limited options for working during their degree programs. An important option allowing off-campus employment is Curricular Practical Training (“CPT”). Similarly, students may be eligible to apply for “pre-completion” Optional Practical Training (OPT), which also allows for off-campus employment. This webinar will address issues related to CPT and pre-completion OPT as strategies to working during their degree program. The session will also discuss “post-completion” OPT as the best strategy for getting work in the US after graduation. Register for this free webinar.
Friendsgiving
Friday, November 29, 2024
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.
H1B Visa Process
Thursday, December 12, 2024
10:00-11:00 am online
This webinar will take a deep dive into the H1B visa process, focusing on its impact on the career options for international students. During this presentation, you will learn more about the H1B visa lottery system, how to qualify for it and the timeline limitations involved in applying, including H1B cap-exempt organizations who can submit applications outside of the standard lottery process. Register for this free webinar.
Pau Hana! End of the Semester Dinner
Thursday, December 12, 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! Free food, fun, and fellowship!
New International Student Welcome & Check-In Meeting
Thursday, January 9, 2025
8:00 am at the Student Services Center Room 201
All new international students are required to attend this welcome and check-in meeting. We will review important matters and then take you to Student Medical Services to get cleared for any health requirements that you still need to clear.
New International Student Orientation Meeting
Thursday, January 9, 2025
4:00 pm online on Zoom
All new interantional students are required to attend this Zoom meeting. We will review important matters before classes begin on January 13. Check your UH email for the Zoom link.
PIPES Internship Information Session
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
12:00 pm at the Pacific Islander Student Center
Come learn about paid summer internships in environmental-related careers with PIPES (Pacific Internship Program for Exploring Sciences)! Applications are due January 31.
Kuʻu Lei Hilo
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
5:00-6:00 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.
Working in the US after Graduation
Wednedsay, February 12, 2025
4:00-5:00 pm at the Student Services Center Room 201
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 21, 2025
7:00 pm at the UH Hilo 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.
Merrie Monarch Festival Ho'ike Performances
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
5:00-11:00 pm
Join us to watch the free performances at the Ho'ike night of the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival at the Edith Kanaka'ole Stadium. The Ho'ike 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.