International Student Services
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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 and the International Student Resource Center for information and resources 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 to mellon@hawaii.edu.
Upcoming Events & Activities
Kuʻu Lei Hilo
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
5:00-7:00 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.
Interpreter Information Session
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
12:00-1:00 pm at the Pacific Islander Student Center (Campus Center Room 307)
Do you or someone you know need help talking to people at government offices, like at the court, hospital, doctor's office, or school? You can get an interpreter for free! Learn how to ask for an interpreter and make sure your voice is heard. Do you speak more than one language and want to help other? You can learn how to become an interpreter. This session will explain how to become a paid interpreter. Session will be conducted by the Office on Equality and Access to the Courts, Hawai'i State Judiciary, in collaboration with Hawai'i State Office of Language Access.
Anti-Pacific Islander Hate Report
Wednesday, January 26, 2026
1:00 pm online on Zoom
Stop AAPI Hate’s new report provides an in-depth look at anti-Pacific Islander hate acts in 2024, the impacts of hate, barriers to reporting hate and receiving support, and ways Pacific Islander (PI) communities have practiced resistance. These findings are viewed within a broader historical context of systemic racism against PI communities and offer a starting point for understanding PI experiences with hate in the US. This briefing will offer an overview of the report findings and feature a panel discussion with members of Stop AAPI Hate’s PI Advisory Council, who played an integral role in shaping our understanding of the findings. Click here to register.
F-1 Student to H-1B Worker: Process and Planning in Turbulent Times
Thursday, February 12, 2026
7:00-8:00 am online on Zoom
As the H-1B lottery registration period approaches, international students face an increasingly complex and uncertain immigration landscape. This webinar will provide critical guidance to help F-1 students understand the H-1B process and plan strategically in a period of rapid change. A panel will walk participants through the pathway from F-1 to H-1B status and address how recent regulatory and policy changes are reshaping that path. They will also share practical planning strategies, including next steps to take, tips on timing, and considerations when exploring employer options. Click here to register for this free webinar.
Working in the US after Graduation
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
3:30-4:30 pm online
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 as well as H-1B "work" visas. Check your UH email for more information and the Zoom link.
Job Search Strategy for International Students
Thursday, February 19, 2026
11:00 am online
This workshop introduces well-established processes for positioning yourself to execute a focused and successful US-based job search. Take away a four-step framework to optimize your job search game plan and effectively network to get your foot in the door. Learn how to efficiently target companies that sponsor H-1B visas and hire international students; cultivate and use professional connections through strategic networking and informational interviews; leverage your story, skills, expertise, your university network, and brand to achieve your career and life goals; and practice how to use your cultural diversity as an advantage and effectively convey your story to hiring managers. Click here to register for this free webinar.
International Night
Friday, February 27, 2026
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 five decades, and is a favorite event on campus among students and the community. See the shows, see the world! For more details, go to the International Nights website.
CPT to FTE: Building Your Career Pipeline During Your U.S. Studies
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
7:00 am online on Zoom
Turning a CPT (Curricular Practical Training) opportunity into a full-time role requires early planning and a clear strategy. In this session, we’ll break down how students can use internships, part-time roles, and on-campus opportunities to build a strong pipeline toward full-time employment in the US. You’ll learn how to choose roles that maximize conversion potential, build relationships with managers and recruiters, and position your experience for return offers or future sponsorship. Click here to register for this free webinar.
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 2025-2026:
- Caroline Lynch (Pohnpei, FSM) - President
- Folliet Schutz (Kiribati) - Vice President
- Marina Sasagawa (Japan) - Secretary
- Tatiana Nena (Kosrae, FSM) - Treasurer
- Kyle Thomas (Marshall Islands) - Member-at-Large
- Waylane Lazarus (Marshall Islands) - 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.
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.
Jim Mellon