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 to mellon@hawaii.edu.
Upcoming Events & Activities
New International Student Welcome & Check-In Meeting
Wednesday, August 20, 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
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
4:00 pm online on Zoom
All new international students are required to attend this Zoom meeting. We will review important matters before classes begin on August 25. Check your UH email for the Zoom link.
Tour of Hilo and Waterfalls
Saturday, August 23, 2025
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.
Welcome & Welcome Back Party
Friday, August 29, 2025
5:30-8:30 pm at the Student Life Center swimming pool
New and returning international students are invited to this annual welcome and welcome back party! Free food, music, games, and prizes! Bring your UH ID card. No need to sign up--just come!
Interpreter Information Session
Friday, September 5, 2025
12:00-1:00 pm at the Campus Center Room 307 (PISC)
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 lanaguage 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.
Community Service Trip at Haleolono
Saturday, September 13, 2025
8:15 am-12:00 pm
Give back to the local community while learning about Native Hawaiian stewardship of the land and ocean. Haleolono is the birthplace of one of Hawaiʻi's premier aliʻi, Kalaninuiʻīamamao, where the aquaculture traditions of this wahi pana are perpetuated. Learn about traditional mahi iʻa (fish farming), the fishpond, and connect with the ʻāina. The service activity mainly involves rock wall building and repair. Check your UH email for details and to sign up. Space is limited.
Kuʻu Lei Hilo
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
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.
Working in the US after Graduation
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
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.
Host Family Reception
Friday, September 19, 2025
5:30 pm at the Student Services Center Room 201
New international students who requested a host family will meet their host family at this informal "meet and greet" reception. Pupu to be served. Check your UH email for details.
Job Search Strategy for International Students
Thursday, September 25, 2025
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 online webinar.
Health Insurance Enrollment
Thursday, October 2, 2025
11:00 am-2:00 pm at the Pacific Islander Student Center
Students from the Compact of Free Association nations can apply for low-cost health insurance (Medicaid). Bring your passport, US social security card, I-94 form, address, and pay stubs (if any). To download a copy of your I-94 form, click here.
Healing Together: International Conflict Resolution Day
Friday, October 17, 2025
5:00-7:00 pm at the Campus Center Room 301
Free workshop in observance of International Conflict Resolution Day. Check back for more details.
PacYes Youth Empowerment Gathering
Saturday, October 18, 2025
9:00 am-2:00 pm on the Campus Center Plaza
High school students from throughout the Big Island will visit UH Hilo to learn about educational opportunities after high school and get inspired to pursue higher education. Click here for details.
United Nations Day
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
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.
PIPES Internship Information Session
Wednesday, November 5, 2026
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 16.
Friendsgiving
Friday, November 28, 2025 (tentative)
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 11, 2025
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! Free food, fun, and fellowship!
New International Student Welcome & Check-In Meeting
Thursday, January 8, 2026
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 8, 2026
4:00 pm online on Zoom
All new international students are required to attend this Zoom meeting. We will review important matters before classes begin on August 25. Check your UH email for the Zoom link.
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.
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 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.
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
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.