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
Ku'u Lei Hilo
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
4:30-6:00 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.
Community Service Trip at ʻĀina Hoʻōla
Saturday, September 14, 2024
8:15 am-12:00 pm
Give back to the local community while learning about Native Hawaiian stewardship of the land and ocean. Embrace the spirit of Aloha ‘Āina (love of the land) and contribute to the revitalization of our precious wetlands. By volunteering with the ʻĀina Hoʻōla Initiative, you will immerse 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.
Working in the US after Graduation
Wednedsay, September 18, 2024
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.
Constitution Day
Friday, September 20, 2024
5:00-7:00 pm at the Student Services Center Room 201
In recognition of Constitution Day, join us for special presentations from students about the importance of civic engagement and obligations around the world. View more details here.
Host Family Reception
Friday, September 27, 2024
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 back for more details.
Jobs Search Strategies for International Students
Thursday, October 3, 2024
9:00-10:00 am online
Join this virtual workshop that will introduce 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. Click here to register.
Health Insurance Enrollment
Thursday, October 3, 2024
10:00 am-3:00 pm at PISC
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.
Health Insurance Enrollment
Monday, October 7, 2024
10:00 am-2:00 pm at PISC
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 18, 2024
5:00-7:00 pm at the Campus Center Room 301
In recognition of International Conflict Resolution Day, the public is invited to a free workshop on "Healing Together: Unpacking Mental Health Stigma with Compassion and Awareness" presented by Dr. Stephanie Campbell and Dr. Alexandria King. Join us for this dynamic session to gain insights, challenge biases, and take actionable steps toward creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for mental health. Register online here or contact the Ku'ikahi Mediation Center at 808-935-7844 or shelby@hawaiimediation.org.
PacYes Youth Empowerment Gathering
Saturday, October 19, 2024
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.
Nothing Micro about Micronesia
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
7:00 pm at the Performing Arts Center
A coming of age story about two Micronesian boys who encounter an unlikely place after a series of conflicts between them. They must navigate between the directions from elders and the government systems who have had an impact on their current lives and states of being/belonging. Join these friends as they take us through their lenses of island life in Micronesia while facing the rising tides of their transitioning ages, complicated family matters, new findings about the world and themselves, and uncertain futures.
United Nations Day
Friday, October 25, 2024
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 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.
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.
Pau Hana! End of the Semester Dinner
Thursday, December 12, 2024 (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! Free food, fun, and fellowship!
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.
International Night
Friday & Saturday, February 21 & 22, 2025 (tentative dates)
Time to be announced
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.