International Student Languages
The UH Hilo International Student Services program and International Student Association invite you to take a few minutes to learn some conversational words and phrases and information about the many languages our students speak.
Our students have created short (5-15 minute) videos introducing you to their language. This project recognizes the United Nations' upcoming International Decade of Indigenous Languages.
Mini language lessons are available on demand on the International Student Association YouTube channel. Learn Sonsorolese (spoken in Palau), Uchinaaguchi (spoken in Okinawa), Japanese, Swahili, Turkmen, Swedish, Kosraen, Mandarin, Nauruan, Serbian, Korean, Palauan, and Kapingamarangi (spoken in Pohnpei State, Micronesia)!
UH Hilo currently enrolls about 200 students from 37 countries. In addition to the diverse perspectives and backgrounds these students contribute to campus that enrich the educational experience for all, the financial contribution of international students to the State and Big Island was estimated at $185 million and $5.7 million, respectively, last year. Nationally, international students contributed an estimated $41 billion to the US economy last year.
Sonsorolese (spoken in Palau)
Japanese (spoken in Japanese)
Kosraen (spoken in Kosrae, Micronesia)
Swahili (spoken in Kenya)
Swedish (spoken in Sweden)
Turkmen (spoken in Turkmenistan)
Uchinaaguchi (spoken in Okinawa)
Palauan (spoken in Palau)
Mandarin (spoken in China)
Korean (spoken in South Korea)
Nauruan (Spoken in Nauru)
Kapingamarangi (spoken in Pohnpei State, Micronesia)
Serbian (spoken in Serbia)
Is your language missing?
Contact the International Student Services Director