Programs for International Students and their Friends
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International Student Association
The International Student Association (ISA ) is UH Hilo's student club for international students and others who are interested in other cultures and peoples. The club engages in social and recreational activities throughout the year, performs service to the campus and local community, and organizes educational events. Each year ISA organizes United Nations Day and International Nights, an evening of spectacular performances showcasing the many different cultures represented at UH Hilo.
Host Family Program
UH Hilo Host Family Reception
Are you interested in being connected with a family in the local Hilo community? The Host Family Program matches international students with families in the community to help international students learn more about Hilo, the Big Island, and Hawaiʻi, as well as develop a "second" family here while you attend UH Hilo. Host families do not provide a place to live, but rather meet with you occasionally throughout the year for things like a home-cooked meal, trips around the island, shopping, and other fun and interesting things to do on the Big Island. If you are interested, please fill out and submit the Host Family Request Form.
If you are a family living in the Hilo area and you are interested in hosting a UH Hilo international student, please fill out and submit the Host Family Information Form.
Global Ambassadors
“Making a World of Difference”
The Global Ambassadors Program provides an opportunity for UH Hilo international students to serve as "cultural ambassadors" in the local community. They present cultural, sociological and economic information about their cultures and countries to Big Island schools, UH Hilo classes, and community organizations.
One objective of the program is to help others better understand your culture and country and reduce stereotypes about other countries and cultures. Another objective is to give international students more contact with the local culture. By being exposed to Native Hawaiian, local and American culture (ideology, values, customs, etc.), our international students attain a better understanding of the Hawaiʻi and of the United States.
Students: To volunteer as a Global Ambassador, please fill out and submit the online application form .
Teachers: If you would like to request a presentation to your school or community group by UH Hilo Global Ambassadors, please fill out and submit the online request form .
International Buddy Program
Are you interested in being connected with another UH Hilo who will help you get adjusted to UH Hilo and Hawaiʻi and help you learn about local and US American cultures? The International Buddy Program matches first-year international students with other students (mostly from Hawaiʻi and the US), and you meet informally throughout the semester as well as at monthly informal social gatherings. If you are an international student who would like to be matched with a buddy, please submit the International Buddy Program application . If you are an American student who would like to volunteer as a buddy to a new international students, please the Director of International Student Services.
Global Cafe
Informal discussions, accompanied by coffee and tea, are held at the beginning of each semester for new international students to chat about topics such as cultural norms in Hawaiʻi and in the U.S., recognizing and dealing with culture shock, and understanding and adapting to an American higher education system.
Maunakea Volunteers
The Maunakea Visitor Information Station (located at about 9,000 feet on Maunakea mountain) sometimes needs international students to volunteer. Many international students have volunteered in the past and have enjoyed the volunteer experience and found it rewarding to meet visitors from around the world as well as learn about the stars, astronomy, and western and Native Hawaiian views of the world. Visit the Center for Maunakea Stewardship website for more information. Other organizations also sponsor volunteer opportunities on Maunakea, including the Mauna Kea Forest Restoration Project and the Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance.
