To be eligible to apply for admission, international applicants need to meet admissions criteria and documentation requirements as stated in the section Admissions.

This section contains additional information and requirements for international applicants.

 
Required Level of Study
The chart below shows the minimum level of study required of applicants with degrees from certain countries or regions. Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office if your country is not listed.

* For applicants with three-year undergraduate degrees from European institutions (except the United Kingdom), eligibility to apply for admission is determined on a case-by-case basis. Such applicants may need to meet additional admissions requirements. Please contact the intended graduate program for more information.

 
International Transcripts and Academic Records
All international applicants are required to submit one current official transcript or academic record from each institution of higher education attended, including any study abroad or exchange programs, summer programs, and non-degree work and extension programs. Transcripts or academic records must be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office directly from the issuing institution(s), or in sealed institutional envelopes if submitted with the application. For applicants from certain regions (see below), the Graduate Admissions Office accepts only official academic records sent directly from the issuing institution(s).

Please note the following:

1. Non-English transcripts or academic records must be issued in the original language and be accompanied by English translations. English translations must be exact word for word translations of the original document. Translations issued by the institution must bear the official seal or stamp of the institution and be attached to the official transcript or academic record. Translations by professional translators must bear the translator’s original signature and be accompanied by a copy of the original language documents.
2. Transcripts or academic records must indicate all dates of attendance, course titles, credits or hours, and grades received. If any course title is not descriptive in terms of content, attach a course syllabus to the transcript or academic record.
3. Do NOT convert numerical grades to letter grades. A complete grading scale or system of evaluation sent by the institution is required if not indicated on the transcript or academic record.
4. Transcripts or academic records must indicate any degree, diploma, professional title, certificate of study or other academic credential received. If not, submit official copies and English translations of all academic credentials.
5. Applicants from institutions in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan must submit properly attested mark sheets for each year of study showing the subject included in each examination, the maximum mark in each subject, the minimum mark for passing, the mark obtained, and the "Division" or "Class" received. All academic records are accepted if attested by the registrar, assistant registrar, head of department, dean of student affairs, controller of examinations, USEFI student advisor, professor-in-charge or principal.
6. Applicants from institutions in the Russian Federation and former Soviet Union: The Graduate Admissions Office will accept ONLY academic certificates, supplements to the diploma, archival certificates and degree certificates sent directly from the issuing institution(s).

 
English Proficiency
Most applicants whose native language is not English are required to take either the TOEFL or the IELTS. Official scores should be sent directly to the Graduate Admissions Office. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) code for UHM is 4867. Test scores cannot be more than two years old.

An applicant is exempt from the test, if he or she has earned a bachelor's or advanced degree within the last five years at a regionally accredited or recognized institution in the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore or United Kingdom.

 
Financial Statement
International applicants need to show proof of sufficient funding to cover all educational and living expenses, including expenses for any accompanying spouse or children. Upon admission to UHM, only international applicants with proof of funding will receive visa documents.

The Confidential Financial Statement for International Applicants is required of most international applicants. Refer to the form for detailed instructions.

Issuance of Visa Documents
International applicants who have been admitted to more than one graduate program need to choose a graduate program, before the visa documents can be issued.

The Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau of the U.S. Department of State supports a network of more than 450 EducationUSA Advising Centers around the world, whose mission is to promote U.S. higher education to prospective international students.

EducationUSA Advising Centers are staffed by professional advisers, many of whom have studied in the United States and/or received State Department-approved training about U.S. higher education and the advising process. Advisers provide impartial, accurate information about the full range of accredited institutions of higher learning in the United States. They
provide students with information to identify the best option for their educational and professional interests, choosing an institution, identifying financial aid opportunities, understanding the admission process, and applying for a student visa. Some centers also provide specialized services such as essay writing workshops, translation and document verification, and pre-departure preparation.

For more information, visit an EducationUSA Advising Center near you.

Full-Time Enrollment
International students are required by law to maintain full-time enrollment while studying in the United States. Exceptions may be granted to students with serious illness, students in their graduating semester, or students who experience academic difficulties. To enroll less than full-time, students need advance approval from International Student Services.

Distance Education
Enrollment in distance education courses is restricted for international students studying in the United States. More information is available at International Student Services.

 
International Student Services
Student Services Center, Suite 206
2600 Campus Road
Honolulu, HI 96822-2205
Tel: (808) 956-8613
Fax: (808) 956-5076
E-mail: issmanoa@hawaii.edu
Web: www.hawaii.edu/issmanoa

International Student Services assist international students with the maintenance of their F-1 or J-1 visa status and provide guidance and advising to students. Visit the Services' Web site for additional information of interest to international students.

While international students on F-1 visas and exchange visitors on J-1 visas are required to show proof of sufficient funding for the duration of study, many work after their arrival in the United States to cover some of their expenses.

Before seeking any type of employment, F-1 and J-1 visa holders need to apply for a social security number and a work permit. J-1 visa holders also need to obtain permission from the responsible officer of their sponsoring agency.

The links below provide information on employment for F-1 and J-1 visa holders.

• Applying for a Social Security Number
• FAQs on Employment for F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors
• Advisory on F-1 Employment Rule Changes

The International Student Services assists international students in obtaining employment eligibility and holds mandatory information workshops on off-campus employment. For more information, contact the ISS.

UHM requires all international students to maintain comprehensive medical insurance for the duration of study. International Student Services (ISS) can assist international students in selecting appropriate insurance and health care services for themselves and their dependents. ISS also assists students with insurance claims.

The university sponsors two student insurance plans. Students who are employed as graduate assistants may elect to purchase a UHM employee health insurance plan. International students who wish to purchase a health insurance before coming to the United States should correspond with ISS beforehand.

English Language Institute
1890 East-West Road, Moore Hall 570
Honolulu, HI 96822
Tel: (808) 956-8479
Fax: (808) 956-2802
Web: www.hawaii.edu/eli/

The English Language Institute (ELI) is a service unit of the Department of Second Language Studies, whose primary purpose is to help degree-seeking students at UHM, both graduate and undergraduate, improve their English.

Upon arrival, newly admitted international students need to report to the institute, which evaluates the students' level of proficiency in English. Students are not permitted to register for classes, until the evaluation is complete.

 
Exemptions
The following international students are exempted from the ELI:

• Native speakers of English from Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Singapore.
• International students who received a TOEFL score of 600/250/100 (paper/computer/Internet) or IELTS score of 7.0 or above.
• International students who received a GRE verbal score of 460 or above.
• International students who have received within the last five years a bachelor's degree or an advanced degree from an accredited/recognized college in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore and Australia.

Placement Tests
Evaluation of students' English proficiency is based on TOEFL and ELI Placement Tests (ELIPT). The ELI administers the three-hour ELIPT and uses the results for ELI clearance and course placement purposes. Tests are scheduled at the beginning of each semester and summer session. Seating is limited so students are advised to sign up immediately upon arrival on campus. In the case of a student who has not taken the TOEFL because of extenuating circumstances, evaluation is made solely on the basis of the ELI test battery.

The ELIPT measures the following:

• ability to read academic texts with understanding and reasonable speed,
• vocabulary proficiency,
• ability to understand academic lectures in English, and
• facility in written self-expression.

Courses and Registration
The ELI strives to serve the individual needs of the students. ELI offers courses in listening comprehension, reading of academic materials, and writing with special emphasis on the preparation of term papers and similar reports.

Registration for ELI courses in the fall and spring semesters is limited to students who have been officially admitted to the university. Students may not apply to the Graduate Division for the sole purpose of entering the English Language Institute in order to improve their English. Except under unusual circumstances, students may not audit ELI courses. They must complete all ELI courses within the first year of study at the university.

Students enrolled in ELI courses take a reduced regular academic course load, so that they may devote enough attention to to gaining satisfactory competence in English. The amount of course load reduction is proportionate to the amount of time required by the assigned ELI course(s). Those required to take a relatively large number of ELI courses should expect to make proportionately slower progress in their regular academic program.

Currently, international students from 106 countries comprise about 22 percent of the graduate student population at UHM. The ethnical and cultural diversity at UHM makes the university one of the most cosmopolitan institutions of higher learning in the United States. Students have a special opportunity to expand their horizons and to become better citizens of the world.

To learn more about how it is like to pursue graduate studies at UHM, read what some of the current international students at UHM have to say about their graduate programs and life in Hawai'i.

Australia

Suzanne Frazer
dance

I am a dance educator from Australia studying at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa . I am completing a Master of Arts in Dance. I wanted to do my graduate studies here because Hawai'i is a unique place - located in the Polynesian triangle and also a bridge to Asia. I wanted to come and learn about the dances and cultures of Asia and the Pacific. So far I have studied Balinese dance, Hula, Maori dance, Korean masked dance, and Tahitian dance. I have completed field work in Tongan dance and studied Hawaiian cultural traditions. Currently, I am working on a thesis about multicultural dance education, interviewing Korean, Japanese, Okinawan, Hawaiian, Maori and Tongan dance teachers. In my free time I teach people Argentine tango, salsa and other Latin dances, so that they can go out dancing at the many night clubs in Honolulu.

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Belgium

Thomas Decloedt
oceanography

I did my undergraduate degree in physics in London, United Kingdom. When I decided to pursue a PhD in physical oceanography, I was at once attracted to the United States for two reasons: 1) U.S. graduate programs have course requirements; 2) you can apply for assistantships and get paid working as a graduate assistant. The first reason was important to me because after four years of classical physics, I had never touched upon physics in the ocean and I wanted to take courses on this topic. The second one is also nice because you don't have to work on the side, rely on family charity or get deeper into debt. In Europe, most graduate programs are research-based and graduate assistantships are not common.

The School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology (SOEST) at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa is ranked in the top three in the United States for oceanography, so the quality of people it attracts is superior, in terms of both faculty and students. In addition, people from all over the world are represented in SOEST. You'll be able to practice your French, German, Spanish, Greek … etc. here!

Also, the environment is stunning to say the least, and if you are into water sports ...well, this is Hawai'i.

The downside is maybe that graduate studies in the United States tend to take a long time compared to in Europe. I'd say three years for a master’s degree is common and add three more for the PhD.

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Bosnia and Herzegovina

Radovan Milincic
physics

The Department of Physics at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa is small, but offers some very exciting research opportunities. Although not very diverse in terms of research variety, the department has excellent programs in accelerator and non-accelerator high energy physics, particle physics theory, free electron laser physics, and Scanning Tunneling Microscope group.

As for life in Hawai'i, it is great. People are very kind and friendly and the climate is magnificent. One can go to the beach, swim, surf, snorkel or dive, 365 days a year. The island is lush and tropical and offers a perfect place for pursuing an academic degree. There are two main disadvantages about Hawai'i : It is really far from home and living expenses here are among the highest in the United States. But that is the price of paradise.

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Brazil

Paulo Calil
oceanography

Pursuing graduate studies in oceanography at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa is a unique and rewarding experience. The School of Ocean and Earth Sciences and Technology offers quality faculty and courses, as well as an interdisciplinary and friendly atmosphere. The fact that the sea is a vital issue in Hawaiian life and culture makes this program even more special. As pointed out to me by a UHM researcher during my first week here, this is a good place to work hard.

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Bulgaria

Sibel Mestanova
political science

They say life is a journey, not a destination … for me the journey began when I decided to come to study in America, crossing two oceans all the way from Bulgaria. The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) has proved to be more than merely a school—it has been a place where I have been challenged, where hard questions have been asked and there haven’t always been easy answers. From the dedicated faculty, encouraging staff, and a campus that radiates the true meaning of aloha, UHM has provided a stimulating atmosphere and vision, as essential in research as it is in life. As a graduate assistant for the Center on Disabilities Studies at Mānoa, I have had the opportunity to witness the miracle of mind and heart working together towards goals that are deeply humane and for the overall betterment of the community. What started out as a journey towards the completion of a graduate degree has turned into a lifelong pursuit of wisdom, knowledge and compassion. Outside of my degree, are myself, my goals, and the endless possibilities I will have before me.

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England

Kate Bridges
geology and geophysics

The graduate program in sciences at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) is very different from that at home. There are obviously advantages and disadvantages. In my opinion, one of the advantages is that U.S. graduate programs require the student to take a certain number of classes, most of which are specifically graduate-level. In the United Kingdom, graduate programs are traditionally purely research based. In addition, doctoral programs at UHM require qualifying exams (if you come in without a master's degree) and comprehensive exams. Both types of exams are designed to ensure that the student has sound background knowledge and understanding in his/her field. Students often dedicate a few months out of their programs to prepare for these exams. Another major difference is that graduate students are expected to publish papers during and/or on completion of their research. The disadvantage of all this is that the length of the graduate programs is over twice that at home. In the long term, however, this extra time is balanced out by the post-doctorate, which is only a year or two in the United States but takes a few years at home.

The Department of Geology and Geophysics at UHM has a positive atmosphere and the teaching and research are excellent in my field (volcanology). Another advantage of studying at UHM, at least in my department, is that funding generally isn't a problem like it can be at home. However, this obviously depends on your research project. The majority of people in the department work hard and play hard.

Life in Hawai'i : Wow. The people are great, there is lots to do (surfing, hiking, scuba diving etc), and way more culture than I had expected. Even though O'ahu is a small island, I never get bored. My cure for island fever is to visit one of the neighbor islands. The Hawaiian Islands are very diverse in climate and landscape-there are active lava flows, snow-topped volcanoes, deserts, tropical forests, long white beaches, and huge waterfalls. Life in Hawai'i is fairly slow-paced (island time!) and the night-life is not great (don't expect to find any good clubs and most clubs are expensive). However, there are always good house- or beach- parties and after a long day surfing (whoops, I mean studying!), most people are too knackered to go out all night anyway.

Ezra Reynolds
business administration

Pursuing an MBA at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) is a great learning experience, because Hawai'i is the only place that exposes you to business practices of the United States (the biggest economy in the world), alongside business practices of the Asia Pacific region, which is rapidly growing with China leading the way. Here in Hawai'i you interact with many Asian cultures, and the experience allows you to recognize the cultural differences between them, which could “save face” at some stage in business dealings.

The course assignments are very hands-on and allow you to gain skills that you can apply in business settings straight away. The practicality of the curriculum is one of the reasons why I transferred to UHM from another university on the island. Also the accredited status of the school means standards have to be met and continually improved, which again benefits the students to no end.

Life in Hawai'i....well what can I say it's Hawai'i !"

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Finland

Antti Pessi
meteorology

I am pursuing a PhD in meteorology at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM). I think Hawai'i is a great place to pursue graduate studies. The meteorology program at UHM is well organized and its professors are highly skilled. The program specializes in tropical meteorology, which is not common in Finland. Here the classes include more presentations than in Finland, which is good. In Finland, however, there is more freedom to decide how you accomplish your courses and your degree. Generally, life in Hawai'i is pretty relaxed with lots of sunshine and opportunities for water sports!

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Germany

Jan Dierking
zoology

My specialization is in ecology, evolution and conservation biology, with a focus on marine topics. For those interested in marine biology, Hawai'i must be one of the most perfect places to study. In my opinion, the diversity and uniqueness of the islands and of their habitats are simply amazing. Along a different line, Hawai'i also is a place where environmental impacts of modern day life such as development, sprawl, and over-fishing, etc. are very obvious, due to the confined nature of island life. This has captured my attention, increased my awareness, and influenced the direction of my research. The ocean plays a dominant role in my life, and in few places other than Hawai'i would this be possible. Consequently, I enjoy life as well as my studies tremendously. To conclude, I can recommend life and study here.

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Hungary

Ádám Jacsó
business administration

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa offers an extremely rewarding learning experience. There is a great degree of educational freedom available to students, which allows us to use the theories we learn and apply them to relevant business decisions in our own careers. The staff is highly knowledgeable and supportive throughout the learning process. Teachers challenge students and help them meet the high expectations of the curriculum. There is also a great deal of comradeship among students, who help each other grow and succeed by sharing experiences and viewpoints. Overall, the MBA program is current, relevant and stimulating.

Hawaii is a beautiful paradise with a unique blend of business, culture and nature. Aside from their natural beauty, the islands offer unparalleled opportunities for the exploration of culture. People from so many different cultures live, learn and work together both in and outside of the university …one cannot help but gain a broader cultural perspective. One consideration that should be made before coming to Hawai'i is the price of paradise. Due to Hawai'i's remote location, prices are higher overall, and particularly so for accommodations, due to limited real estate. Regardless, the experience is well worth the cost.

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Iceland

Geir Sigurdsson
philosophy

Before I "discovered" the Department of Philosophy at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM), I had been looking for some time for a philosophy program that offers a substantive focus on Asian philosophy. At UHM, I certainly found one. It is no exaggeration to say that the department is one of a kind, with a number of outstanding scholars in the philosophical traditions of the West, China, Japan, India, and the Middle East. I should not forget to mention the department’s “Philosophy in the Schools” project, which, in my view, is one of the most exciting projects for the end purpose of enabling philosophy to make a real and lasting difference in the world by making its tools accessible to children.

I must admit that I was, at the beginning, somewhat reluctant to commit myself to a five-year program of study in Hawai'i. Despite Hawai'i's lure as a tropical paradise, the fact that it is almost as far away from my home as a place can be presents obvious inconveniences. Moreover, having grown up on an island (Iceland) and done my MA on another island (Ireland), I was unsure about whether I wanted to spend such a long time in yet another island culture. I am, however, pleased that I decided, after all, to study at UHM. Hawai'i, as I discovered, is not "just another" island culture. For anyone who is interested in East-West cultural interaction, Hawai'i, with its uniquely mixed local population and constantly floating intellectual population, offers an intercultural experience that is probably unparalleled in the world. And the matrix of this experience is, to be sure, the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa .

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Indonesia

Asal Wahyuni Erlin Mulyadi
public administration

The educational system in the United States is different from that in Indonesia. Besides the computerized system, there is a strong focus on the autonomy of each student. The relationship between students and teacher is friendly, which facilitates interaction and helps students to acquire a deeper understanding for the subject covered in the classroom. The library provides most of the resources we need. Also available are computers, Internet access, a bookstore and the like. So sophisticated!

The weather in Hawai'i is similar to that in Indonesia. However, in Hawai'i it is more humid because it is windier. So, for everyone who catches colds easily like I do, don't forget to bring a jacket. Asian foods are readily available, we can cook Indonesian food because we can find all the ingredients in Chinatown. One important advice to Indonesian students – manage your dollar without comparing it with rupiah when you shop. Also, it would be better if you do some research about Hawai'i and its culture before coming here.

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Iran

Davood Askari
mechanical engineering

The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa is a good university with highly qualified teaching staffs, well-equipped laboratories, and research opportunities in different fields of concern in mechanical engineering. I’m satisfied with the courses and research opportunities offered by the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

The unique natural environment of Hawai'i offers majestic waterfalls, fantastic ocean views, and live volcanic eruptions. I would like to explore the natural beauty of Hawai'i. Although Hawai'i is a cool place to live, life is a bit expensive here and housing should be arranged as early as possible prior to arrival.

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Italy

Guido Pigliasco
anthropology

If you have never spent part of your life on the campus of the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, you probably have no idea how pleasant academic life could be. The campus embodies the 'en plein air' (open air) concept which, coming from an ancient, somber and severe university of the north of Italy, I was seeking for. The Department of Anthropology welcomed me heartily, fully supporting my line of studies and my research interests. Furthermore, the university’s Hamilton Library offers one of the best Asia and Pacific collections in the world, which has been fundamental for my research and my academic development.

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Japan

Ichiro Misumi
microbiology with specialization in marine biology

I think Hawai'i is one of the most ideal places in the world for students who want to study marine biology. I chose the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) because of its strong program in this field. My research topic focuses on the development of a DNA vaccine against the parasite, for use in the aquaculture of marine fish. Currently, I work as a graduate assistant at the Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB), a world-renowned research institute with both excellent facilities and faculty members from all over the world. I am very fortunate to be studying at UHM.

Before I came to Hawai'i, I was worried about not knowing anyone and having difficult classes. When I got here, I realized that everyone had to overcome the same obstacles. People in Hawai'i are very friendly, so I was able to make a lot of friends. For Japanese students, it is especially easy to adjust to the lifestyle in Hawai'i. When I feel tired from studying, I go to the beach to relax and then go back to study.

Takashi Yamamoto
economics

The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) maintains a close relationship with the East-West Center (EWC), a federal-funded research and educational institute located on the UHM campus. Many faculty members in the Department of Economics at UHM are cross-appointed and engaged in research projects at the EWC. In addition, the center has a large network of current and former students and research fellows, who have research expertise in areas related to the Asian and Pacific region. Students who study economics at UHM thus benefit from the many advantages offered by the cooperation between the university and the center.

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Kenya

Asmahan Abdallah
molecular biosciences and bioengineering

The multi-disciplinary faculty at the Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering (MBBE) at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) has expertise in both plants and animal studies. Faculty research interests span a broad spectrum, covering areas such as biotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry and bioengineering.

It is a great opportunity to work with Professor Dulal Borthakur, chair of the graduate program in MBBE. His laboratory is well organized, equipped and staffed with a remarkable research team. The research group includes a number of international students, who combine their efforts and work together as a team towards the development and achievement of a common goal. The friendly atmosphere helps students to interact with their supervisors more freely, enhancing a greater perspective of exciting learning opportunities.

The tropical Hawaiian weather is awesome. The beautiful clear blue ocean is suitable for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing. The cool trade winds and unpredicted light showers contribute to a very moderate and comfortable living environment. Hawai'i residents are kind and friendly in nature, which makes life in Hawai'i pleasant and exciting.

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Malaysia

Philip Lee Chee Hoong
business administration

The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) is the best place to be, if your academic, business or research interest is Asia Pacific. Through its extensive network with various associations, profit and non-profit organizations, the university offers a wealth of business contacts and opportunities for any student eager to leverage on them. If your focus is on business in either Japan or China, I highly recommend the Japan or China focused Master of Business Administration Program. The program leverages on the UHM Shidler College of Business’ strong faculty team together with the resourcefulness of academic and business contacts of the Japan-America Institute of Management Science (JAIMS).

During my one-year stay in Hawai’i, I completed an intensive one-year MBA program, received intensive Japanese business language training from two of the best instructors in Hawai'i, and did a three-month capstone internship in Japan. Thanks to the vast network of contacts of JAIMS, I interviewed via telephone for a permanent work position in Tokyo with a reputable firm, even before leaving for Japan.

In addition to my curricular activities, I participated in the UH Business Plan Competition organized by the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship & E-Business. For this competition, I worked with the UHM Department of Linguistics to market a project to document endangered languages by holding an exhibition in Bishop Museum, publicizing the project through a press release, and discussing with the faculty to set up a Language Documentation Center in the university. Not only did we win the Small Business Category Prize, we also realized the huge potential of the university in bringing together students from all over the world to make UHM a center of diversity and uniqueness as a Hawaiian place of learning.

Aside from the UH Business Plan Competition, I participated in the Kauffman Entrepreneurial Internship Program and did a summer internship with the Pacific Business Center Program, which serves Hawaiian and Pacific island businesses. I also took part in numerous activities organized by the International Student Services, Graduate Business Student Association, Pacific Asian Management Institute, East-West Center, South East Asian Studies Student Association, Japan-America Society of Hawai'i, Catholic Campus Ministry and International Baptist Center.

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Marshall Islands

Dial Keju
urban and regional planning

I am pursuing a master’s degree in urban and regional planning (MURP) at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM), with an emphasis on community development from transnational migration of Marshallese living in the United States.

The MURP program at UHM is perfect for me for several reasons. First, the graduate students in the program represent a gathering of students from all over the globe, who bring their intellect and talents to the classroom. The program is very encompassing and I feel like my contributions are appreciated. When I first came to UHM, I was interested primarily in community development with an emphasis in regional networks among Pacific Island communities. My professors were able to tailor my coursework, allowing me to focus on my research interests and to take them to the level of a thesis. The most beneficial experience for me was becoming part of a research team, tackling various planning issues ranging from transportation to community development. Thanks to this experience, I am better prepared to identify complex problems and to generate appropriate solutions.

As for life in Hawai'i, coming from the Marshall Islands to settle in Mānoa was completely enjoyable. What struck me the most about Hawai'i is the friendliness of the people. Hawai'i's residents truly live the “ohana” way—newcomers are considered part of the community rather than as outsiders. I see this “ohana” spirit also amongst university administrators whom I have relied upon in the last several years. They have always expressed an interest in students and demonstrated care for the students’ well-being.

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Morocco

Atiqa Hachimi
linguistics

I came to the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa to pursue a master’s degree in linguistics and I loved it so much that I decided to stay and pursue my PhD here as well. Studying at UHM has been a rewarding experience at both the academic and personal levels. The faculty and the staff are a source of inspiration. They are supportive, warm, unassuming and a joy to be around. The student body is so diverse that you hardly need to set foot outside campus to discover the wealth and richness of the multi cultures that make up Hawai'i. Because of the blend of so many cultures and so many languages, there isn’t a day that goes by without learning a new thing. The respect and the acceptance that I have experienced while living in Hawai'i have been instrumental in my academic and personal growth.

In Spring 2001, I started the Arabic program at UHM. Students’ interest in Arabic was instantaneous. They were thrilled to have Arabic offered in the middle of the Pacific and have shown great enthusiasm toward learning about Arabic culture, religion and history. After discovering the diversity and richness of Arabic culture, many of my students are now determined to go to the Middle East and North Africa to learn more about the Arab world.

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Mozambique

Ricardo Maria
tropical plant and soil sciences

I think the Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa offers an outstanding academic environment that fosters research and study. Due to Hawai'i's climate, students have the unique opportunity to focus on tropical soils. The department’s professors provide excellent support to students in learning and developing individual skills in soil and crop management. Graduate seminars offered by the department are an important component in building graduate students’ communication skills and developing their leadership competence.

Hawaii is a cross-cultural place. Friendly people and a healthy environment make Hawai'i an attractive place in the world.

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Nepal

Uddhav Kumar Bhandari
economics

The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) is a great place to be. Courses offered by the Department of Economics are rigorous and extremely demanding, compared to courses with very light content back in Nepal. The weather in Hawai'i is very pleasant for students from Nepal.

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Singapore

Meei Shi Ng
Asian studies (Chinese Studies)

If the thought of studying in Hawai'i conjures up pictures of beaches, palm trees and a gentle breeze for you, and if you quickly erase the picture because you think that is too unreal, don't! It is not too far from the truth. Hawai'i has some of the most stunning nature in the whole world, and it is not confined to some national parks but all around you. And if you are tired of rude and unkind people, then you have to come to Hawai'i – for where else in the world can you put on your signal lights and actually expect to have the car in the next lane let you go first??

It is surely nice to go to school in one of the most beautiful places on earth. But going to school at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa (UHM) is not without its challenges. The schools here are generally not as well-funded as some other schools on the mainland. As a result, students may not have some of the comforts such as newer equipment or an extensive library, which are available at other universities. But this just means that you have to be more active in seeking out what you need, and in the case of books, one just has to take the extra step of utilizing services such as inter-library loans.

Perhaps one of the most crucial factors in deciding how good one's experience is going to be as a graduate student is the kind of teachers one gets. At UHM, I have gotten to know some of the best teachers I have ever had. They have been great sources of inspiration, knowledge and friendship. There is a general relaxed attitude among the teachers I have met here, and the barrier that often prevents students from approaching teachers with their questions is quite irrelevant here.

Altogether, the initial "lack" that one may perceive is more than compensated by the wonderful people and nature that one finds here. Two thumbs up!

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Switzerland

Christoph Aschwanden
computer sciences

Attending the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa is a great way for meeting students from other countries. The population in Hawai'i consists of a mix of people from various cultures such as Japan, China, Hawai'i and America. You get in contact with people from all over the world.

Life is different from that in Switzerland and gets very interesting once you live in Hawai'i for some time. I definitely recommend coming here for graduate studies!

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Taiwan

Hui-tzu Chen
French

Pursuing graduate studies in the United States can be costly without financial support. In addition to graduate assistantships, which may be highly competitive, the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa offers a number of scholarships that make it affordable for qualified students from the Pacific-Asian region to study at UHM. In terms of academics, I find a great degree of freedom in my program of study. Graduate courses in literature tend to have small enrollments, so there is considerable interaction between the professors and the students during class sessions. My professors are knowledgeable, approachable and supportive of my research interests. The student population at UHM is notably cosmopolitan, which enables one to interact with people from all over the world and to learn about their cultures.

Hawaii is a wonderful place to live and to study. For students from Asia, life in Hawai'i is easy to adjust to due to the predominant Asian culture here in the islands. The beautiful weather makes it possible to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year. For water sports enthusiasts, Hawai'i is truly the paradise. All in all, I find it easy to lead a healthy lifestyle given everything that Hawai'i has to offer.

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services - Academic Student Visa Information

United States Department of State - Links to U.S. Embassies and Consulates Worldwide

NAFSA - Sources of Funding for Post-Secondary Study in the United States

NAFSA - Pre-Departure Orientation for Chinese Students

U.S. Employment: Challenges for International Students

U.S. Tax Treaties - Internal Revenue Service Publication 901