Office of Global Engagement
The Office of Global Engagement at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu provides global learning opportunities and cultural activities for enrolled UH West Oʻahu students. Our international programs range from short-term to long-term options, enabling students to study and earn credits in countries such as Japan and South Korea. Through these opportunities, UH West Oʻahu students can experience new cultures, develop language skills, build lasting partnerships, and strengthen their global competency in ways that complement their academic studies.
Partnership
The University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu is proud to collaborate with higher education institutions around the world to connect our campus community with global opportunities. The Office of Global Engagement plays a central role in expanding and maintaining UH West Oʻahu’s international partnerships, with particular emphasis on Asia and Europe.
Our Student Exchange Partners include:
- Enderun Colleges (Philippines)
- German Sport University Köln (Germany)
- Institut Catholique De Paris (France)
- Jinju Health College (South Korea)
- Konkuk University (South Korea)
- Seoul National University of Science and Technology (South Korea)
- Sorbonne Nouvelle University (France)
Our Study Abroad Partners include:
- Eulji University (South Korea)
- Jinju Health College (South Korea)
- Zenith Glocal Academy (South Korea)
- Kyushu Sangyo University (Japan)
- Tokai University Sapporo (Japan)
Short Term Programs
The Office of Global Engagement currently offers international short-term and professional development programs to students from partner universities around the world. These programs provide visiting international students with opportunities to connect with UHWO students and participate in a variety of intercultural activities both inside and outside the classroom.
The objective of UH West Oʻahu‘s international short-term programs is to strengthen global relationships between UH West Oʻahu and universities abroad. Recommended students from these institutions study English, Hawaiian, and American culture, participate in cultural and academic activities, and engage in other customized lessons for a period of one to four weeks. Through these programs, we aim to contribute to the continued development of UH West Oʻahu’s international initiatives and foster a deeper understanding of Hawaiʻi, the English language, and cross-cultural exchange.
Study Abroad
The Office of Global Engagement currently offers study abroad opportunities for UH West Oʻahu students, allowing them to live and study in other countries. Similar to our Short-Term Programs, the goal is to strengthen relationships with partner universities while giving our students the opportunity to experience education in a new environment. Study Abroad participants engage in cultural and language classes, as well as a variety of activities organized by our partner institutions. These often include field trips, guided tours, and other immersive experiences designed to broaden students’ global perspectives.
Destinations
Sapporo, Japan
- Study in Japan at Tokai University Sapporo! Students are able to study the Japanese language and culture on a 5-week summer program.
- This program is open to all majors at UH West Oʻahu but is ideal for students who wish to learn more about the Japanese language and culture!
- No prior Japanese language experience is required for this program!
- Studying abroad on this program will fulfill the Field Experience requirement for the Asian Studies Certificate.
- Courses from this program will appear on the UH West Oʻahu transcript as UH West Oʻahu credits.
- Program dates: The Tokai summer program is currently on hiatus until Summer 2027. Please contact our office for more information regarding this program.
Fukuoka, Japan
- Study in Japan at Kyushu Sangyo University! Students are able to study the Japanese language and culture on a 2-week summer program.
- This program is open to all majors at UH West Oʻahu but is ideal for students who wish to learn more about the Japanese language and culture!
- No prior Japanese language experience is required for this program!
- Studying abroad on this program will fulfill the Field Experience requirement for the Asian Studies Certificate.
- Program date: 2026 Summer Program: June 1st to June 13th, 2026
Seoul, South Korea
- Study in South Korea at Eulji University! Students are able to study the Korean language and culture on a semester-long program.
- This program is open to all majors at UH West Oʻahu but is ideal for students who wish to learn more about the Korean language and culture!
- Studying abroad on this program will fulfill the Field Experience requirement for the Asian Studies Certificate.
- Courses from this program will appear on UH West Oʻahu transcript as UH West Oʻahu credits.
- Program date: 2026 Spring Program: To be announced!
Incheon, South Korea
- Study in South Korea at Zenith Glocal Academy! Students are able to experience what it’s like to be a K-pop trainee and study Korean language and culture!
- This program is open to all majors at UHWO but is ideal for students who wish to learn more about the Korean language and culture!
- Studying abroad on this program will fulfill the Field Experience requirement for the Asian Studies Certificate.
- Courses from this program will appear on UHWO transcript as UHWO credits.
- Program date: 2026 Summer Program: July 6th to July 26th, 2025
Busan, South Korea
- Study in South Korea at Pusan National University! Students are able to study the Korean language and culture on a semester-long program.
- This program is open to all majors at UH West Oʻahu but is ideal for students who wish to learn more about the Korean language and culture!
- Studying abroad on this program will fulfill the Field Experience requirement for the Asian Studies Certificate.
- Program date: 2026 Summer Program: July 1st to July 28th, 2026
Photo Albums
Click on the link below to check out pictures from these study abroad programs!
Study Abroad FAQs
- 3.0 GPA or higher (GPA lower than 3.0 to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis)
- Have 24 academic credits or more (Sophomore Year Credit Equivalent or higher)
- No outstanding academic record (no academic holds)
- Valid Passport
- Must be a UHWO student
- Start the application process by filling out the Study Abroad application form for the program you want to apply for:
- Send an email to uhwointl@hawaii.edu and we will send you the study abroad application form that you want to apply to.
- Submit the following to uhwointl@hawaii.edu via UH Fileshare:
- Completed Study Abroad Application
- Unofficial Academic Transcript (STAR)
- Personal Statement/Cover Letter stating why you want to study abroad (500 words or more)
- Letter of Recommendation (Optional)
- Eulji University (South Korea):
- Spring 2026 Semester Program: October 31st, 2025
- Kyushu Sangyo University (Japan)
- Summer 2026 Program: March 24th, 2026
- Zenith Glocal Academy (South Korea):
- Summer 2026 Program: To be announced
- Pusan National University (South Korea):
- Summer 2026 Program: April 20th, 2026
If your record states that you will have 24 academic credits on your transcript by the time you leave to study abroad, you will be eligible to apply.
No, you will not be able to take UHWO classes (in-person or online) if you are selected for our study abroad programs.
Be aware that some of our study abroad programs (ex. Fall Tokai Sapporo & Eulji University study abroad programs) will require you to take a leave-of-absence from UHWO which will affect your estimated graduation date (expect a delay by 1 academic semester).
No, these study abroad programs are not eligible for financial aid assistance from Pell Grants or VA-affiliated financial aid (Ex. GI Bill). Study abroad programs are to be paid for out-of-pocket.
Students will pay the host university directly via money wire transfer. Details on how to send money to the host university are given to applicants after being accepted into the program. Study Abroad applicants will be informed of other instructions (on how to pay for study abroad program) depending on the program in question as needed.
Our office is only responsible for identifying UHWO students who want to join our partner university’s study abroad program(s) and guiding our students through the application process.
Accommodation: Accommodation fees vary depending on the host university’s program. You can email our office (uhwointl@hawaii.edu) for more information.
Flights: No, the student is expected to pay for their own travel to their study abroad destination.
Food: No, the student is expected to pay for their own food. Host universities do offer meal plans or other options for food for students.
Applying for a student visa is dependent on how long the program lasts at our partner universities:
- Tokai University Sapporo (Japan): Visa is not necessary as students will be able to enter Japan visa-free (can be in the country for up to 90 days upon arrival).
- Eulji University (South Korea): Students will need to apply for a student visa at the South Korean Consulate as their program will last beyond the 90 day visa-free period. Information on how to apply will be provided to students after being selected for the program.
Yes, it is a requirement for all UHWO study abroad students to acquire Travel/International Health Insurance before leaving for their respective study abroad program.
It will be the student’s responsibility to look into & acquire Travel & Health Insurance for their study abroad experience.
It is not a requirement as it will be the student’s responsibility to book their own travel plans. Students are more than welcome to book their flights together if that is their preference.
It is expected that the student will arrive at the host university on the set date that they want everyone to report for the study abroad program.
Kyushu Sangyo University (Japan):
- Summer Program: No prior Japanese language requirement to apply.
Tokai University Sapporo (Japan):
- Summer Program: No prior Japanese language requirement to apply.
Eulji University (South Korea):
- Semester Program: No prior Korean language requirement to apply.
Zenith Glocal Academy (South Korea):
- Summer Program: No prior Korean language requirement to apply.
Students are welcome to apply for multiple programs as long as the applications are submitted before the designated deadline. Students should be aware that they may need to choose one (1) study abroad program to participate in should they be accepted to multiple study abroad programs that overlap each other. Students will also be required to pay tuition (and any additional financial cost) for each individual study abroad program should they decide to attend multiple study abroad programs.
Student Exchange
Our Exchange Programs allow UH West Oʻahu students to study at partner institutions abroad while UHWO welcomes students from those same institutions in return. Typically, students spend one semester at a partner university, gaining valuable exposure to the host country’s culture and language. Currently, we offer Exchange Programs with partner institutions in Korea, Germany, France, and the Philippines, and we are in the process of developing additional programs in Japan.
Destinations
Paris, France: Institut Catholique de Paris (ICP)
- Study in France at Insituit Catholique de Paris! Students are able to take classes in English and study the French language and culture on a semester-long student exchange program.
- This program is open to all majors at UHWO and is ideal for students who want to experience the Parisian lifestyle and study in Paris.
- ICP offers English-taught courses in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and much more! Check out their website for more information.
- Program date: Open to students for the Fall 2026 semester (contact our office for more information)
Paris, France: Sorbonne Nouvelle University (USN)
- Study in France at Sorbonne Nouvelle University! Students are able to take classes in English and study the French language and culture on a semester-long student exchange program.
- This program is open to all majors at UHWO and is ideal for students who want to experience the Parisian lifestyle and study in Paris.
- USN offers English-taught courses in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and much more! Contact our office for more information.
- Program date: Open to students for the Fall 2026 semester (contact our office for more information)
Köln, Germany: German Sport University Cologne (GSU)
- Study in Germany at German Sport University Cologne! Students are able to take classes in English on a semester-long student exchange program.
- This program is open to all majors at UHWO and is ideal for students who want to experience studying in Germany.
- GSU offers courses in English in the Humanities and Applied Sciences (Health Sciences). Check out their website for more information.
- Program date: Open to students for the Spring 2026 semester (contact our office for more information)
Manila, Philippines: Enderun Colleges
- Study in the Philippines at Enderun Colleges! Students are able to take classes in English on a semester-long student exchange program.
- This program is open to all majors at UHWO and is ideal for students who want to experience studying in the Philippines.
- Studying abroad on this program will fulfill the Field Experience requirement for the Asian Studies Certificate.
- Enderun offers courses in English from a variety of majors. Contact our office for more information.
- Program date: Open to students for the Fall 2026 semester (contact our office for more information)
Seoul, South Korea: Konkuk University
- Study in South Korea at Konkuk University! Students are able to take classes in English and study Korean language and culture on a semester-long student exchange program.
- This program is open to all majors at UHWO and is ideal for students who wish to experience university life in South Korea.
- Studying abroad on this program will fulfill the Field Experience requirement for the Asian Studies Certificate.
- Courses from this program will appear on UHWO transcript as UHWO credits (after credit transfer/review is complete).
- Program date: Open to students for the Fall 2026 semester (contact our office for more information)
Seoul, South Korea: Seoul National University of Science and Technology
- Study in South Korea at Seoul National University of Science and Technology! Students are able to take classes in English and study Korean language and culture on a semester-long student exchange program
- This program is open to all majors at UHWO and is ideal for students who wish to experience university life in South Korea.
- Studying abroad on this program will fulfill the Field Experience requirement for the Asian Studies Certificate.
- Courses from this program will appear on UHWO transcript as UHWO credits (after credit transfer/review is complete.
- Program date: Open to students for the Spring 2026 semester (contact our office for more information)
Student Exchange FAQs
Fulfill Student Exchange Requirements:
- 3.0 GPA or higher (GPA lower than 3.0 to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis)
- Have 24 academic credits or more (Sophomore Year Credit Equivalent or higher)
- No outstanding academic record (no academic holds)
- Valid Passport
- Must be a UHWO student
Apply for Student Exchange:
- Start the application process by filling out the Student Exchange application form for the program you want to apply for:
- Send an email to uhwointl@hawaii.edu and we will send you the Student Exchange application form that you want to apply to.
- Submit the following to uhwointl@hawaii.edu via UH Fileshare:
- Completed Study Abroad Application
- Unofficial Academic Transcript (STAR)
- Personal Statement/Cover Letter stating why you want to study abroad (500 words or more)
- 1 Letter of Recommendation
Student Exchange Programs are semester-long programs where UH West O‘ahu students can take classes at a university overseas. Students will pay tuition and student fees to UH West O‘ahu based on their residency status (Resident, Non-resident, WUE) for their student exchange program. Study Abroad students pay any tuition and accommodation fees directly to our partner institution.
No, Student Exchange students will take classes at our overseas partner institution. UH West O‘ahu students will be able to transfer academic credits they earn overseas after their semester abroad. Academic credit abroad will appear as transfer credits on your academic transcript.
We are currently offering student exchange programs for one semester.
- Sorbonne Nouvelle University (USN): April 13th, 2026
- Institut Catholique de Paris (ICP): May 8th, 2026
- German Sport University Cologne (GSU): January 26th, 2026
- Enderun Colleges: To be announced (TBD)
- Konkuk University: April 13th, 2025
- Seoul National University of Science and Technology: April 13th, 2025
Students will pay UH West O‘ahu directly via STAR. You will enroll into a special class at UH West O‘ahu specifically for Student Exchange. Our office is only responsible for identifying UH West O‘ahu students who want to join our partner university’s Student Exchange Program(s) and guiding our students through the application process.
Yes, Student Exchange Programs are eligible for financial aid assistance (loans, grants, and scholarships). Remember that even though you are taking classes at a UH West O‘ahu partner university overseas, you are still a UH West O‘ahu student. If you complete the FAFSA and qualify, we will inform our financial aid office about your overseas living and travel expenses when awarding your grants and loans.
- Accommodation: Accommodation fees vary depending on the host university’s program. You can email our office (uhwointl@hawaii.edu) for more information.
- Flights: No, the student is expected to pay for their own travel to their Study Abroad destination.
- Food: No, the student is expected to pay for their own food. Host universities do offer meal plans or other options for food for students.
Yes, you will need to apply for a student visa for Student Exchange programs. Information regarding how to apply for a student visa will be provided to UH West O‘ahu students after they are selected as exchange students.
Yes, it is a requirement for all UHWO study abroad students to acquire Travel/International Health Insurance before leaving for their respective study abroad program.
It will be the student’s responsibility to look into & acquire Travel & Health Insurance for their study abroad experience.
- It is not a requirement as it will be the student’s responsibility to book their own travel plans. Students are more than welcome to book their flights together if that is their preference.
- It is expected that the student will arrive at the host university on the set date that they want everyone to report for the Student Exchange Program.
- Our overseas universities will offer classes conducted in English for UH West O‘ahu Student Exchange students to choose from.
- Depending on our overseas university partner, some of their classes do require a language requirement. More information will be provided to prospective UHWO Student Exchange students after being selected by the Office of Global Engagement.
2+2 Transfer & Articulation Program
Our 2+2 Transfer & Articulation Program is a degree pathway that allows students to complete the first two years of study at their home university and the final two to three years at UH West Oʻahu.
Japan Aviation Academy, Japan
Established a 2+3 Transfer and Articulation Program (“Program”) under which students who successfully complete Associate’s Degree at JAA will be guaranteed acceptance with Sophomore standing to the University of Hawaii–West O‘ahu (“UHWO”) by the Business Administration Program into the Bachelor of Arts (“BABA”) in Business Administration with a concentration in Hospitality & Tourism, Management or Marketing.
Enderun College, Philippines
Established a 2+2 Transfer and Articulation Program (“Program”) under which students will be guaranteed acceptance with Junior standing to the University of Hawaii–West O‘ahu (“UHWO”) by the Business Administration Program into the Bachelor of Arts (“BABA”) in Business Administration with a concentration in General Business Administration and the Creative Media Program into the Bachelor of Arts (“BACM”) in Creative Media with a concentration in General Creative Media.
*We are currently collaborating with other partner institutions in Korea to further develop additional degree pathway programs.
International Social Club
Our office works closely with the International Social Club when planning activities for our short-term programs. Students in the International Social Club are able to volunteer to participate in activities within our short-term programs. Volunteering is a great opportunity to meet students from other countries like Korea and Japan and make friends from both countries and other students within the UH system.
If you would like to join or learn more about ISC, you can email them at isclub808@gmail.com.
Office of Global Engagement
Phone: (808) 689-2311
Email: uhwointl@hawaii.edu
Room: D107