Study Abroad and International Exchange Programs

Students can earn credit by studying, interning, or conducting field research in more than 65 different countries with over 300 options to choose from. Study Abroad will be offered in compliance with applicable laws and government orders regarding travel or other restrictions which may be in place from time to time.  

What are study abroad and student exchange programs?

Hawai‘i Pacific University, as part of its emphasis on international education and global citizenship, has various affiliations with academic institutions and organizations abroad which allow students to study around the world for a semester or year while earning credit towards their HPU degree.  

Where can you study abroad?

Please see the approved list of partner programs and universities available in each country at www.hpu.edu/studyabroad. This site is often updated, so please check it regularly.  Through our website, you can also read program evaluation forms found in the online study abroad library to learn what past HPU students’ experiences have been like or check out the HPU Study Abroad Blog: www.studyabroadhpu.blogspot.com

Are there options for every major?

With over 300 study abroad options, there are programs available for every major! However, we recommend coming to talk to a Study Abroad Advisor early in your HPU career, if possible, during your first semester, so that we can work with you to figure out which classes will be best for you to take abroad and build studying abroad into your degree plan. You can make an appointment to speak with a Study Abroad Advisor at www.hpu.edu/study-abroad/schedule-appointment.html. 

When should I start thinking about Studying Abroad?

As soon as possible! We recommend that students meet with us during their first semester at HPU to go over their options and start planning to study abroad. The application process begins at least a semester before you hope to go abroad, and many scholarship applications may be even earlier. Schedule an appointment to come and see us here www.hpu.edu/study-abroad/schedule-appointment.html. 

Can I afford to go abroad?

The Study Abroad Office at HPU works to help make studying abroad available to all students! Depending on the program you attend, the cost of a semester abroad may not be any more than spending a semester at HPU! We also have an HPU study abroad scholarship, and we work with students to help them apply for external scholarships. Check out a list of available scholarships at https://www.hpu.edu/study-abroad/scholarships.html. 

What are the HPU eligibility requirements for studying abroad?

• Students must meet with an HPU Study Abroad Advisor before applying to study abroad

• Students must have one year of college credit or more

• Intention to graduate from HPU

• Minimum GPA 3.0

• Good Academic and Judicial Standing

• Spanish Speaking Countries for a semester or a year: One semester of college level Spanish

• Japan for a semester or a year: One semester of college level Japanese

  • Studying abroad in the summer does not have a language requirement

• Some programs may have additional requirements and all travel must be compliant with applicable laws, regulations and orders 

How are students selected to study abroad?

After meeting with an HPU Study Abroad Advisor, students will need to complete both an HPU Study Abroad Application and an application for the university or program they wish to attend. The HPU Study Abroad application includes a statement of purpose and other materials that a committee will review to ensure that each student is a good candidate for studying abroad, understands that this is an academic experience and has all the resources they will need to be successful during their time abroad. 

How/When do I apply to Study Abroad?

After meeting with your Study Abroad Advisor, they will give you the HPU Study Abroad Application when you are ready to apply. Applications to study abroad in the fall or summer are due mid-March, and applications to study abroad in the spring are due mid-October.  Students must comply with university policies and procedures regarding university travel and all applicable requirements .

What can I do now to make sure I’m on track to Study Abroad?

1.       Check Out Your Options

Browse our website to see what interests you. There are options all over the world with classes available for all majors and programs ranging from traditional university settings, field-based programs, internships, and multi-country adventures. 2 types of programs:

                - Partner Schools where students can use financial Aid and HPU Scholarships.

                - Affiliated programs that offer a wide variety of program types. Students can use Federal Financial Aid.

2.       Work Towards Meeting the Requirements

It's never too early to get started! Even if you don't think you'll study abroad until later, you can make sure to keep your GPA up and start taking languages classes if you want to go to a country with a language requirement.

3.       Come Talk to Us

The sooner the better! Make an appointment as soon as you start thinking about studying abroad. We will talk about your options, what programs might be good for you, and how to fit studying abroad into your degree plan. For example, saving your Global Diversity gen-ed for Study Abroad is a great way to fill a requirement abroad.

4.       Start Thinking about Scholarships and Financial Aid

Some scholarships have early application deadlines, so you will want to check out our scholarships page and work with our office so that you can apply for scholarships to study abroad. You will also want to     meet with your financial aid counselor to understand what aid you can use abroad. 

Hours, Location and Contact Information

The Office of International Exchange and Study Abroad Programs is open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday and is located at Waterfront Plaza, 500 Ala Moana Blvd, Suite 5A. For more information, call (808) 544-9326; email studyabroad@hpu.edu; or visit www.hpu.edu/studyabroad.