UH Hilo student opportunities for studying abroad: scholarships, destinations, and experiences
UH Hilo Students are embracing life-changing opportunities to study abroad in Japan, England, and Korea, supported by prestigious scholarships that foster cultural discovery, academic growth, and global insights—all while continuing to pay UH Hilo tuition.
1. Scholarships for Global Education
UH Hilo prioritizes making study abroad accessible to its students by offering various scholarships. The Audrey S. Furukawa Scholarship, Gertrude E. McVickar Study Abroad Scholarship, John and Anja McVickar Study Abroad Scholarship, and the nationally recognized Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship have been instrumental in empowering students to seize these transformative opportunities.
For instance, Kyson Kaneko, a business administration major, currently attends Tokyo Gakugei University in Japan as a recipient of the Audrey S. Furukawa Scholarship. In reflecting on his experience, Kyson writes, “Adventure is the best way to learn, both about a new culture and myself.”
2. Experiential Learning in New Cultures
The program underlines the vast benefits of studying abroad. Firsthand cultural insight is what has been gained by students such as Leiya Margareth Torrano, another business administration major at the University of Birmingham in England. From her experience, culture shapes identity and health; this realization has paved the way for Leiya’s goal to get healthcare students back home inspired and embracing similar opportunities.
Meanwhile, Whitney Taylor is studying at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Korea as an English major. Her story shows exactly how immersing herself in a foreign culture has opened valuable connections and precious memories for her.
3. Year Abroad Adventures
Three UH Hilo students are participating in year-long exchange programs supported by the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Dominic Hilman, a linguistics major, is exploring a passion at Hokkaido University in Japan, while Brooklyn Geiger, a Japanese studies major, is broadening her language skills and cultural appreciation at Nanzan University.
For Whitney Taylor, her year in Korea builds on a summer experience at Korea University. Her advice for future study abroad aspirants: “Don’t let fear stop you from exploring someplace new.”
Why studying abroad matters
The UH Hilo Center for Global Education and Exchange has more regarding this; such programs equip students with skills necessary in today’s labor market. Benefits they enjoy include building intercultural communications, gaining second language proficiency, and a global perspective—making the students highly competitive in a globalized job market.
Conclusion
The study abroad programs are more than just about academics; they open the gate to self-discovery, cultural appreciation, and global citizenship. UH Hilo’s commitment to providing scholarship opportunities will bring forth students prepared to thrive in a constantly connected world.
