A new program aimed at promoting international student exchanges in Hawaii kicked off this month.
The state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism launched its new Study Hawaii Ambassador Program with the first group of 80 ambassadors from Yasuda Women’s University in Hiroshima, a sister-state province.
The students are finishing a 5-1/2-month program at the University of Hawaii English Language Program (HELP).
The number of international students who come to Hawaii for a variety of programs including student excursions, summer camps and short-term visitation from K-12 students is estimated at more than 20,000 per year, according to officials.
| STUDY HAWAII AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
Requirements:
>> Qualified organizers of school groups, which might include compliance with Hawaii Compliance Express, registered to do business in Hawaii.
>> Schools in 9-12 grades are priority; younger grades, on a case-by-case basis.
>> Sponsors bringing in 50 or more students for education-related purposes, excluding sports
>> Sponsors who commit to provide a pre- and post-report of the visitation to include, but not be limited to, itineraries, photos, publicity and other results as an outcome of visit
>> A minimal cost may be assessed to defray expenses of promotional items.
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“We’re delighted that these students have agreed to share their experiences in Hawaii with friends and family back home,” said first lady Dawn Amano-Ige, who helped induct the first group of ambassadors. “Their enthusiasm for Hawaii’s people, culture, historic sites, educational offerings and world-renowned natural resources will draw others to come study in Hawaii.”
The student groups primarily come from countries that have been identified as priority markets for Hawaii, such as Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan.
Officials said these countries have the potential to yield the highest return on investment in the short term for limited marketing resources.
“This new program is an opportunity for our many student visitors to become advocates for our state,” said DBEDT Director Luis Salaveria. “When students return home, they’ll have a new understanding of the uniqueness of Hawaii and be able to share it with the rest of the world.”
Dennis Ling, administrator for the Business Development and Support Division, which heads the new program, said the goal is to get the ambassadors to “spread the word about Hawaii as an education destination, either by word of mouth or by social media and other networks.”
“This approach spreads the word on Hawaii with authentic peer-to-peer, often viral, multiple-channel distribution of information about Hawaii as a study destination,” Ling said.
Participation is open to eligible sponsors of visiting student groups.
Participants will be awarded a certificate and a backpack recognizing them as Study Hawaii Ambassadors.
HELP Director Joel Weaver said the ambassadors have lived in home-stay situations with local families across the islands since their arrival in February.
He also said that each of them has studied in HELP’s regular academic English program for college success, which has provided them with customized classes on international business, tourism and culture with a Hawaii focus.
“Each of them has participated in HELP’s Service Learning program, doing volunteer projects in the community each week,” Weaver said. “Those with adequate English skills have been eligible to participate in unpaid internships in a variety of local businesses connected to the visitor industry.”
This year students participated in internships from E Noa Tours, Roberts Hawaii, Iolani Palace, KauKau Magazine, the Modern Honolulu Hotel, the Halekulani Hotel, Atlantis Adventures and Casablanca Bridal and Formals.
