An Overseas Experience to Hawaii through the National Student Exchange Program Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

School life is very relaxed at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. It's a small school - only about 3,000 students (UNM has over 30,000). The class sizes are all quite small with a not-so-ambitious curriculum for most majors. Some classes were easier than expected. But the courses unique to this school, such as Hawaiian Studies, Geology, and Marine Biology, are both challenging and fun.

On-site administration of your program

Small school makes it easy to work with the administration. Our NSE coordinators were FANTASTIC. Weekly excursions to various sites around the island are available to all exchange students.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a house near the University (Puainako and Kahili st) with three other female students: two other NSE students, and one student from Hong Kong.

All food that's shipped from the mainland (milk, pasta, peanut butter, etc. is VERY expensive. I recommend that students buy some staples, but buy their food at the Hilo Farmer's Market -- the food there is delicious and much cheaper. Try the local fare as well. Poke (sashimi) was one of our favorites!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Hilo is a small town on the windward side of the Big Island of Hawaii. These islands may be a part of the US, but I learned very quickly that Hawaii is a far cry from "mainland" America. The experience here felt more like an exchange to a foreign country. The island is very isolated, and is a mix of Polynesian, Japanese, Filipino, and Portuguese cultures. I wound up picking up some Japanese while there. The beaches and snorkeling, of course, were fantastic experiences. All NSE students and our coordinator developed a tight support-network. I am still very close friends with many of them, even three years later!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare isn't an issue here at all, but the Big Island has many hazards that aren't present on the mainland. The ocean is rougher: one girl had a rib cracked by a wave breaking on her. Sea urchins and coral can cause injury. The river flowing through Hilo is a serious drowning hazard (one previous NSE student nearly died there several years ago). Diseases such as leptospirosis and staph can be dangerous if not treated. Students need to prove negative to tuburculosis in order to attend UHH.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Select all that apply

• Other

Select all that apply

• Americans
• International Students

• The language and culture
• The great and unique classes
• The island itself

• Nothing! Fantastic Experience