• 2027 Sister-State Study Tours: Student Application Form

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    Become a Sister-State Student Ambassador for Hawaiʻi

     

    Ready to experience another part of the world, meet students your age, and represent Hawaiʻi abroad?

    PAAC’s Sister-State Study Tours bring together public high school students from across the state for an immersive international learning experience.

    Selected Student Ambassadors will travel to one of three Sister-State regions:

    • Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, Philippines
    • Okinawa, Japan
    • Jeju Island, South Korea

    Learn, Connect, and Explore

    Experience daily life in another Sister-State region while meeting other students, visiting schools, participating in cultural activities, and learning from community leaders and professionals.

    You will explore future careers, discover how island communities protect their environment and strengthen their economies, and learn about new approaches to food, agriculture, technology, education, and community development. Along the way, you will build cross-cultural friendships and bring home ideas that could make a difference in your school, community, and Hawaiʻi.

    This is more than a trip. It is an educational leadership experience that requires curiosity, flexibility, teamwork, and active participation. Students should be ready to step outside their comfort zones, engage respectfully with new people and cultures, and represent Hawaiʻi with maturity and aloha.

     

     

    Program Cost

     

    The student cost is $500 or less and includes major program expenses such as airfare, lodging, ground transportation, meals, and scheduled activities.

    Payment plans and need-based waivers are available. State of Hawaiʻi support provided in partnership with the East-West Center allows PAAC to offer this international experience at a significantly reduced cost.

    Financial need should not prevent an eligible student from applying.

     

     

    Destination Assignment

     

    PAAC will assign each selected Student Ambassador to one of the three Sister-State destinations based on program needs and the composition of each delegation.

    By applying, you confirm that you are prepared to participate in whichever destination PAAC assigns to you. Applicants will not select or rank destinations.

    All three Study Tours will take place during Spring Break and the following week. Students should expect to miss approximately 3–4 school days during the first week of the fourth quarter.

     

     

    Who Can Apply

     

    Applicants must:

    • Be enrolled in grades 9–12* at a Hawaiʻi public high school
    • Be available for all required program dates
    • Be willing to travel to any of the three Sister-State destinations
    • Be able to represent their school, community, and Hawaiʻi responsibly

    *Preference may be given to students in grades 10 and 11.

    Students attending charter, private, or independent schools are not eligible for this program but may apply for other PAAC Study Tour opportunities.

    Students who participated in the previous year’s Sister-State Study Tours are not eligible to apply again.

     

     

    Before You Begin

     

    Please read the full application before starting and prepare the following materials:

    • A current high school transcript (not a report card or progress report)

    • Your written responses

    • Contact information for your recommenders

    • Parent or guardian contact information

    • Your parent or guardian’s signature

    Speak with your recommenders before listing them and confirm that they are willing to submit a recommendation on your behalf.

    Draft longer responses in a separate document before entering them into the form. This will help you save your work and review your answers carefully before submitting.

    It is required to use a personal email address (Gmail preferred). School email addresses (example@k12.hi.us) will block our messages. If needed, create a new personal email before applying. Check your email often for important updates.

     

     

    Application Deadlines

     

    • Student application: October 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. HST
    • Teacher recommendations: Monday, October 19, 2026

    Applications must be complete and submitted by the stated deadlines. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

     

     

    Required Program Dates

     

    Applicants must be available for ALL required activities:

     

    • Virtual Student and Parent/Guardian Meeting: December 17, 2026
    • Virtual Student Workshops: January 5 & 21, 2027
    • Virtual Pre-Orientation Meeting: February 5, 2027
    • In-Person Orientation: February 13–15, 2027
    • Virtual E-Travel Meeting: March 11, 2027
    • Study Tour: March 13–24, 2027
    • Virtual Research Meetings: April 9 & 15, 2027
    • In-Person Student Showcase Community Presentation: April 17, 2027

     

    Please note, all program dates listed above (except travel dates) are tentative and will be confirmed as soon as possible. Participation in this program requires attendance on *ALL* program dates. PAAC will work with students outside of O'ahu to arrange transport and lodging during pre-trip orientation.

     

     

    What Is Expected of a Student Ambassador?

     

    Selected students are expected to:

    • Attend every required meeting, orientation, travel day, and post-tour activity
    • Complete assignments, reflections, surveys, and final projects on time
    • Participate actively in meals, school exchanges, cultural activities, and community visits
    • Work respectfully with fellow students, chaperones, hosts, and community partners
    • Follow PAAC policies, school expectations, and all applicable laws
    • Approach unfamiliar experiences with curiosity, flexibility, and respect
    • Represent their school, community, and Hawaiʻi with integrity and cultural sensitivity
    • Share what they learned after returning home


    Applying means committing to the full experience—not only the international travel portion.

     

    More info: https://www.paachawaii.org/sister-state-2027

     

    Accommodation & Support Needs: Students are expected to fully participate in all aspects of the Study Tour, including scheduled meals, cultural activities, and program events. PAAC will make reasonable efforts to accommodate disclosed dietary, medical, accessibility, IEP, or Section 504-related needs; however, some accommodations may not be feasible in an international group travel setting. Families are responsible for disclosing all relevant needs by the stated deadline so PAAC can determine whether appropriate accommodations can be provided.

    Disclosure of a disability, medical condition, or accommodation need does not automatically affect a student's eligibility for the program. Early disclosure helps PAAC determine whether appropriate accommodations can be arranged and supports a safe and successful experience for all participants. You will be prompted to review and agree to a detailed list of this and other PAAC travel policies as you complete this form.

     

    Questions? Contact Ms. Jaylin Petersen, at crc@paachawaii.org or (808) 944-7786

     

     

  • SECTION 1: Basic Information

  • Current Grade Level (2026-2027 School Year)*
  • Expected Year of Graduation*
  • Do you currently have a passport that is valid past October 1, 2027?*

  • Because you selected "I do not have a passport", you will receive an email at the personal email you listed above with guidance on how to apply and receive your passport for the study tour. The email will be sent after you have submitted this form.

  • When does your passport expire? *
     - -
  • Please confirm that you are available and able to participate in all required program activities by checking each box below. Students who cannot attend all required dates may not be eligible for selection.*

  • SECTION 2: Personal Information

    All information will be held confidential.
  • Date of Birth*
     - -
  • Gender *
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • If you are not a U.S. Citizen, do you have a valid permanent resident card or other current, legal residence status?*
  • Do you have your parent/guardian’s permission to apply for this international travel program?*

  • SECTION 3: Extracurricular Activities & Interests

    Tell us about the activities, responsibilities, interests, and future pathways that matter to you.
  • Which career pathways are you currently interested in exploring? Check all that apply.*

  • SECTION 4: Short Essays

    Help us get to know you, your goals, and your vision as a student ambassador for Hawai‘i.

  • 1. You and Your Community

    Tell us about yourself and the community that has shaped you.

  • 2. Your Interests and Future Pathway

    What do you hope to explore through the Sister-State Study Tour, and how does it connect to your future?

    Choose one or two program priorities that are most meaningful to you:

    • Building global connections and friendships
    • Preparing the next generation for work
    • Strengthening Hawaiʻi’s economy
    • Protecting Hawaiʻi’s environment
    • Feeding Hawaiʻi’s people

  • 3. Your Role as a Student Ambassador

    Why would you be a strong Student Ambassador for your school, community, and Hawaiʻi?

  • 💡 Reminder: We want to hear your experiences, ideas, and voice. You may use AI to brainstorm, organize your thoughts, check grammar, or receive feedback. AI should not write or substantially rewrite your responses for you. Misrepresenting your use of AI or submitting responses that do not reflect your own work may affect your eligibility.

  • Did you use an AI tool while preparing any of your responses?*

  • SECTION 5: High School Transcript

  • Please upload your most recent school transcript so we can confirm that you are in good academic standing and able to miss approximately 3–4 school days during the first week of the fourth quarter.

    Your transcript should include your:

    • Name and school
    • Courses and final grades from previous school years
    • Current courses and grades, when available
    • Cumulative GPA and credits earned


    An unofficial transcript is acceptable. Do not upload a report card, progress report, class schedule, or individual grade screenshot. Contact your school counselor or registrar if you need help obtaining a copy of your transcript.

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  • Have you ever received school disciplinary action that resulted in suspension, removal from an activity, or another formal consequence?*

  • SECTION 6: Recommendations

  • Please provide contact information for two adults who know you well and can speak about your character, responsibility, leadership potential, and readiness to participate in this Sister-State Study Tour program.

    Recommenders may include a:

    • Teacher or school counselor
    • Coach, club advisor, or activity leader
    • Employer or supervisor

    Mentor or community organization leader

    Recommenders may not be relatives, family friends who know you only personally, or other students.

     

     

    Before listing a recommender

    Ask each person for permission before entering their information. Confirm that they are willing to complete the recommendation form by the deadline.

     

     

    Your responsibility 

    You are responsible for:

    • Sending each recommender the Recommendation Form link
    • Sharing the submission deadline with them: Monday, October 19, 2026
    • Following up to ensure the form is submitted on time

    PAAC is collecting their contact information so we can confirm submissions or request clarification if needed.

    Your application will not be complete until both recommendations have been received. 

  • Recommender #1

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • Recommender #2

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • SECTION 7: Language & Travel Experience

    The following questions help us understand your travel experience and prepare appropriate support. Previous international travel and language proficiency are not required and will not affect your eligibility.
  • Do you speak, understand, read, or write any of the following languages? Select all that apply.*
  • How would you describe your current experience with ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi?*
  • Have you previously traveled to any of the following destinations? Select all that apply.*
  • Outside of the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan, have you ever previously traveled outside Hawaiʻi?*

  • SECTION 8: Travel Readiness & Support

    These questions help us prepare appropriate support for selected students. Your responses will not negatively affect your application. Selected students will complete a more detailed health and travel form before departure.
  • Are there any areas where you may need additional preparation or support? Select all that apply. Your answers will not negatively affect your application.*
  • Do you have any food allergies or dietary needs?*
  • Do you experience motion sickness?*

  • SECTION 9: PAAC Feedback

    Help us understand your previous involvement with PAAC and how students are learning about the Sister-State Study Tours. Your responses will help PAAC improve future outreach and connect with more students and schools across Hawaiʻi. Previous participation in PAAC is not required and will not affect your eligibility.
  • How have you previously participated in PAAC programs or activities? Select all that apply.*
  • How did you hear about the Sister-State Study Tours? Select all that apply.*

  • SECTION 10: Program Commitment

    Please review and check each statement before submitting your application.
  • By checking each box, you confirm that you understand the expectations of the Sister-State Study Tours.*

  • By signing below, I certify that all information provided in this application is true and accurate. If selected, I am willing to fully commit to and participate in this program.

  • Signature Date
     - -
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Signature Date
     - -
  • Should be Empty: