• 2027 Korea Summer Study Tour: Student Application Form

  • Explore Korea's History, Culture, and Creativity!

    PAAC’s 2027 Freeman Summer Study Tour invites Hawaiʻi high school students on an immersive journey through the Republic of Korea to discover how history, culture, and creativity shape the country and its people today.

    Learn, Connect, and Grow

    From Insadong's preserved hanok houses to the vibrant streets of Gangnam, discover Korea's rich cultural heritage and modern innovation. Visit historic sites, experience traditional Korean music, enjoy delicious Korean food, and explore the exciting world of K-pop, media, and esports. Along the way, connect with Korean students and professionals to gain new perspectives on life in South Korea.

    Under the theme "Embracing Vibrant Expressions", you will learn how Korea's past continues to influence its present, explore future career possibilities, and discover how people express their identities through culture, entertainment, and everyday life. Through new friendships and experiences, you will challenge your own perspectives, step outside your comfort zone, and find new ways to share your voice and story.

    This is more than a trip. It is an educational experience that encourages curiosity, personal growth, and meaningful cultural exchange. Students should be ready to embrace new experiences, engage respectfully with different perspectives, and represent Hawaiʻi with maturity and aloha.

    20 students across Hawai‘i will be selected for this Study Tour. 

     

    Program Cost

    The student program fee is estimated to be $4600-$4850, which includes major expenses such as international airfare, lodging, ground transportation, meals, and scheduled activities.

    Scholarships are available! Thanks to generous support from the Freeman Foundation, PAAC is able to offer this international experience at a reduced cost for those who need it through need and merit-based scholarships.

    Financial need should not discourage eligible students from applying. PAAC will do its best to work with families to make participation possible. In previous years, PAAC has provided scholarships covering 25%–90% of Study Tour program fees, depending on financial need and available funding.

    Parents/guardians seeking financial assistance must complete the Family Scholarship Form for their child to be considered for a scholarship. 

     

     

    Who Can Apply

    Applicants must:

    • Be enrolled in grades 9–12 at a Hawaiʻi high school
    • Be available for all required program dates
    • Be able to represent their school, community, and Hawaiʻi responsibly
    • Preference may be given to students in grades 10 and 11 and those who are active PAAC Club officers and members.

    Students who participated in previous Freeman Summer Study Tours are eligible to apply but are not eligible to receive a scholarship.

     

     

    Forms to Prepare and Turn In

    1. Student Application Form: Completed by the student (this form)
    2. Current High School Transcript: Submitted as part of this application
    3. Family Scholarship Form: Completed by a parent/guardian
    4. Two Recommendations: Completed by non-family teachers or mentors


    Before You Begin

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

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

    • Your written responses

    • Contact information for two teachers or mentors who have agreed to recommend you

    • Parent or guardian contact information and signature

    If applying for financial assistance, make sure your parent/guardian completes the Family Scholarship Form.

    Speak with your recommenders before listing them and confirm that they are willing to submit a teacher recommendation on your behalf. You are responsible for sending them the form and making sure they complete it by the deadline.

    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.

    Important: 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 & Family Scholarship Form: Mon., Jan. 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. 
    • Two Teacher Recommendations: Thurs., Jan. 14, 2027

    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 program activities, including pre-departure preparation and post-tour presentations.

    • April 8, 2027: Virtual Student and Parent/Guardian Welcome Meeting
    • April–May 2027: Virtual Asynchronous Assignments on Korean History, Language & Culture (completed independently)
    • May 6 and 18, 2027: Virtual Student Workshops
    • June 8–10, 2027: In-Person Orientation
    • June 14, 2027: Virtual E-Travel Meeting
    • June 16–30, 2027: Freeman Korea Summer Study Tour
    • September or October 2027 (TBD): Final Group Presentation to Freeman Foundation (in person on Oʻahu, with virtual participation available for neighbor island students)
    • By December 31, 2027: Presentation to School or Community

    Please note, all program dates listed above are tentative and will be confirmed as soon as possible. Participation in this program requires attendance on all program dates, not just the international travel. 

    PAAC will work with students outside of O'ahu to arrange transport and lodging during pre-trip orientation.

     

     

    What Is Expected of a PAAC Study Tour Student Traveler and 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 about PAAC Study Tours: https://www.paachawaii.org/study-tours-abroad.

     

    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. Carol Li, at paac@paachawaii.org or (808) 944-7784.

     

  • 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 January 1, 2028?*

  • 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? *
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • 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*
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • 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?*
  • Would you and your family like to apply for a scholarship to help pay for your Study Tour? If yes, your parent/guardian must complete the Family Scholarship Form (link located at top of this application)*

  • SECTION 3: Extracurricular Activities & Interests

    Tell us about the activities, responsibilities, interests, and future pathways that matter to you.
  • Which topics would you be most interested in learning about?*
  • How do you enjoy expressing yourself or sharing your thoughts and experiences with others? (Select all that apply.)*

  • SECTION 4: Short Essays

    Help us get to know you, your goals, and hopes for this Study Tour.

  • 1. Your Interest in this Study Tour 

    Why are you interested in traveling to the Republic of Korea? What do you hope to gain from this experience?

  • 2. Your Curiosity

    Tell us about your involvement in PAAC programs and/or other activities that have helped you learn about the world.

  • 3. Your Role in a Community

    How will your participation contribute to the program and other participants?

  • 💡 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.

    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 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: Thursday, January 14, 2027
    • 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.
  • Can you speak, understand, read, or write any Korean? Select all that apply.*
  • How would you describe your current experience with ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi?*
  • Have you previously traveled to Korea?*
  • Outside of South Korea, 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?*
  • Can you eat spicy food?*
  • Do you experience motion sickness?*

  • SECTION 9: PAAC Feedback

    Help us understand your previous involvement with PAAC and how students are learning about the Freeman Summer Study Tours. Your responses will help PAAC improve future outreach and connect with more students and schools across Hawaiʻi.
  • How have you previously participated in PAAC programs or activities? Select all that apply.*
  • How did you hear about PAAC's Freeman Summer Study Tour? 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 Korea Summer Study Tour.*

  • 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
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Signature Date
     - -
    2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
  • Should be Empty: