PROGRAM INFORMATION AND COST:
- Tentative dates: Approximately two weeks in June 2019. There will also be a mandatory pre-trip orientation for students between June 3 – 7, 2019.
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in grades 9-12 who attend high school in Hawaii. (Public, private, charter, and home-school students are all eligible.)
- Trip Description: The goals of the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council (PAAC) travel program are to further students’ international interests through a meaningful experience abroad and to build bridges between our group and the local people we meet, strengthening the relationship between countries on a personal level. Students will explore Japanese history, culture, and modern society in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and more. Meet and interact with local students and families, as well as international, diplomatic, and innovative business entities. This program includes a one-week orientation on Oahu before departure.
- Program cost: $4,000. Price includes all program related expenses such as international airfare, in-country transportation, accommodation, meals, activities, travel insurance, and entry fees, and does not cover personal expenses such as laundry, communication, snacks, and souvenirs. Interisland airfare is not included. In the last five years, over 85% of participants have received scholarships for this program.
- Scholarships: Public and charter high school students in Hawaii are eligible for full to partial program scholarships from the Freeman Foundation. Preference is given to students with demonstrated financial need who participate in PAAC Clubs, After School Classes, or events. Applicants must fill out the relevant questions on this application. Applicants who are offered a scholarship must submit documentation to support their application before the scholarship will be awarded. The scholarship cannot be used to pay for the trip deposit.
REQUIRED MATERIALS AND INSTRUCTIONS: Submitted by: December 21, 2018
1. Completed Application: Complete all areas on this electronic application form.
2. Consent Form: This form can be downloaded from the PAAC website.
3. Short Essay: Applicant must write BOTH essays (each should be 600 words or fewer).
- Why are you interested in traveling to Japan with this program? What do you hope to gain from this experience? How will your participation contribute to the program?
- Describe your involvement in PAAC activities (for PAAC students) and/or other internationally focused activities, such as travel, Model UN, school clubs, and extracurricular activities. How have these experiences inspired you, shaped your global perspective, or affected your view of the world?
4. School Transcript: Unofficial transcript copies are acceptable and can be obtained from your school. If you are in grade 9, upload a copy of your middle school transcript.
5. Recommendation form and letter (One only): Give the recommendation form (available on the PAAC website) to your PAAC Club advisor, PAAC class teacher, or a school teacher who has known you for at least one year. He or she may return his or her recommendation form and letter directly to PAAC, or you may upload them when you submit your application.
Your teacher’s recommendation form and letter must be received by December 21, 2018 and is required in order for your application to be considered. Please allow your teacher plenty of time to complete the form and write the letter. More than one week is recommended.
Please note: Family members may not serve as references.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
-Submit completed application and supporting documents by the deadline: December 21, 2018.
-Incomplete applications will not be considered.
-Finalists will be contacted for an in-person interview in January. Applicants who live on the neighbor islands will be interviewed over the phone or via video conference.
-All applicants will be notified of the Selection Committee’s decision following the interviews.
-If you are accepted to the program, your deposit must be received by January 31, 2018.