In its short history the University of Hawaii, Hilo has grown from humble beginnings as a vocational college to become an internationally respected university specializing in marine science, volcanology, astronomy, and Hawaiian studies. With an average temperature of 84-degrees, an island backdrop as close to paradise as they come, and blue waters all around, your study abroad experience will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Hawaii Community College & University of Hawaii, Hilo English Language Pathway Program
About the Program
Program Advisor
Student Counselor SAFFY
Your Student Counselor is your study abroad ambassador and supporter. They join your application journey when you’ve confirmed you’re interested in studying abroad. At this point, they guide you through each stage of the application, notify you of the documents you need, let you know when your admission results are in, and walk you through the next steps, including class enrollment and organizing pre-arrival tests.
At a Glance
Language of Instruction:
English
Language Prerequisite Level:
Intermediate
GPA Requirements:
3.00
Academic Level:
Undergraduate
Academic Strengths:
Sociology,
Biological & Physical Sciences,
Business, Economics & Finance,
Computer Science,
Music, Film & Performing Arts
Housing:
On-campus apartment
Visa Required:
Maybe
Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
Yui Sakakibara
The IEP (Language School) I attend is a small class, and most of the students get along well with each other. We all work hard to support each other and improve every day.
University of Hawaii, Hilo SAF Alumni
About the University
University of Hawaii at Hilo
A small university of a few thousand students, University of Hawaii at Hilo (UHH) has grown from humble beginnings as a vocational college to an internationally respected university specializing in marine science, volcanology, astronomy, and Hawaiian studies.
Hilo is the largest of Hawaii’s islands and is home to one of the most unique cultures in the world. The island's average temperature of 84 degrees makes study and life here a truly unforgettable experience.
Learn more at University of Hawaii at Hilo's official website.
Academics
University of Hawaii, Hilo's Academic Approach
With 18 hours a week of English instruction in small classes, this intensive program allows you to quickly develop your language skills to better prepare you for confident communication in a global society.
Choose from a range of learning levels, from exploring the fundamentals of English at Hawaii Community College to more advanced, academic-focused electives at UHH, including American English Pronunciation, American Culture and Community, and American Culture through Film.
Courses
You register online before you arrive on campus. If you start in a spring, summer, or winter, you study at Hawaii Community College.
Progression from the summer language courses to the fall academic program requires you to complete the 080 level courses.
Progression from fall language courses to the spring academic program requires you complete all advanced level courses at ELI.
Classroom Hours
The SAF program fee tuition rate covers18 hours of language instruction per week, from Tuesday to Friday.
Language Levels
UHH offers three levels: intermediate, high-intermediate and advanced; beginners cannot be accommodated.
HCC is a four-level program which take you from high beginning to high intermediate.
Elective Courses
UHH electives are for all levels and includes three courses:
- American English Pronunciation
- American Culture and Community
- American Culture through Film
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Application Requirements
When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements set by the host university—and SAF is here to set you up for success.
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
Language Test Score Requirements
There is a difference in requirements based on the entry period of your study term:
If you start with the Winter quarter, Spring quarter, or Summer term, you will start with courses at Hilo Community College (HCC) Intensive English Program (IEP). There is no language test score requirement for these start terms.
If you start with the Fall term, you will start with courses at University of Hawaii, Hilo (UHH) English Language Institute (ELI). There is a language test score requirement for these courses.To prove your language proficiency for UHH, you can use any of the following:
- IELTS: 5.5
- TOEFL iBT: 61
- TOEFL PBT: 500
- Duolingo: 90
*A progression from summer language to fall academic requires completion of the 080 level courses. By director discretion an iBT: IELTS: 5.5, or PBT: 500 can be accepted.
*A progression from fall language to spring academic requires completion of all advanced level courses at ELI.
Program Dates
When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.
The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.
Spring 2024 Language Pathway + Summer 2024 Language Pathway+ Fall 2024 Academic
Program dates:
Late March - Mid December
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
32,330
Fall 2024 Language Pathway + Spring 2025 Academic
Program dates:
Late August - Mid May
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
$
33,400
Housing Information
On-campus apartment
SAF housing for this program is an on-campus residence with roommates.
*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.
About Hilo
Why Hilo
On the largest of Hawaii’s astonishing islands, Hilo has an extraordinarily interesting culture, with adventures and experiences around every corner. Its ethnically diverse locals are genuinely kind and welcoming—as is the average temperature of 84 degrees. Aside from its old-town vibe and incredible collection of dramatic waterfalls, lush mountainsides, and stunning beaches, Hilo is a truly unforgettable place to live and study.
The Student Experience
Beyond the Beaches: The History that Made Hilo
It can be easy to look at the stunning landscape of the island of Hawaii and think no further, but Hilo has a rich history. Here are a few of Hilo’s most...
Orientation
Advising and Support
The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it.
Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.
Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.
Get To Know Our Application Process
From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.
Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor
Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.
Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad
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Why Travel With SAF?
Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.
