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Incoming Exchange &
Study Abroad Students
Hawaiian History and Culture
Program Information | Location Information | Courses Available | Eligibility | Costs | Deadlines & Dates | Orientation | Housing | What's Next? | Photos | Helpful Links
| PROGRAM TERMS | J-Term (winter break), May Session |
| PROGRAM DATES | J-Term:
December 29, 2009-January 13, 2010 |
| CLASS STANDING | Sophomore, Junior, Senior |
| DEADLINE TO APPLY |
J-Term session: Extended to November 1, 2009 |
| FEES | Programs costs can be found here |
| FINANCIAL AID | Yes |
| GPA | Good academic standing |
| LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION |
English |
Program Information
Explore Hawaiian history, culture and current issues facing the islands. Spend time with Hawaiians and other locals, immersing for a time in this communal culture while learning the true meaning of Aloha and quite probably reprioritizing your life. A fleet of Polynesian outriggers first sailed to these islands, the most remote spot on earth, approximately 300 AD, bringing with them animal and plant stocks to populate the islands. In the Nineteenth century Hawaii had a constitutional monarchy and was recognized as an independent nation by countries throughout the world. So how did it end up being the 50th state against the will of the majority of Hawaiians? Learn of this and much more while enjoying the best time of your life.
Field Trip Destinations (examples)
Oahu - Bishop Museum
Oahu - Go North Shore
Kauai - Waipa Foundation
Kauai - Malama Mahaulepu
Kauai - Free Hawaii
Hawaii (Big Island) - NPS
Hawaii - Punaluu
Hawaii - South Point
Hawaii - Waipio Valley
Hawaii - Akaka Falls State Park
Hawaii - Ahalanui PArk
Location Information
On Oahu we stay at Shrader's Windward Country Inn in Kaneohe. This lovely inn has breathtaking views of the majestic Koolau Mountains. We visit several sites such as the Bishop Museum, Haleiwa and the north shore.
On Kauai we stay in beach front condos in Kapa’a town. Here we begin getting acquainted with locals and the local culture while restoring native habitat in a rain forest, helping to preserve a remote coastline from development, learning about Hawaiian spirituality from a powerful leader of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement.
On the Big Island we stay in beautiful rental homes in the old sugar cane community of Pahala and at a bay-front hotel in Hilo. Here we go deeply into Hawaiian and local culture, spending days and nights with many locals while visiting a remote coffee farm, an active volcano, an historic black sand beach, the southernmost spot in the U.S. where Polynesians first landed, rain forests and thermal ponds. Nights will be spent on a porch at an old southern style mansion (one of our houses) talking with locals, listening to ukes and guitars strumming, singing, and laughing (a lot).
Housing
Oahu - Shrader's Windward Country Inn
Kauai - Plantation Hale
Pahala, Hawaii - Pahala Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii - Uncle Billys
Courses Available
FSt 4006/Comm 4949: Intercultural Communication Practicum (4 credits). The Hawaii course is open to all UMD majors. It counts as an upper division Communication course but may also fulfill requirements for other majors or minors (such as requirements regarding upper division courses or requirements for course sequences outside of the major)
Eligibility
Students should be in good academic standing. Priority given to senior level students.
Costs
The program package cost is approximately $3,774. Program cost includes:
- Round trip air fare from Minneapolis
- Inter-island air fare between three islands (Oahu, Kauai, Hawaii)
- Housing
- Meals
- Field trips (daily)
- Entry fees
A non-refundable deposit will be due upon acceptance to the program. The remainder of the program fee will be billed through Student Accounts Receivable.
Financial aid may be applied toward the cost of the program if you are enrolled as a full-time student (6 credits is full-time for May/Summer).
Deadlines & Dates
The application deadline is extended to November 1, 2009 for J-Term Session 2010. Program dates are December 29, 2009 - January 13, 2010.
For May session, the application deadline is February 20, 2010. Program dates are tentatively May 17-June 1, 2010.
Early registration is strongly encouraged, as space is limited and the class will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The course normally fills eight to nine months before departure. Contact Michael Sunnafrank at msunnafr@d.umn.edu if interested in this opportunity.
Orientation
At least two pre-departure orientations will be held. Pre-departure orientations will include information about financial aid, classwork, travel tips and a general study abroad handbook.
Housing
Housing facilities for students at the various locations are arranged by the program.
Housing
Oahu - Shrader's Windward Country Inn
Kauai - Plantation Hale
Pahala, Hawaii - Pahala Hawaii
Hilo, Hawaii - Uncle Billy
What's Next?
Interested program participants must first make an appointment to meet with the faculty leader. Contact Michael Sunnafrank at msunnafr@d.umn.edu or call 218-726-6363.
Contact Michael Sunnafrank at msunnafr@d.umn.edu for program or itinerary questions as well as general interest in the program. For application/registration, contact Leigh Neys at (218) 726-7053 or email: lneys@d.umn.edu.
