An International Opportunity for Hawaiʻi Public High School Students
Sister-state study tours 2026
A partnership between PAAC and the East-West Center, funded by the State of Hawaiʻi
travel internationally during Spring Break 2026 for just $500!
40+ public high school students will participate in international study tours to one of Hawaiʻi’s Sister-States for between $300-$500. Travel scholarships are provided by the State of Hawai‘i through the East-West Center. Payment plans are available and need-based waivers can be considered/discussed if the fee presents an obstacle to families.
Students will explore culture, economic development, history, and diplomacy—while gaining leadership and global skills that last a lifetime.
Travel Dates: March 14–26, 2026
Students applying for Sister-State Study Tours must be open to going to any of the three destinations.
three sister-state destinations
Ilocos Norte & Ilocos Sur, philippines
Jeju island, south korea
okinawa, japan
What’s Included
Roundtrip airfare, lodging, meals, activities – valued at $8,800
Pre-trip orientation & post-trip presentation
Cultural immersion and peer exchange
Daily learning experiences guided by local experts
💡 Students will gain:
Intercultural understanding
Leadership & decision-making skills
Global issue awareness
Confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships
Eligibility
Open to Hawaiʻi public high school students (preference given to 10th & 11th grade students)
Seeking broad participation from schools statewide
Each tour: 15 students + 3–4 chaperones
Teachers may apply to be chaperones
🧳 No prior travel experience needed—just curiosity, openness, and commitment!
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📅 August 11, 2025 – Applications Open
📝 October 20, 2025 – Applications Due - Schools Review
👥 November 4, 2025 – Schools Submit Top 3 Applicants to PAAC
✅ December 1, 2025 – Final Selection by PAAC📌 Application includes a form, essays, transcript, and teacher recommendations. Top three candidates will submit short videos.
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Help us reach every island and region. Schools are asked to:
Promote the opportunity to students
Review applications and recommend their top three student applicants
Support selected student in preparation for the trip
Attend and promote the post-trip presentation
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Do you love supporting youth? Want to travel with purpose?
PAAC is looking for dedicated volunteer chaperones to join our Spring 2026 Study Tours.🎒 Covered: Flights, lodging, meals, and insurance
🧭 Expected: 24/7 student support, mentorship, and active participation
🎓 Ideal for: Educators, counselors, community leaders, or professionals with youth/travel experience -
💻 Virtual Parent Meeting: December 18, 2025
💻 Virtual Pre-Trip Workshop: February 12, 2026
👥 In-Person Orientation: February 21–22, 2026
✈️ Travel: March 14–26, 2026
📣 Final Presentation: April 11, 2026
Ready to Apply or Learn More?
🗓️ APPLY TODAY! Applications close on October 20th.
🔗 View the Full Program Presentation from 2025’s DOE Education Leadership Institute
✈️ Learn about PAAC’s Study Tour program which has 21 years of experience organizing educational travel for Hawaiʻi high school students
Questions?
📩 Contact Study Tours Director, Carol Li, at paac@paachawaii.org