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

Seal of the Department of Education, State of Hawaii, featuring a sun, a rainbow, a book, and the islands of Hawaii.
Hawaiian state seal showing a shield with an American flag and a green star, flanked by two figures holding flags, with a sunburst background, surrounded by a rope border, and the words 'State of Hawaii' and '1959' around it.
Logo of East-West Center featuring a red geometric symbol and the text 'EAST-WEST CENTER' in dark gray.
Logo of the Pacific & Asian Affairs Council featuring a blue globe and text.

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 who applied for Sister-State Study Tours must be open to going to any of the three destinations.

We are no longer accepting applications for this study tour

three sister-state destinations

A bustling cobblestone street scene with buildings on both sides, featuring people walking, shopping, and a horse-drawn carriage parked on the street.

Ilocos Norte & Ilocos Sur, philippines

Cliffside with basalt columns and green vegetation overlooking the ocean, with mountains and cloudy sky in the background.

Jeju island, south korea

Statue of a mythological creature resembling a lion with a curly mane, flanked by two large, colorful guardian lion statues, in front of a traditional Japanese building with a tiled roof under a blue sky.

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

Two teenagers, a girl and a boy, sitting at a table with papers, notebooks, and a water bottle, discussing and smiling in a wood-paneled room.
Several women, some wearing traditional Korean dress (hanbok), are in a clothing store. Two women are styling their hair, and some women are sitting and smiling at the camera. A table with accessories is in the foreground, and racks of dresses and headpieces are in the background.

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 - see “Become a Chaperone” section below

🧳 No prior travel experience needed—just curiosity, openness, and commitment!

Group of young people posing on stage holding a banner with the Pacfic & Asian Affairs Council logo in front of a large circular emblem with the words "ILOCOS NORTE" and an outline of a building or monument, inside a room with red tile floors and an open outdoor view.
Group of diverse young adults and older individuals posing together indoors at a formal event, with a blue backdrop displaying the PMAC logo and slogan.

  • 📅 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.

  • 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

    • 💻 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?

Student Applications closed 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

✨ Travel. Learn. Lead.

This could be the journey that changes everything.