Study Tours Abroad

Adventures Await!

Over the past 15 years, PAAC has awarded $1.4 million in scholarships for 70 study tours in Japan, China, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, New Zealand, and Tahiti. Our study tours emphasize hands-on learning, building friendships, and taking part in enriching cultural activities. Learn more about upcoming study tours below.

PAAC trips are ideal for both seasoned and first-time travelers: our pre-tour preparation, dedicated chaperones, and tried and tested itinerary make it easy to explore a brand new environment. Questions? Contact Tyler Fujita, Study Tours & Global Engagement Director, at paac@paachawaii.org.

Summer 2023 Travel

For Summer 2023, PAAC is offering two opportunities for student travel abroad! Students who are not selected for the Villars Institute Symposium (Switzerland) may also apply to the Freeman Summer Study Tour (South Korea).

Freeman Summer Study Tour - South Korea

In June 2023, PAAC travel to the Asia-Pacific returns with a study tour to South Korea! In addition to rich cultural immersion, learning themes will include the Miracle on the Han River (Korea's economic rise), the Korean Wave (global pop culture explosion), North Korea–South Korea relations, and many more. Click for highlights from the Freeman Summer Study Tour 2018 (Video | Article).

Important Dates: Please note, all dates are tentative and will be confirmed as soon as possible and prior to the end of the selection process. Participation in this program requires attendance on *ALL* program dates. For neighbor island students, PAAC will work with you to arrange transport to Oahu and lodging during pre-trip orientation.

• • Pre-Trip Orientation on Oahu: June 1-4, 2023 (TBC)

• • Travel to South Korea: June 10-21, 2023 (TBC)

Eligibility: This study tour is open to current 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th graders from any Hawaiʻi high school. Approximately eighteen (18) student participants will be selected. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated commitment to PAAC programs, including the Global Leadership Program (GLP), PAAC Clubs, After-School Global Studies Classes, and more.

Merit and Need-Based Scholarships: Thanks to the generosity of The Freeman Foundation, in recent years the vast majority of participants with demonstrated financial need and/or demonstrated commitment to PAAC programs have received merit- and/or need-based scholarships. To apply for a scholarship, parents must fill out the Financial Information section on the Parent Form. Applicants who are awarded a need-based 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.

Application Deadline: Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 5:00 PM HST. Interviews will be conducted in January.

• (1) Completed Student Application (link to application form)

• (2) Two Short Essay Responses (upload in application form)

• (3) High School Transcript (upload in application form, unofficial okay)

• (4) Completed Parent Form (link to parent form)

• (5) Two Teacher/Adult Recommendations (link to recommendation form)

Teacher Chaperones Wanted! If you are interested in serving as a chaperone on the Freeman Summer Study Tour, please email Tyler (paac@paachawaii.org).

Villars Institute Symposium - Switzerland

In June-July 2023, five PAAC students and five Punahou School students will travel to Switzerland to represent Hawaiʻi at the Villars Institute Symposium! There they will join youth from around the world to collaborate with leading experts, educators, and entrepreneurs in the work of applying systems leadership, scientific research, and innovation to address the climate crisis.

Following the symposium, students will have the opportunity to explore Geneva, including a visit to the UN Headquarters, a trip to the Swiss Alps, and many more sites. This trip comes on the heels of a successful inaugural trip to the symposium last summer.

Important Dates: Please note, all dates are tentative and will be confirmed as soon as possible and prior to the end of the selection process. Participation in this program requires attendance on *ALL* program dates. For neighbor island students, PAAC will work with you to arrange transport to Oahu and lodging during pre- and post-trip classes.

• • Pre-Trip Class at Punahou: June 8-9, 2023 (TBC - Revised 11/15/22)
• • Travel to Switzerland: June 25 - July 6, 2023 (TBC)
• • Post-Trip Class at Punahou: July 10-14, 2023 (TBC)

Eligibility: This trip is open to current 9th, 10th, and 11th graders from Hawaiʻi public or public charter schools. Five PAAC student participants will be selected; Punahou Students please apply through the Wo International Center. Successful applicants will have demonstrated interest and commitment to climate and sustainability issues, as well as strong support from recommenders.

Program Cost: Thanks to Punahou School and the generosity of our supporters, travel costs for all students will be heavily subsidized. The program fee will be $500/student, which includes all program-related expenses such as international airfare, in-country transportation, lodging, activities, and most meals.

Application Deadline: Applications for the Villars Institute Symposium trip closed on Sunday, November 13, 2022 at 5:00 PM HST. Mahalo!

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