Study Tours Abroad

PAAC Study Tours are geared towards Hawaiʻi high school students (9th-12th grade). Eligibility and preferences may differ slightly for each Study Tour.

Our Spring Sister-State Study Tours are only open to Hawaiʻi public school students. Unfortunately, public charter school students are not eligible.

Our Summer Study Tours are open to all Hawaiʻi high school students (public, charter, private, independent)

You do not have to be a PAAC Club Member or a previous participant in a PAAC program to apply for a Study Tour.

However, certain Study Tours will give preference to students with prior PAAC engagement since participation in a PAAC Club, class, or event often enriches a student’s experience in-country.

Visit the PAAC Clubs webpage to learn more about our existing programs, upcoming events or how to start a Club in your school.

Experiences will vary based on Study Tour but students will generally participate in preparation sessions (virtual and/or in-person) prior to the trip.

Orientation sessions will include community-building activities, information sharing, country overviews, etc.

While abroad, students will visit sights, participate in cultural exchange activities with local youth, and meet experts. They will be expected to step out of their comfort zone and be respectful of the host-country’s citizens. Students are expected to write in a daily journal throughout the trip.

After the trip, students will finish the program with at least one follow-up assignment (ex: presentation, digital media product, social media posts, research papers, etc.).

PAAC follows a 1:7 chaperone to student ratio. For every seven students there is at least one chaperone with extensive background experience supporting students and traveling abroad.

In addition, PAAC works with tour guides and coordinators on-the-ground to ensure in-country logistical and language support is provided.

PAAC has worked hard to establish a strong network of partners that we trust to assist us throughout each trip. Both PAAC and our local partners have safety protocols to respond to emergency situations. The Study Tour Director and chaperone team also uphold students to codes of conduct to ensure the whole groups’s safety. Inspection trips are often conducted by the Study Tour Director to plan a thorough itinerary and gain a strong familiarity with each destination.

Costs will vary but typically range from $4500-$5000 for 1-2 weeks in-country.

This is an all-inclusive cost that covers flights, lodging, meals, activities, transportation, travel insurance, etc. Shopping and other personal expenses are not covered.

PAAC is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supported by generous donors who wish to reduce financial barriers that may impede a student’s participation in this transformational experience.

Therefore, most Study Tours have need and merit-based scholarships available to subsidize the cost of the trip. To be considered for these scholarships, parents/guardians must fill out a form during the application process.

Traveling abroad is often a life-changing experience. Students who participate in Study Tours often gain a sense of independence, build a strong community with peers from across the state, and become curious about the world.

Each Study Tour is curated with learning objectives to help students engage with the host country, become aware of global issues, and appreciate diversity. PAAC also has a strong network of globally-minded experts supporting our organization’s endeavors who help enrich each Study Tour experience.

PAAC programs are also geared to encourage students to meet peers from different schools across our islands which help broaden their horizons even further.

PAAC gives preference to 10th and 11th grade students as they are mature enough to handle to strain of travel and will be able to share the impact of their journey to their peers at their high school.

We also hope they become active and engaged leaders in our PAAC community.

However, 9th and 12th grade students are still eligible to apply.

Study Tour Application Periods:

• Spring Study Tours - Applications open in August and close in October.

• Summer Study Tours - Applications open in November and close in January.