Apply to travel with PAAC in summer 2026 - scholarships available

PAac is proud to present two study tour opportunities:

1) The Freeman Summer Study Tour to TAIWAN, and

2) The Takitani Summer Study Tour to Palau 

Who can apply? 

All current 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders (2025-2026 SY) attending Hawaiʻi public, charter, private, and independent schools are eligible to apply.

All current 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders (2025-2026 SY) attending Hawaiʻi public, charter, private, and independent schools are eligible to apply.

How to Apply to either/both study tours? 

1. Review the Student Application Form carefully and fill it out. Double check your work!

2. Get your High School Transcript (unofficial transcripts are fine)

3. Write two Short Essay Responses (~300-500 words each, no more than 1000 words total)

   • Why are you interested in traveling to Taiwan/Palau? What do you hope to gain from this
     experience? How will your participation contribute to the program and other participants?

     If applicable: As we will be visiting indigenous communities in Taiwan/Palau, please elaborate on your knowledge of or experience with Hawaiian culture.

   • Describe your involvement in PAAC activities (for PAAC students) and/or other internationally focused activities, such as travel, Model UN, school clubs, volunteering, community events, etc.  How have these experiences inspired you, shaped your global perspective, or affected your view of the world?

     If your experience with internationally-focused activities is limited, tell us how and why you became curious about the world.

4. Have your parents fill out the Parent Form

5. Ask two adults that are not related to you to fill out the Teacher/Adult Recommendations (due on Thurs. January 15, 2026)

Please read through the entire application carefully before getting started. Using a Gmail email is preferred while filling out the application.

It is not PAAC’s responsibility to follow-up on incomplete applications - please be thorough! If you have ANY questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Carol Li as early as possible.

When are the applications due?

📅 Monday, January 12, 2026 at 11:59PM.

All of the following items are due by the deadline:

1. Student Application Form

2. Transcript

3. Two Short Essay Responses

4. Parent Form

Teachers can submit their Teacher Recommendation Form until Jan. 15th.

Student applicants are responsible to make sure all their materials are in. Students must provide their parents/guardians and teacher/adult recommenders with the proper links to the forms and ensure that they get it done. It is not PAAC’s responsibility to follow-up on incomplete applications.

All materials must be submitted on-time to be eligible. Incomplete or late applications will NOT be considered.