Pre-Departure
Naturally Curious
Choosing a Program
There are two programs that are available with the University of Hawaii at Manoa:
1. Manoa International Exchange (MIX): https://manoa.hawaii.edu/mix/
2. UH Study Abroad Center (SAC): http://www.studyabroad.hawaii.edu/
Once you have decided to study abroad for a semester or a year, The very first step is to select a program and apply for their application. Both programs are good, but I personally chose MIX. The reason is because MIX offers more options in Asian countries and more independence.
Manoa International Exchange
APPLY EARLY
Summer, Fall, & Academic Year Exchanges:
Application Opens: August 1st
Application Deadline: December 1st
Spring Exchanges:
Application Opens: January 1st
Application Deadline: May 1st
*It is wise to apply before or by the deadline in order to give yourself the opportunity to be nominated for one of your selected universities.
ELIGIBILITY/REQUIREMENTS
Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
Must have completed two semesters at UH Manoa or be in the process of completing their second semester at time of application
Fill out the MIX application
Indicate the top five partner universities where you would like to be nominated as an exchange student
One Letter of Recommendation
APPLICATION AND FEES
You will be billed two separate non-refundable program fees when applying to MIX:
$30 application fee and $50 administration fee
AFTER YOU APPLY: NOMINATION
MIX will notify you with a Nomination & Next Steps email within one to two months after the Application Deadline.
AFTER NOMINATION: NEXT STEPS AND SECONDARY APPLICATION
Once you have been nominated to a MIX Partner University, you must complete that university’s application process for exchange students, referred to as the “Secondary Application” In your ‘Nomination & Next Steps’ email, it will contain detailed instructions on how and when to complete the secondary application process for your partner university. Please follow instructions carefully, and submit your application materials to either MIX or the partner university on time.
City University of Hong Kong Application
Step 1: Review Application Instructions
Step 2: Apply for City University of Hong Kong Application
Step 3: Apply for Student Visa
Step 4: Apply for On-campus Accommodation
Step 5: Patiently Wait for Results
* As you apply for your partner university, keep in mind of all the deadlines for MIX and the partner university. I suggest to mark it down in your calendar to remind yourself of upcoming deadlines.
Other Important Steps
TALK TO ADVISORS
I highly recommended to talk with your MIX advisor and/or Rikki Mitsunaga. These advisors will help you to make sure you are turning things on time, you will graduate on time after you come back from study abroad, give any tips/advice before and during your abroad, etc.
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS/FINANCIAL AID
Applying for scholarships and/or financial aid will help you cover some of your expenses without having to pay out of your pocket.
SAVE MONEY
Start saving your money early! Any money will help you pay off any expenses such as flight ticket, travels, food, and many more. It never hurts to have extra money on hand.
ACCOMMODATION
Although student residence is available on campus, there is no guarantee that a place can be provided because of limited capacity. Therefore, look for housing as soon as possible before you arrive to that country. Fortunately, the school offered me a double room to live on campus. Meaning, I will be sharing the room with another person.