APPLYING TO AN INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAM

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1. Research the Options

For me, studying abroad was not really the main priority. I wanted to focus on three majors (Finance, Marketing, and International Business) and having a semester of "freedom" did not see liek a possibility; however, after receiving the Freeman Scholarship (via the previously known Oscar & Rosetta Scholarship for Excellence; now called the Shidler Global Leaders Program), I was excited and immensely grateful to finally be given the opportunity.

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I initially wanted to study abroad in South Korea at Yonsei University; however, the transferrable classes were scarce. I emphasize researching the schools in which you want to study. Ask yourselves these following questions:

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1) Do the classes offered there transfer back? Will they useful classes for my majors? (check course equivalencies with partner universities HERE)

2) Do I have enough credits for my major to truly explore other classes in the exchange university?

3) Do you mind cold or warm weather different from Hawai'i's relatively temperate climate?

4) Am I familiar with culture or at least have some idea of what is there? If not, do some research?

5) Can I afford to go abroad for one semester?

6) Are my grades high enought to qualify for the program?

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It is paramount to have an idea of what you are getting yourself into. The purpose of an exchange is to help you explore a new place as well as yourself, but it is important to note that it should help you be a more well-rounded human being. Do not expect an exchange experience to be just an excuse to party all the time in a another country. It should be a substantial learning opportunity that one would not normally receive in a normal classroom setting in their home university.

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What I did was to create the different possible expenses I would incur from each university I wanted to attend as well as to list the possible transferrable classes I would want take (based on the continuously updated course equivalencies found on the Shidler website). Doing this helped me visualize and understand what the cost of going to a certain university would be for me. I finally decided on the City University of Hong Kong after much consideration because of its proximity to the city as well as the transferrable credits in their curriculum. Additionally, I saw that CityU is one of the top performing educational institutions in Hong Kong so that convinced me even more to apply.

 

2. Applying to the Manoa International Exchange (MIX)

After deciding on theCity University of HongKong, I applied to the Manoa Interntional Exchange program. I did not even consider applying to the Study Abroad program because its study abroad scheme was a bit more costly and did not have the flexibilty of course equivalencies in my own case. The Study Abroad program is still undoubtedly a great opportunity for students--it just did not fit my needs and goals for my exchange experience.

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The  Manoa International Exchange (MIX) is a great exchange program because it allows you to pay for UH tution to go to another university in the world. You are just left to pay for living expenses which, for me, was extremely beneficial. Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Freeman and the Freeman Foundation, I can afford this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. In my case, Hong Kong is extremely affordable in terms of accommodation and food--it is also a center for international business so  I want to immerse myself in that fast-paced environment.

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The application is pretty simple, fast, and can be done in one setting. Make sure to make it before the deadlines to make sure youare considered. The earlier the better. The nomination notice comes fairly quickly so the wait is not that long.

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3. Applying through the Exchange University

Once accepted into the MIX program, you have to be accepted officially by your home university. I received the first greeting to apply in April which needed me to prepare, in addition to the online application, several documents (downloaded from the online app) :

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1) Visa Application

2) Proof of Financial Support (Scholarship Acceptance/Letters and/or Bank Statements)

3) Passport Scans/Photos

4) Student Residence Application

5) Official Transcript

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Make sure that you send these documents as early as possible. It is important to note that it takes a week to send mail from Hawai'i to Hong Kong. I made sure to follow up with the coordinator of incoming exchange students in my exchange university.