Located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawai’i may be a part of the United States, but it is miles away from the continental U.S. in both location and lifestyle. Your internship will take place in and around Honolulu, the state’s capital and most populous city. Our Site Director hand-picks every internship placement, so you can be sure that you’ll get an internship that’s perfect for you. Honolulu is a major hub for international business and hosts a large diversity of cuisines, cultures, and indigenous Hawai’an traditions. Enjoy the connectivity of a modern city with easy access to outdoor adventures.
- Many exploration opportunities, including snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, hiking Manoa Falls, and visiting ancient Hawaiian fishponds
- Unique cultural melting-pot that blends influences from Hawaiian, Pacific, Asian, American cultures
- Variety of internship placements available, in both urban Honolulu and less populated areas of Oahu
- Engaging welcome orientation and cultural activities
- Exceptional program support
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Connect with your Global Advisor to start planning. Apply by the application deadline.
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Meet your Program Coordinator to finalize acceptance paperwork, housing, courses, flights, visas, payments, etc. Attend a pre-departure orientation.
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Fly away. You'll be greeted at the airport, participate in a robust On-site Orientation and La Vida Local Curriculum with your Site Director.
Internship Placement
While participating on a CISabroad program, you’ll be able to take part in built-in weekend and day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.
Below are a few sample biology and ecology internship placements undertaken by past participants.
There are many more possibilities, as each placement is customized.
Contact an advisor to learn more!
Earn credit
Through our partnership with Plymouth State University, you can earn between 3-12 credits in the fields listed here. Alternatively, many students are able to arrange for credit through their home universities. Learn More →
Life in Honolulu
Welcome and Orientation
Upon arrival you’ll take part in a comprehensive program during which you will be introduced to our unique island way of life (‘ao‘ao). We’ll tour some of Oahu’s countless attractions, ranging from business districts to beaches. You’ll gain insight into the many different cultures that make up Hawai’i’s largest city. From Hawaiian, Samoan, Tongan, Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Micronesian, Fijian to Portuguese, Honolulu is one of the most diverse places you will ever experience. All five of your senses will be engaged as you catch the beautiful “Aloha spirit.” You’ll taste the local food; kalua pig (pulled pork) and lau lau (steamed fish and pork wrapped in taro leaves), hear our popular island-style reggae and Hawaiian music, see the incredible natural beauty that surrounds you, from tranquil coastlines to rugged peaks. You’ll touch the sand and feel the waves as you swim with the dolphins and sea turtles. And of course, you’ll smell all the fragrant flowers, tuberose, plumeria, puakenikeni and gardenia.
Farewell and Re-entry Program
As much as you may want to stay, eventually the time will come when we will have to bid you aloha and a hui hou (goodbye, until we meet again). We’ll gather together one last time to remember the good times and reflect on all that you have learned living in Hawai’i nei.
Housing Options
Depending on your placement, most interns will live in Waikiki in one housing location. Some placements are in other areas of the island, so the housing varies slightly. You will have a shared room with kitchen and bathroom access.
Amenities:
- Shared studio rooms
- Kitchenette
- 24-hour security
- Access to a pool
Local Life
- Lei Making: Want to learn how to make a lei when you get back home? This class with teach you.
- ‘Ukulele: If music is more your thing, sign up for a free class. Instruments are provided.
- Hula Class: Try your moves out in a free hula class weekly at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center.
- Camping: All beaches in Hawai’i are public and many have campsites for $5 per night.
- Friday night fireworks: A Hilton Hawaiian Village tradition. Gather on the beach in front of the hotel for a fantastic fireworks display.
- Waikiki Beach Movie Nights: Movies on the big screen on the beach for free!
- Royal Hawaiian Band Friday Lunch Concert: Every Friday the Royal Hawaiian band plays at the bandstand on the ‘Iolani Palace lawn. Bring a sack lunch and enjoy.
- Hawai’i Theatre Center: Enjoy live Hawaiian music or Hula at this National Historic Theatre.
More About Honolulu
Located on the "Big Island" of Oahu, this jewel in the Pacific is home to coveted landscapes and is one of the world's most popular tourist locations. When you arrive at Honolulu's airport, you’ll be greeted by one of our representatives with a flower lei—the custom greeting in Hawaii!
The warm, tropical climate lets you enjoy the outdoors at any time of the year. You can snorkel through vivid blue water, hike in a lush rainforest, explore active volcanoes, and try surfing Hawaii’s legendary waves. To get around the island of Oahu, there are plenty of buses, taxis, mopeds, bikes, and the Hawaii Pacific Shuttle.
Hawaii’s unique heritage has led to a fascinating melting pot of people with Asian, European, and Native American backgrounds. Thanks to this, you’ll enjoy delicious cuisine, a variety of historical buildings, and the chance to immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind community. Hawaiians like to celebrate, and you can join them for festivals that include Whale Day, the Polynesian Festival, a hula competition at the Merrie Monarch Festival, the Hawaiian International Film Festival, Statehood Day, and the Coffee Festival. Your semester in Hawaii will expose you to an entirely different world within the US.
Program Excursions
While participating on a CISabroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.
Pearl Harbor/Arizona Memorial
At World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, home of the USS Arizona Memorial, learn about one of the most pivotal moments in U.S. history: the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the subsequent entry of the United States into World War II. The monument preserves and interprets the stories of the Pacific War, from the internment of Japanese Americans to the battles in the Aleutians.
Group Surf Lesson
While enjoying the fun and sun in Honolulu, take a surf lesson tailored to fit all ages and skill levels. Learn the basics of proper form and ocean safety from a CPR and AED-certified professional surf instructor. After balance ball training, head to the water and discover how to paddle and catch waves. The instructor remains in the water through the end of the lesson, making students feel at home while attending to every learning need.
Snorkel and Sailing
Embark upon a relaxing sail through Oahu’s calm Waikiki waters as playful spinner dolphins frolic alongside and iconic Diamond Head lingers in the distance. Arrive at beautiful Turtle Canyon to snorkel among colorful marine fish and sea turtles. Swim along some of Waikiki’s most pristine reefs and sunbathe and bask in the serenity of a morning cruise.
Your Support Staff
Travel Tip: We love what we do and want to talk to you! The Global Advising Center is here to help you decide on a program, and complete the Online Application. From the moment you first hear from us be it through a phone call, email or personal visit, you will find that our passion for international education is contagious. We’re ready to launch you abroad.
Travel Tip: Leave everything you think you know about traveling, the country, culture, or people, behind you! You’ll most likely be surprised, so discover everything as new. Take public transportation and make friends with locals- they will show you the best places and usually hook you up. Most of all, stay present and enjoy! 🙂
Travel Tip: Pack for summer! Hawai’i’s temperature is 86F and sunny all year round. Drink lots of water and don’t forget your sunscreen! Arrive with an open mind and a sense of adventure.
Program Fees & Dates
Advisor Tip: Please do not book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.
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Summer 2019: Session 1
Application DeadlineFebruary 15ArrivalMay 19 (Estimated)DepartureJuly 13 | August 10 (Estimated)PRICE$4,990 - $5,990 (Estimated)
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Summer 2019: Session 2
Application DeadlineMarch 1ArrivalJune 16 (Estimated)DepartureAugust 10 (Estimated)PRICE$4,990 (Estimated)
CISabroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.
Program Inclusions
As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.
Program fees are in US dollars and include the following:
- Internship placement and supervision
- Housing (most placements in shared studio rooms)
- Medical and accident insurance
- Pre-departure and onsite orientation
- Assistance with travel arrangements
- Airport pickup
- On-site support
- NYTimes Digital Subscription
- La Vida Local cultural program