STUDY PRACTICALLY ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD
Definition and Appropriateness of an Independent, Self-Designed Study Abroad Program
The “self-designed” study abroad option is available to University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa students who would like to study abroad, but cannot participate in an existing traditional study abroad program due to extenuating academic circumstances. This option should be offered judiciously as an alternative, and the student must demonstrate the need to self-design and successfully execute such a program. This option ensures that a student will receive University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa credits and grades for coursework completed overseas, as well as University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa financial aid, if he or she is eligible.
The self-designed Study Abroad Program is only available during the Fall semester, Spring semester or academic year, offered only to currently enrolled University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa students. An independent study abroad program requires a great deal of initiative on the student’s part.
For more information on the independent self-designed Study Abroad Program option, contact us.
HOW TO APPLY
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
- 1. Check to ensure you meet the following requirements:
- Currently enrolled UH-Mānoa student at the time of application
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale). Lower grade point averages may be considered in exceptional cases, but will require an explanation from the applicant
- 2. Verify Location:
- Verify the destination isn’t an existing UHM program & check State Dept. Travel Advisories.
- 3. Apply directly to the overseas institution and follow the admissions requirements.
- Arrange for travel, housing, student visa and payment of all program expenses and fees.
- Complete our Guidelines documents
- Select one of three options when designing the program:
- Option 1: Direct Enrollment
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience at a foreign university not partnered with UHM.
Key Requirement: You must find a UHM advisor to map foreign classes to UHM course alphas
Option 2: Self-Directed Research
Best for: Advanced students doing field research, field work, or independent projects outside of a school setting.
Key Requirement: You must secure a UHM faculty sponsor to act as your remote instructor
Option 3: The Hybrid
Best for: Students taking a couple of formal language classes abroad while completing an independent thesis or research project under a UHM professor
- Option 1: Direct Enrollment
- 4. Consult the appropriate UHM faculty to have courses articulated for UHM equivalencies.
- 5. Make an appointment to discuss the intended program with the Study Abroad Director by sending an email to uhmsac@hawaii.edu.
- At the meeting, you should have your Guidelines documents completed.
IMPORTANT
Important Academic & Enrollment Considerations
Strict 12-Credit Minimum: Undergraduate students must enroll in a minimum of four classes totaling at least 12 credits per semester. You cannot take a lighter course load while on a self-designed track.
Letter-Grade Requirement: All courses must be taken for a standard A–F letter grade. You cannot register for independent study courses on a Pass/Fail (Credit/No Credit) basis unless the course itself is strictly mandatory CR/NC.
Faculty Sponsor Workload Caps: A UHM faculty member is legally allowed to sponsor a maximum of two independent courses per term. If you plan a pure research track (Option 2) with 4 classes, you must secure at least two separate faculty sponsors.
UHM Concurrent Registration Fees: Even though you are abroad, you remain concurrently registered at UHM under the Study Abroad Center. This means you are responsible for paying the UHM administrative fee ($179.00 per credit) alongside your overseas expenses.
Legal, Immigration, & Approval Boundaries
F-1 Visa Protection for International Students: If you are an international student, you must maintain full-time UHM resident credit enrollment while abroad to legally protect your F-1 student visa status and avoid SEVIS violations.
No Summer Availability: The self-designed independent study path is strictly restricted to Fall semesters, Spring semesters, or a full Academic Year. It is not an option for summer terms.
Selection Committee Review Hurdle: Securing a faculty sponsor and completing the paperwork does not guarantee approval. Every custom application must pass a formal review by the Study Abroad Center Selection Committee, which evaluates the academic necessity of your destination.
Mandatory Director Consultation: You cannot submit an application blindly. You are required to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with the Director of the Study Abroad Center to verbally pitch your custom program before gathering faculty signatures.
DESTINATIONS
When planning an independent program, some points to keep in mind:
- The proposed city/country ideally should not be a location of a program already offered by the UHM Study Abroad Center.
- Consult the U.S. Dept. of State’s list of Travel Advisories.
Destinations where students have previously proposed an independent study program follow below.
AMERICAS
PACIFIC
EUROPE
|
ASIA
MIDDLE EAST
AFRICA
|
PROGRAM COST
The UHM Study Abroad Center will collect fees from students whose proposal to study abroad independently is approved. The exact cost will vary, depending on a student’s particular proposed program.
- Study Abroad administrative fee (UHM credits)
- Study Abroad insurance
APPLICATION
A complete online application must be received by the Study Abroad Center by the stated deadlines to receive consideration. An independent program application consists of the following items:
- Guidelines Documents (to first be approved by the SAC Director)
- Program Cost sheet
- Itinerary/Accommodation form
- Course Equivalency or Faculty Sponsor forms
- Online Application form (created for self-design applicants after Guidelines approval)
- Program of Study Statement
- Confidential Academic References (minimum of 3)
- $30.00 application fee
Application Deadlines
Academic Year in Japan: March 1
Fall Semester: April 1
Spring Semester: October 1
The Study Abroad Center is closed on weekends, and Federal and State holidays.