Study Abroad

2025 University of the Ryukyus Summer Intensive Program

We have an exciting short-term summer study abroad opportunity in Okinawa, Japan. From August 13 - August 22, 2025, the University of the Ryukyus, our partner school in Okinawa Japan, is hosting a 10-day intensive program centered on the theme of sustainability. 

1. Cost of Participation 

The University of the Ryukyus will cover:

  • Round trip airfare from Lihue to Okinawa
  • Transportation within Okinawa prefecture

Participants are responsible for:

  • Accommodation expenses for lodging arranged by the University of the Ryukyus not to exceed 100,000 yen (approx. $ 700 USD)
  • Passport application/renewal fee
  • Travel expenses by cab, bust etc. from home in their home country to the nearest airport
  • Expenses for food and beverages in Okinawa
  • Personal spending such as souvenirs
  • Mandatory international travel insurance

2.JASSO Scholarship

Participants are eligible for JASSO scholarships as follows.

  • Participating students will receive a one-time scholarship of 80,000 yen from the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO).
  • To receive the scholarship, students must submit a report (two-page A4 size form) to JASSO after the program. 

3. Program Overview

The Intensive Study Program is designed to provide students from the Programā€™s five partner universities (University of Hawaii at Hilo, Kauai Community College, Kapiolani CommunityCollege (United States), Chinese Culture University, and National Dong Hwa University (Taiwan)) with the opportunity to study for a maximum of up to ten days in Okinawa,Okinawa, Japan to acquire first-hand knowledge of sustainability issues concerning Okinawa through a series of expert faculty-led lectures and seminars, as well as cultural and educational experiences while learning and working collaboratively with students of the University. Participants will also engage in online collaborative learning utilizing pre- and post-program training to enhance learning outcomes.
This program has been crafted to suit the needs of students who have an interest in the sustainability of island regions, Japan/Okinawa and are keen to develop their student leadership skills. It will also serve as a good opportunity to orientate students who may wish to explore possibilities for study abroad in Japan and Asia in future.    

4. Eligibility:

  • Currently enrolled in KCC and are planning to or have registered for Fall 2025 for at least 3 credits  (students who plan to terminate their studies or graduate in May 2025 or take a leave of absence from their home institution will not be eligible)
  • Good academic and personal standing
  • Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Participants must fulfill the following conditions (taken from the application guide provided by the University of the Ryukyus)
    • Students of non-Japanese nationality who are enrolled at a partner institution under the Inter-University Exchange Project-Inter-island Sustainability Educational Program implemented by the University of the Ryukyus.
    • The studentā€™s GPA must be 3.0 or above 
    • Students must participate in all program components, including pre and post-programs.
    • Students who cannot do so due to unavoidable circumstances such as health issues or lack of adequate digital infrastructure must receive instructions on alternative learning from program coordinators.
    • Students must be keenly interested in learning about Okinawa and the Pacific Island Region and be expected to interact actively with Japanese student participants. Japanese language skills are not required for program participation.
    • Students must continue their studies and graduate from their home institutions after participation in the Intensive Study Program.
    • Students who plan to terminate their studies or take a leave of absence from their home institution will not be eligible.
    • Students expected to enter graduate school in Fall 2025 are not eligible to participate in this program.
    • Upon completion of the program, participants will be requested to assist the Universityā€™s Inter-University Exchange Project by promoting it at their home institutions, such as through requests for cooperation in advising and helping future applicants from oneā€™s home institution.
    • Participants may be asked to allow the University to use their photographed images in future promotional efforts.

Please  submit your application documents to the Kaua'i CC International Program Coordinator (kyokoi@hawaii.edu) by June 1st, (Sun), 2025.  KauaiCC will conduct an internal screening process and nominate one or two students to the University of the Ryukyu for their final decision.

5. Application Documents: 

Steps:

Download the Faculty Recommendation Form and ask your reference to fill it out and send it directly to the International Education Coordinator (kyokoi@hawaii.edu) via e-mail  by the deadline.

  • Complete the .
  • You can either submit an official transcript issued by our admissions and records office or submit a screenshot copy of your transcript page on STAR.
  • Submit the application form and transcript to the International Program Coordinator (kyokoi@hawaii.edu ) by the deadline, June 1st (Sun), 2025. 

If you are interested in learning more about this program, please take a look at this document: 
For any questions, please feel free to contact Kyoko Ikeda - KCC international program coordinator. 

For more information: