Hawaii public high school students can apply for a heavily subsidized overseas study program — good news for families who could never afford international travel on their own.

• Selected students will travel in March 2027 to one of three of Hawaii's sister states: Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur in the Philippines, Jeju Island in South Korea, or Okinawa, Japan.
• The trip is worth over $8,800, but families pay no more than $500.
• Open to public high school students in grades 9 through 12, with preference for 10th and 11th graders, and no prior travel experience needed.
• Students return as ambassadors, bringing back what they learn to apply at home.

Outlook: Applications close October 15, so interested families have under two weeks to apply through the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council.