Oahu, Hawaii: Weaving Stories – Reclamation and Restoration of Indigenous Identity | Winter 2025

Status

Closed

Trip Destination

Oahu, Hawaii

Approximate Price

See Cost Information Below

Trip Date

02/22/2025

TO

03/03/2025

Application Deadline

11/07/2024

APPLY NOW

Cost Information

Cost for Students enrolled in the BWR Course: ~$1500 (includes IFS and BWR Course, subject to change based on IFS Destination)
Cost for Students Not Willing to Take the BWR Course: ~$5000 (subject to change based on IFS Destination)

Above costs are for International Field Studies and may alter slightly, for other Be World Ready programs please see the approximate cost listed above.

Program Information

PLEASE READ APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FULLY BEFORE APPLYING

This opportunity is available to  all  Niagara College students who: 

    • Are currently enrolled in and returning to any program at Niagara College.
    • 51% of this program will be reserved for First Nation, Métis and Inuit students studying at Niagara College
    • Have not yet taken part in a Be World Ready IFS experience since beginning their studies at Niagara College 
    • Are in good academic standing at the time of selection and prior to departure 
    • Are actively enrolled in a program at Niagara College during the term(s) of travel 
    • Agree to enroll in and complete the General (SOCL 1128) or Liberal (IDPL 9103) elective course in the Winter 2025 term (January – April 2025)

Cost for Non-Indigenous Domestic Students for “Oahu, Hawaii” is: $500
Cost for International Students for “Oahu, Hawaii” is: $1000

 

Physical Intensity

Moderate - Walking around city, physical service learning activities, uneven terrain/inclines, sitting for day trips, longer periods of standing during site visits

Accommodations

8 Nights in Bunkhouse Accommodations

Meals

As outlined in the itineary

Steps to Apply

PLEASE READ APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FULLY BEFORE APPLYING

  1. First, complete the Eligibility Survey here to make sure you qualify.
    • 5 minutes to complete
  2. Once you are confirmed eligible as a next step, a link will be shared for you to complete a brief reflective essay responding to the prompted question, as this is a specialized program this essay will be considered as part of the application process for the limited available seats on this IFS.
  3. If selected after review of this essay, you will be invited to an in-person interview with the Director, Indigenous Education, Cultural Advisor, and Associate Director, Cultural & Global Engagement on November 15th.
  4. Once confirmed, eligible students will receive instructions to confirm their participation by November 20, 2024

Oahu, Hawaii: Weaving Stories – Reclamation and Restoration of Indigenous Identity | Winter 2025

PLEASE READ THE APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FULLY BEFORE APPLYING

The intention of the Hawaii Be World Ready program, in partnership with the University of Hawaii, is to provide space for the reclamation and restoration of identity through shared storytelling, community service & reciprocity with The Kanaka Maoli, the Indigenous people on the island of Oahu.

This International Field Study (IFS) to Hawaii with BWR, offers an immersive blend of professional development and cultural experiences. Immerse yourself in the island’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. You’ll engage in hands-on cultural experiences, from building community garden beds and learning about ancient Hawaiian food systems to contributing to service learning at fishponds and organic produce farms. Adventure meets education as you visit iconic locations like Waikiki, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and the Bishop Museum. With opportunities to learn from local leaders, and volunteer, this trip offers the perfect blend of service, sustainability, and discovery.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: November 7, 2024 (BY NOON)

Travel Visa + Immigration Documentation:

Students are responsible for researching and applying for any required visa(s) or ETIAS on their own; Be World Ready is not able to apply for any travel visa(s) or ETIAS on your behalf. Be World Ready will provide you with supporting documentation 11 weeks before departure to apply for a Visa as long as you have confirmed your appointment date at [email protected]. All international students will need to ensure that their Study Permits and Student Visas are not expired before the date of return from the international experience, to ensure that there are no challenges upon reentry to Canada. Travel restrictions and requirements for entry to Canada may change at any time. All travellers are responsible for remaining up to date with any restrictions and requirements for travel and re-entry to Canada leading up to and throughout their International Field Study. Niagara College Canada will assume no responsibility for any changes to governing body travel restrictions, required documentation for travel or any refused entry as a result of change. Travellers are encouraged to review the Government of Canada Website for the latest restrictions and requirements for entry to Canada, as well as to check entry requirements to their destination country as a Canadian citizen. If an ETIAS is not acquired, a visa appointment is not secured, or if a visa application is rejected, Niagara College and Be World Ready are unable to refund any payments made. All payments made towards the International Field Study are final.

All international or domestic students, in full-time or part-time* status, and in good academic standing at Niagara College, are eligible for a Be World Ready grant to help offset the cost of their international experience. You must be actively enrolled in studies during the term of travel to participate. International Field Studies participation is permitted only for students who have not yet experienced a Be World Ready IFS since beginning their studies at Niagara College. Students will not directly receive grant money as the full value of the grant has already been applied to the final payment to offset the total cost of the learning experience abroad. For students who do not complete all grant requirements by established deadlines (including the time of submission), the full grant amount may be charged directly to their student account. Details on grant requirements will be shared with you as part of the mandatory Be World Ready (SOCL 1128 or IDPL 9103) course, which all students participating in a Be World Ready International Field Study must enroll in and successfully complete. Eligibility requirements can vary from term-to-term, and from one opportunity to the next. Please complete the eligibility quiz linked on the specific opportunity page to determine if you meet eligibility requirements.

*Part-time students, are defined by Be World Ready as those actively enrolled in a Niagara College program, taking a minimum of 2 classes during the term of travel that contribute to their program progression and credential completion. Students taking a class that does not contribute to a program would not qualify to participate in a Be World Ready International Field Study.

THIS ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY STAGE

Oahu, Hawaii: Weaving Stories-Reclamation and Restoration of Indigenous Identity 

Day 1: Travel Day! Your flight from YYZ to YVR, then the last leg to HNL in Honalulu. Be prepared with snacks and water for this long travel day! Step off the plane into the lush beauty of Honolulu and head to Camp Palehua, your base for the adventure.

Day 2: After a good nights sleep, you’ll receive a warm Hawaiian welcome with a opening and grounding ceremony with Kamu UoH. This will be followed by a traditional lei ceremony led by the esteemed Dr. Manu Meyer. Following this by a Hawaiian lunch at Beach House 604. As the sun sets, engage with our special speaker at our Camp, Uncle Vince Dodge. He will ground us in the Ahupuaʻa System of traditional food production from “Mountain/Mauka to See/Makai”. We will learn about the importance of kalo production, and poi, as well as his current activism to support food sovereignty. Finish the day off with a Welcome Dinner with your hosts.

Included Meals: (B, L, D)

Day 3: Begin your day with an intention-setting breakfast before transferring to the beautiful Oahu. Dive into the Ho Mai Ka Pono film with brother Tom, which will be at the Kapiolani Park. This is an important documentary exploring the relationship between humans and the environment. Following this, we will learn about wayfaring, as we meet with the Polynesian Voyage Society! After lunch, we will have an enriching visit to the Bishop Museum. Your evening includes some free time to explore Waikiki.

Included Meals: (B, L)

Day 4: Dedicate this day to the land, beginning with a service project at Mao Farms. After a fulfilling morning, unwind with lunch. Then, immerse yourself in the soul of Hawaii through an interactive hula workshop led by the talented Traven. Tonight, share stories over dinner at the Camp.

Included Meals: (B, L)

Day 5: The University of Hawaii at Manoa opens its doors to you today, where you’ll engage with local faculty and learn about their efforts to preserve Hawaiian culture. Afterward, enjoy lunch and a visit to Mouna Farm. End the day with a powerful discussion on the impacts of U.S. militarism with activist Kyle Kajihiro, diving deep into the island’s complex past and present.

Included Meals: (B,L,D)

Day 6: After breakfast, spend the day at the Polynesian Cultural Center, explore the villages, and learn about the culture through interactive learning and games. After a buffet dinner, Enjoy the live show, HĀ: Breath of Life Show, a Pacific isle saga of birth and death, love, and family, triumph and tragedy.

Included Meals: (B,L,D)

Day 7: Set off to explore the beautiful Eastside of Oahu. Snap a group photo at the iconic Pali Lookout before visiting the community of Papahana Kuaola, where you’ll witness the connection between the past and future in sustainable practices. After a hearty lunch at the famous Poi Factory, learn about the restoration of ancient fishponds at Paepae o He’eia. The day ends with some relaxing beach time in Kailua and a heartfelt farewell dinner as you reflect on the incredible journey ending with a closing circle with Awa.

Included Meals: (B,L,D)

Day 8: Enjoy your final breakfast in paradise before saying goodbye to the island that has given you so much. Depending on your flight time, there may be one last chance to explore Honolulu and pick up souvenirs. Aloha, until we meet again!

Included Meals: (B)

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Selection Process: International Field Studies participation will be prioritized for students who have not yet experienced a Be World Ready IFS since beginning their studies at Niagara College. Participants will be confirmed by Be World Ready based on not having participated in a BWR experience before, being in good academic standing now and before the departure of the IFS, being actively enrolled in a program at Niagara College during the term of travel, and confirmation that you understand and agree to your enrollment in the general or liberal elective course requirements to participate. Please note that if you have not been contacted with an offer to participate within a week of submitting your application, that means you’ve been waitlisted based on funding criteria. Not everyone who applies at the same time will receive a decision at the same time. Please be patient as we review all applications and consider eligibility and funding criteria. 

NEW Payment Process: Students will not be able to make payment until after Be World Ready has reviewed their application and confirmed eligibility. You will receive a link by email from [email protected] with instructions on submitting payment once your eligibility has been confirmed.

Disclaimers: Be World Ready does their best to execute the itinerary as outlined above, however all elements are subject to change based on availability or requirement to adapt due to circumstances outside of our control. Students are also reminded that it is their responsibility to research the entry requirements to the destination countries visited per their nationality and vaccination status.

* Price per student is in Canadian Dollars and reflects the Be World Ready (BWR) grant which has been applied to the total trip cost to heavily subsidize the rate per person for our Winter 2025 International Field Studies (IFS). To qualify for the full value of the BWR grant applied to this IFS, mandatory training and tasks are required to be completed, training and task expectations will be clearly communicated by BWR staff upon registration and further clarified at the beginning of the mandatory Be World Ready course. Failure to complete the requirements as outlined by BWR staff and by Be World Ready course faculty will result in the value of the grant being billed back to the applicable student account, up to a maximum of $5000.

INCLUDED:

  • Round-trip airfare, including 1 checked bag (maximum weight is 23kg/50lb and maximum size is 158cm/62 linear inches)
  • Bunkhouse Accommodations – NOTE: the accommodations for this program are considered rustic and in a bunkhouse. Several students sharing a space, with washrooms outside of the room being shared in some cases.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals as outlined in the itinerary
  • Ground transportation in country
  • Activities as described in the itinerary
  • Rate per student is inclusive of taxes and fees

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Visa Fees (if necessary)
  • Passport (or any associated costs)
  • Transportation to/from Toronto
  • Meals not outlined in the itinerary
  • Souvenirs
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Departure taxes (otherwise known as an Exit Tax) or additional fees for items not noted as included, if applicable. Example of additional fees could be overweight baggage.
The Be World Ready program at Niagara College prepares you for global success through education, exchange, and international experience. This program offers you the opportunity to experience culturally diverse learning environments, understand different perspectives and connect practical skills with a global mindset to help you launch your career.
An international field study is a 7 – 10 day experience that incorporates both vocational and cultural elements, while visiting some of the world’s most famous sights! Many of our international field studies are customized for specific Schools and programs at Niagara College, allowing students to apply the skills learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. All international field studies depart during the Niagara College break weeks to ensure that students do not miss any classes.
All international field studies will include roundtrip airfare (where applicable), accommodations, travel insurance, entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary, and some meals as outlined in the itinerary. A detailed list of inclusions and exclusions will be viewable on the posted webpage for any international field study on our website. Participants can expect to purchase some meals on their own and will need to bring spending money for any souvenirs, extra excursions, incidentals or items of a personal nature.

No. All aspects noted as included in the overall cost of the selected international field study are mandatory with no exceptions made. Our international field studies are built using group pricing and it is important that we do not deviate from the inclusions as it could negatively impact our ability to offer fair pricing to all participants.

In addition to affecting group pricing, these are our Niagara College International Field Study policies, and we cannot deviate from them, as they are part of our risk mitigation and management.

No. Students are not able to book their own flight in any way or alter the flights confirmed by Be World Ready. The round-trip flights as confirmed by Be World Ready are part of the package pricing, and the group is to travel to and from the destination country together.

These are our Niagara College International Field Study policies, and we cannot deviate from them, as they are part of our risk mitigation and management.

Each international field study destination has different accommodation providers or themes. Accommodation types that are used may include a combination of dorm-style rooms, homestays, tourist class hotels, or occasionally hostels. We strive to ensure we use centrally located accommodation when in city centres, allowing our participants to explore their surroundings more easily. Private accommodation is not guaranteed.

Rooms will vary in style on each trip; however, they are commonly twin share (2 people to a room with separate beds where possible). Single rooms may be available for an additional room fee provided adequate notice is given to Be World Ready staff. We strive to ensure you have comfortable, affordable accommodations anywhere you travel.

Students will be given the opportunity to meet their fellow travellers before the deadline to submit their roommate requests. Be World Ready does their best to accommodate rooming requests, but please note that final rooming arrangements are subject to room occupancy requirements and availability. A rooming list will be created by Be World Ready staff and shared with our accommodation providers before your departure. All participants will be emailed and will have the opportunity to identify their preferred roommate(s). While we will make every effort to ensure all preferences are met, we cannot guarantee it.

As long as they are current full-time Niagara College students and meet the program eligibility requirements. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept any persons to participate in any of our international field studies that are not current full-time students at Niagara College.

In addition to regular communications shared with participants leading up to the departure of their international field study of choice, Be World Ready requires students to attend the Be World Ready course, which includes but is not limited to, online trainings and pre-departure training sessions. During the pre-departure training sessions, students will be presented with the overall expectations of the trip as well as in-depth details concerning their itinerary.

During their time abroad, students will be able to communicate with their trip leads directly, 24/7, with any questions or concerns.

All participants are required to hold a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond any expected date of return to participate in any opportunity involving outbound travel.

You are responsible for researching and applying for any required visa(s) on your own. Be World Ready is unable to tell you what visa you require and how to apply. Be World Ready will provide you with supporting documentation as needed to apply for a Visa. While Be World Ready is not able to advise or guide you in a heightened level of detail through any particular visa process, you may consider hiring a travel visa service to assist you with the visa application process, such as CIBT visas. Please note that Be World Ready and Niagara College do not endorse any third-party vendors, nor have any influence or control over any outcomes or services rendered. We cannot apply for a visa on behalf of any participant.

All international students will need to ensure that their Study Permits and Student Visas are not expired before the date of return from the international experience, to ensure that there are no challenges with reentry to Canada.

Yes, while it is great to have a Nexus card, all participants must hold a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond any expected date of return in order to participate in any opportunity outside of Canada.
Depending on your destination country, we encourage you to book an appointment with a travel health professional regarding any additional vaccinations and medications you may need. It is strongly encouraged that you book an appointment with the Campus Nurse to go over this information. To do so, please visit the medical office to book an appointment at your respective campus.
Be World Ready takes the safety of our staff and students very seriously and has a rigorous risk management assessment when creating all opportunities. Be World Ready staff monitor destination country risk levels as communicated by the Government of Canada. Your safety is the most important aspect of this trip. Be World Ready and Niagara College take all possible precautions to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable experience while travelling abroad.
Students who sign up during the active promotional period for the international field study will be presented with a payment schedule to follow. At time of registration, students will be only required to pay the full non-refundable deposit that is disclosed at time of registration. Students who are permitted to sign up late will be expected to catch up on any payments missed according to the payment schedule advertised. In some instances, there may only be one payment due date.
Complete the eligibility quiz linked on the webpage of the International Field Study you’re interested in to find out if you meet eligibility requirements.
No. Students will not directly receive grant money as the full value of the grant has already been applied to the final payment to offset the total cost of the learning experience abroad. For students who do not complete all grant requirements by established deadlines (including the time of submission), the full grant amount may be charged directly to their student account. Details on grant requirements will be shared with you as part of the mandatory Be World Ready (SOCL 1128 or IDPL 9103) course, which all students participating in a Be World Ready International Field Study must enroll in and successfully complete to receive funding.
Students are only permitted to travel on an IFS to their home country if the IFS is program specific. IFS’ that are open to students from all programs do not permit students to travel if the destination is their home country. The purpose of the grant funding is to help students gain global competencies that they would not otherwise be exposed to, and as such, travelling to destinations they’ve previously lived in does not support this goal.
Students have the potential to travel and receive funding through Be World Ready up to 2 times; students can travel once on either an International Field Study, Summer Institute, or Semester Exchange, and they can potentially travel again for a Work Abroad opportunity (if eligibility requirements are met – please note that if more applications are received than work abroad grants available, priority will be given to those who have never travelled on any type of Be World Ready experience before). So, if you’re wanting to travel on an International Field Study, note that participation on an IFS is permitted only for students who have not yet experienced a Be World Ready IFS, Summer Institute, or Semester Exchange since beginning their studies at Niagara College.

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Welland, Ontario
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[email protected]

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