Practical improvements in a short-term study abroad program in Hilo, Hawai‘i: through plan-do-see procedure

Abstract

This paper reports on a new short-term study abroad program called Area Studies (Hawai'i). The program content includes ESL classes and various experiential learning activities to enhance ‘ike maka, and ‘ike kino [see with your own eyes, see with your own body] experiences. Qualitative analysis from questionnaires, participants' journals, and the reporter's observations reveal several possibilities to further develop the program content and procedures. In particular, the author and the ESL instructor in Hawai'i worked together to make a stronger tie between the mandatory English classes in the students' home university and the ESL content in Hawaii. In addition, the Hawaiian Studies segment has set a main theme and added a short excursion to Puna area, where a large lava flow devastated many homes and changed the landscape. Having a few more excursion options could make fuller use of the unique environmental/historical/cultural characteristics on the Big Island.