New Intensive Courses in English (NICE) - 3-week

This interactive English language program focuses on communication, culture, and community. NICE maximizes the students' time in Hawai'i through in-class and off-campus activities that provide an intensive, yet fun, experience learning English while immersed in the life and culture of Hawai'i.  If you are 18 years or older, join us for an enriching study abroad experience like nowhere else in the world.  University groups are very welcome.

PROGRAM HOURS 

• Winter NICE (February):   12:30 pm – 4:20 pm, Mondays - Fridays 
• Spring NICE (March):       12:30 pm – 4:20 pm, Mondays - Fridays 
• Summer NICE (August):   8:30 am - 12:20 pm, Mondays - Fridays
• Fall NICE (September):    12:30 pm – 4:20 pm, Mondays - Fridays

PROGRAM FEATURES

ORIENTATION and CAMPUS On the first day, students receive an orientation to the program, the university, and the community. During the first week, teachers conduct detailed safety briefings as well. 

LEVELS  On the first day, students are given an oral interview (speaking test) with teachers and are then placed into one of five levels:  Basic, High Basic, Intermediate, High Intermediate, Advanced. 

CURRICULUM  Designed to help build oral proficiency, each level has specified student learning outcomes (SLOs) that focus on speaking.  Class activities may include:

• pair and small group activities
• role-plays
• discussions and debates
• campus surveys
• mini oral reports
• oral presentations

All students complete a final speaking project during week three.

OFF-CAMPUS COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES   Classes are held off-campus two times during the session.  Example community activities include museum visits, cultural events, a Pearl Harbor visit, or a visit to a chocolate factory.  (Note:  Students should plan to spend up to $20 total on these required activities.)

INTERCHANGE  Students speak English with University of Hawai'i students through "Interchange" five times during the session. Teachers provide tasks connected to the curriculum, and sessions are held in a friendly atmosphere that encourages interaction.

HULA WORKSHOP   Once each session, a "kumu hula" (hula teacher) teaches students about one of the most beautiful and important aspects of Hawaiian culture, the Hawaiian hula. Students learn to perform hula during the 2-hour workshop held at a halau (hula school) on campus. 

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES  Three optional events are offered in the evenings or on weekends. Students receive detailed information about the activities soon after registering for the program. Activities and costs vary with many events being free. Examples include whale watching, university basketball game, or sunset picnic.

EVALUATION   Each student receives an official transcript of performance and attendance.  Upon request, and with student authorization, the program will provide a copy of the transcript to a student's home university.

CLOSING CELEBRATION/CERTIFICATE   On the last day of the program, you will join your classmates for a celebration. Students give speeches and provide entertainment. Students who meet performance and attendance requirements receive a University of Hawai’i certificate of completion. Food or refreshments are provided.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

ELIGIBILITY

• 3-week NICE welcomes applicants from all countries.
• 3-week NICE accepts students from beginning to advanced levels.
• 3-week NICE students must be at least 18 years old at time of class start for registration.

VISA INFORMATION

Because the 3-week NICE sessions are short, part-time programs, students may enter the U.S. on a tourist visa (B2) or visa waiver (ESTA). The study program is considered "incidental" to the visit. Students who intend to continue studying in the U.S. after completing the session should contact the NICE office or the U.S. Embassy for advice on visa types.

HOW TO APPLY

Individual students: Please apply and pay with credit card online. (Contact the NICE office if you are unable to do this.)

Group Sponsors: Please contact the NICE office for information regarding the application and payment process for your group.

WHEN TO APPLY

For individual students, the application deadline is one month before the program start date. However, we recommend applying much earlier as applications are accepted on a first-come first-served basis until the program is full.

For groups, the application and payment deadline is two months before the session starts.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS UPON ARRIVAL

All new students must complete final registration at the new student orientation on the first day of the program. Students will need to bring the following:

1. Hawaii Address

2. Proof of Medical Insurance

Medical insurance should be purchased before arrival, if possible, since medical care in the US is very expensive. Without health insurance coverage, you will pay thousands of dollars more to receive medical attention. Students who do not purchase medical insurance in their home countries may also purchase medical insurance online upon arrival. Students without medical insurance will not be allowed to attend classes.

QUESTIONS?

Email us at ipinfo@hawaii.edu or phone us at (808) 956-7753.