Business Development and Support Division

HONOLULU – The Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and the Study Hawaii Educational Consortium, an organization of 28 public and private schools, colleges and universities dedicated to increasing the enrollment of international students in Hawaii, announces a press and media tour of six journalists from Asia, Europe and South America. 

Journalists from Ei!Magazine by Belta of Brazil; EL Gazette and PIE News of the UK; Ryugaku Journal and Mainichi Newspapers of Japan; and Studying Abroad Online China will participate in the mission.

The tour will take place during the week of November 12-18, during International Education Week.  In honor of International Education Week, Gov. David Ige will sign a proclamation to recognize the contributions of foreign students to Hawaii’s economy and culture.

The signing will take place on Nov.14, in the Ceremonial Room, Governor’s Office, Hawaii State Capitol. 

According to DBEDT’s 2017 Hawaii International Education Survey, Hawaii hosted 10,800 students from 27 institutions during the 2016-17 academic year, down from 12,200 students from 31 institutions during the 2015-16 academic year. The total direct economic financial impact of international students for the State of Hawaii was an estimated $225.3 million in 2016-17, down from $302 million in 2015-16.  This amount includes tuition and fees plus living expenses.  In addition to the direct impact, other economic benefits of international students in Hawaii for the 2016-17 period included:

• $484 million added to the state’s total economic output, including direct, indirect, and induced effects.
• $32 million in state taxes generated from the total economic output.
• $192 million in household earnings attributed to foreign students.
• 5,093 jobs supported by foreign students’ spending.
• $24,139 overall average annual per student spending.

The journalists’ mission is designed, in part, to counter the downward trend in international students studying in Hawaii, by showcasing Hawaii’s educational assets and unique features under the overall theme of, “Hawaii, the Best Classroom in the World!”  The group will visit various sites including Kapiolani Community College’s Culinary Institute of the Pacific, Iolani School for presentations by Study Hawaii member institutions, Coconut Island Marine Research facility, MidPacific Institute, the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Pacific University, UH Maui College, the Institute for Astronomy at Haleakala, UH Hilo, Hawaii Prep Academy and Hawaii Community College.

“Hawaii’s educational institutions host a diverse group of students from all over the globe,’ said DBEDT Director Luis Salaveria.  While Japan remains the top country of origin for Hawaii’s international students, students from Korea and China show tremendous potential for growth.”

DBEDT recently established the Study Hawaii Ambassador Program, which is estimated to host to more than 25,000 students for school excursions and other education-related travel from Japan, China, Taiwan and Korea.  As a result, the students become well aware of the various educational offerings and institutions available in Hawaii.

“Students who participate in the program receive an official certificate recognizing them as Study Hawaii Ambassadors,” said Dennis Ling, administrator of DBEDT’s Business Development and Support Division.  “This approach spreads the word on Hawaii with authentic peer-to-peer, often viral, multiple channel distribution of information about Hawaii as a premiere study destination.”

More information about Study Hawaii may be found at www.studyhawaii.org.
 
View the Economic Impact of International Students in Hawaii –2017 Update.

Media Contacts

Christine Hirasa
Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
Phone: (808) 587-9006
Mobile: (808) 286-9017
Email: Christine.M.Hirasa@hawaii.gov
Website: dbedt.hawaii.gov