Global Vulcans: UH Hilo Study Abroad

Meet Kealiʻi Rapozo — a communication major at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo who decided to take learning beyond the classroom and around the world. Twice!

Last spring, Kealiʻi spent his semester studying at the University of Stirling in Scotland, diving into film studies & journalism ethics while earning credits toward his degree.

This past winter break, he joined BE Global Camp 2025 at Mahidol University in Thailand — exploring sustainability, biodiversity, and cultural experiences that reshaped his perspective.

Growing up in Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi, Kealiʻi didn’t have many chances to travel - but scholarships like the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship and the Nāpua Kalei ʻIke Honua Scholarship helped make these life-changing experiences possible.

“Studying abroad helped me step out of my comfort zone, build confidence, and form lifelong friendships across the globe.”

Now back home in Hawaiʻi, Kealiʻi is sharing his journey to inspire others to expand their horizons through education and travel.

Swipe to see his adventures from castle ruins to rice fields!

Want to read his full story? Tap the Linktr.ee in our bio → UH Hilo Stories & Events

UH Hilo is justifiably proud of its diversity.  Our international exchange students who come to Hilo to spend one or two semesters at our campus are an important part of that diversity.  In addition to bringing their culture, distinct viewpoints, and global perspectives to UH Hilo, they also bring academic excellence.  During the recently completed Fall 2025 semester, the collective average grade point average of our international exchange students was a very impressive 3.61.  This is even more impressive considering almost all of them, were taking classes in a second language.  We applaud our international exchange students for their hard work and commitment to academics and thank them for the variety and taste of the world that they bring to UH Hilo.

Congratulations to the winners of our fifth photo contest category: Ancient Treasures.

1st place: "Kīlauea"
Jonah Szecket
Volcano National Park, Big Island, Hawai'i

2nd Place: "The German Gate"
Sarah Huegler
Berlin, Germany

3rd Place: "Eiffel Tower"
Koryn Castaneda-Sako
Paris, France

Thanks to everyone who participated and helped vote!

*Photos are cropped disproportionately.

Congratulations to the winners of our fourth photo contest category: Food Culture.

1st place: "Crêpes Sucrées"
Koryn Castaneda-Sako
Paris, France

2nd Place: "Asado"
Jonah Szecket
Posta De Las Cabras, Salta, Argentina

3rd Place: "Shohei in the Konbini"
Analeise Dilley
Family Mart, Tokyo, Japan

Thanks to everyone who participated and helped vote!

*Photos are cropped disproportionately.

Congratulations to the winners of our third photo contest category: Street Scene Stories.

1st place: "Puaolele"
Ruth Fiaavae
Aoloau & A’asu Fou, Amerika Samoa

2nd Place: "Hole in the Wall"
Jonah Szecket
Buenos Aires, Argentina

3rd Place: "Snow mover"
Dominic Hilman
Downtown Sapporo, Japan

Thanks to everyone who participated and helped vote!

*Photos are cropped disproportionately.

Congratulations to the winners of our second photo contest category: Out in Nature.

1st place: "Nature Walk"
Jonah Szecket
Waiale Waterfall, Big Island, Hawaii

2nd Place: "Rainbows and Waterfalls"
Sarah Huegler
Gullfoss Falls, Iceland

3rd Place: "Snow Marge"
Maria dePillis-Shintaku
Kyoto Imperial Palace

Thanks to everyone who participated and helped vote!

*Photos are cropped disproportionately.

Congratulations to the winners of our first photo contest category: Celebration of Culture.

1st place: "Boy above the Crowds"
Jonah Szecket
Piazza Del Campo, Siena, Italy

2nd Place: "‘Ie Toga"
Ruth Fiaavae
American Samoa

3rd Place: "My first Graduation"
Whitney Taylor
Korea University

Thanks to everyone who participated and helped vote!

*Photos are cropped disproportionately.

Nagoya Castle

Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Japan is such a vivid country, I don’t understand how they get so many colors in one frame.

Category: Ancient Treasures

Little Warriors

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is replete with many amazing ancient treasures, but my favorite was the impressively detailed little soldier models.

Category: Ancient Treasures

The Most Ancient Treasure

Kichijōji Tokyo Japan

There is no treasure more ancient than nature and I’ve learned to appreciate that more while being in a big city.

Category: Ancient Treasures