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Office of International Programs

Aloha, and Welcome to the Office of International Programs (OIP)!

There is no better place to attend college than the island of O‘ahu (known as “the Gathering Place”). With international students from around the world each semester, Leeward Community College is the perfect place to get a quality education, make new friends, and experience all that Hawai‘i has to offer.

Our Pu‘uloa Campus (main campus) is just 15 minutes from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, 18 minutes from Ko Olina, and 30 minutes from the North Shore. Our diverse OIP staff are here to welcome you and provide personalized support throughout your academic journey. Come, and join the Leeward ‘Ohana (family)!

Why Choose Leeward?

    High-Quality Programs
    Leeward Community College offers more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs.

    ESL Pathway Programs
    Leeward Community College’s ESL Pathway Program provides high-quality English instruction to students wishing to improve their English for academic, professional, or personal purposes. Island excursions and activities complement the academic program.

    Program Features include:

      • Credit English as a Second Language courses
      • 16-week sessions
      • Intermediate to Advanced Levels
      • Small classes
      • Culturally diverse student population
      • 24/7 Tutoring Service
      • One-on-one support from instructors and advisors
      • Small, friendly campus

    2022-2023 Academic Year
    Fall & Spring semesters excluding Summer Sessions

    FEE TYPE EXPENSES 1 ACADEMIC YEAR
    Non-Resident Tuition $345 per credit (24 credits: 12 credits/per semester) $8,280.00
    Student Activities Fee $0.52  per credit  (up to a maximum of $5.20) $10.40
    Student Government Fee $0.98  per credit (up to a maximum of $9.80) $1.96
    Student Health Center Fee $15.00 $30.00
    Academics Total $8,322.36

     

    Estimated Total Expenses for One Academic Year (9 months): $22,528.00

    FEE TYPE EXPENSES 1 ACADEMIC YEAR/9 MONTHS
    Tuition* (If registered for 12 credits) $4,170.00 per semester $8,628.00
    Living Expenses $6,000.00 per semester $12,000
    Books and Insurance** $950 per semester $1,900
    Estimated Total Expenses Total $22,528.00

    For more information on scholarships and financial aid, click here.

    *Includes estimated material fees

    **International Students are required to purchase a mandatory health insurance plan offered by Leeward CC.

    Safe and Friendly Community 
    The campus has an extremely low crime rate and offers various crime prevention programs such as an escort service and emergency call boxes.

    Being a student at Leeward means that you get to explore all that Hawai‘i has to offer. Choose from numerous outdoor activities, visit historic landmarks, and indulge in some “‘ono” (delicious, tasty) local cuisine!

    How to Apply

    The Office of International Programs is here to help you every step of the way through the admissions process. You’ll receive personal attention and guidance here at Leeward CC and become a valued and important member of our campus community. We look forward to meeting you!

    Minimum Requirements: You must be 18 years of age OR you must have completed high school or the equivalent.

    Full-Time International Student Application

    STEP 1

    Submit an online application. If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to create an account before you can submit an application. This application is being used by all seven (7) University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges. From the “Add Program” section of the application, please be sure to select an academic major that is offered at “Leeward CC Main Campus – Pearl City, Oahu”. *There is a non-refundable $25 application fee. 

    STEP 2

    Submit other required documents listed on the International Student Checklist to the Office of International Programs (lccintl@hawaii.edu) via FileDrop

    Part-Time International Student Application

    STEP 1

    Submit an online application. If you are a first-time applicant, you will need to create an account before you can submit an application. This application is being used by all seven (7) University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges. From the “Add Program” section of the application, please be sure to select an academic major that is offered at “Leeward CC Main Campus – Pearl City, Oahu”. *There is a non-refundable $25 application fee. 

    STEP 2

    Submit the following documents to the Office of International Programs (lccintl@hawaii.edu) via FileDrop

    • Copy of passport photo page
    • Copy of F-1/J-1 visa or change of status approval notice from USCIS
    • Form I-94 
    • Copy of Form I-20 or Form DS-2019
    • A letter on school letterhead from a Designated School Official (DSO) at your school giving you permission to take the class(es) at Leeward Community College. The letter must include the class(es) that you wish to take. (F-1 student ONLY)

    Forms:

    FileDrop or Mail ALL of the documents to:

    Leeward Community College
    Office of International Programs
    96-045 Ala ‘Ike
    Pearl City, Hawai‘i 96782 

    Email: lccintl@hawaii.edu
    Phone: (808) 455-0570
    Note: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. However, we strongly recommend applying 3 months before the start of a semester.

    Study Abroad Programs

    Study Abroad Programs for Local Students
    Are you yearning to travel? Consider studying abroad! The University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges and Leeward Community College have partnerships with various institutions abroad to offer you many options for earning credit while studying in a foreign country. 

    University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges Study Abroad Programs
    The University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges offer various study abroad programs and scholarships. All eligible UH Community College students are encouraged to apply. For more information about their programs and scholarships, please visit their website.

    Leeward Community College Study Abroad Programs
    Students pay Leeward tuition and receive Leeward credits. Below is a list of Study Abroad programs.

      • CHIBA (TOKYO), JAPAN
        Japanese Language & Culture  (JPNS 102, 201, 202)
        Dates: May – June (4 weeks)
        Program Fee: TBA
        Description: The program includes an intensive language course at Josai International University, individual apartment accommodations, airport pickup/drop off, cultural activities, a one-weekend homestay
      • SEOUL, KOREA
        Korean Language & Culture (KOR 101, 102, 201)
        Dates: July – August (5 weeks)
        Program Fee: TBA
        Description: The program includes an intensive Korean language course and Korean Studies course (in English) at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies International Summer Session, dormitory accommodations, cultural activities, and field trips

    Leeward Community College Faculty-led Programs
    Some Leeward CC faculty members plan trips to offer classes abroad. Due to the pandemic, we currently don’t have any faculty-led programs. 

    If you are a faculty member and interested in leading a study abroad group, please contact the Office of International Programs at (808) 455-0570. 

    Participate in Affiliated Study Abroad Programs
    These are programs provided by our partners, AIFS, API, CISabroad, and TEAN.  As students from an Affiliated Institution, Leeward students receive a discount on the published price of these programs.  NO Leeward tuition is paid for these programs, and students are responsible on their own for requesting transfer credits through the Leeward Admission & Records Office. The transfer of these credits is not facilitated or guaranteed by the Office of International Programs.

    Summer and Semester-long programs throughout Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Latin America, and Europe (with scholarships available!)

    STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM PROVIDER WEBSITE
    AIFS Study Abroad www.aifsabroad.com
    API Abroad www.apistudyabroad.com
    Asia Exchange
    Asia Exchange offers study abroad programs in various fields in interesting Asian destinations including 12 locations in total in six different countries. Leeward has agreed with Asia Exchange that more affordable European fees do apply instead of non-European fees. We guarantee that when you apply, you will receive an acceptance decision within a week.
    www.asiaexchange.org
    CSI Abroad www.cisabroad.com
    The EDUCATION ABROAD Network
    Our Study abroad affiliates offer programs to: Argentina, Australia, Bhutan, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, England, Fiji, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Scotland, Spain, United Arab Emirates
    Costs vary depending on location and program length
    www.educationabroadnetwork.org
    SEMESTER AT SEA www.semesteratsea.org

    Customized Short-term Programs

    Leeward Community College links with international secondary & post-secondary institutions to develop mutually beneficial international partnerships and visiting programs. The Office of International Programs develops and implements new and existing international partnerships and visiting short-term programs based upon shared institutional values and program offerings. 

    If your institution is interested in developing a customized short-term program with Leeward Community College, or needs additional information, please contact the International Programs Office at (808) 455-0570 or email lccintl@hawaii.edu.

    CONTACT INFO

    Leeward Community College
    International Programs
    96-045 Ala Ike
    Pearl City, Hawaii 96782
    Phone: (808) 455-0570
    Fax: (808) 455-0568
    lccintl@hawaii.edu

    Office hours:

    Monday-Thursday 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
    Friday 8:30 am – 12:00 pm