“My experiences at the East-West Center made me realize that however diverse we are, there are so many things that we all have in common and that we must work together to solve.”
—Student Affiliate, Indonesia
The EWC’s unique approach to preparing students for leadership roles throughout the region is its focus on community building at the campus level as a stepping-stone to community building at the regional level.
Together students participate in intellectual, social, cultural, and professional development activities to enhance their understanding and problem solving across disciplinary and national boundaries. As they do, they learn about the Asia-Pacific region and develop skills that will enable them to make a difference in their home communities and beyond. See below for some distinctive features of the EWC student experience.
A diverse and active community.
Students from across the Asia-Pacific region and the U.S. live together in two residence halls on the 21-acre East-West Center campus, adjacent to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Along with living, cooking, and sharing meals together, collaboration on the following activities helps develop lifelong relationships and a powerful sense of community:
- Community Building Institute (CBI), a program of activities and orientation for new and returning students
- East-West Center Participants Association (EWCPA), a student-led membership organization dedicated to promoting culture, developing community spirit, and advocating student interests
- Cultural and social events and activities, including
“Making friends with people from around the world helped me learn not just about others and their perspectives, but also about myself.”
—Graduate Degree Fellow, Hawaiʻi/Japan
A stimulating environment for academic collaborations and connections.
Students pursue a range of academic and professional disciplines at UH. The Center provides additional opportunities for intellectual growth.
- The Exchange presents acclaimed guests, dynamic activities, and exciting performances that connect students to the issues and leading thinkers of the day.
- International Graduate Student Conference showcases graduate research with an Asia Pacific focus by students from around the world.
- Conference and field research grants are awarded competitively to support student travel for academic purposes.
“I will always appreciate the wonderfully interesting conversations about all types of issues I've had with the very thoughtful and fiery participants of the EWC.”
—Student Affiliate, United States
Student-initiated and student-led activities.
These activities provide opportunities to innovate, be part of a team, and learn effective leadership. They include:
- Internships organizing and producing The Exchange, leading the International Graduate Student Conference, producing Humans of East-West Center, and engaging with the research and education projects of the East-West Center.
- EWC Participants Association Board service is by election, and Board members play a leadership role in organizing student activities and events and represent students with East-West Center leadership and affiliated organizations.
“Professional development opportunities like the IGSC and the EWCPA Board, have served as valuable platforms for putting my ideas in practice.”
—Graduate Degree Fellow, United States
Personal and professional connections.
These enrich the Hawaiʻi experience and build professional skills and networks.
- Friends of the East-West Center pairs students with local “host” families to deepen students’ connection to the community.
- Mentoring Program matches current students with relevant leaders and professionals in the Honolulu community.
- EWC Alumni network draws from over 65,000 current and former participants around the world.
“The experience helped me feel confident as part of the global community and allowed me to network with people from all over the world.”
—Student Affiliate, Indonesia
“My experiences at the East-West Center made me realize that however diverse we are, there are so many things that we all have in common and that we must work together to solve.”
—Student Affiliate, Indonesia
The EWC’s unique approach to preparing students for leadership roles throughout the region is its focus on community building at the campus level as a stepping-stone to community building at the regional level.
Together students participate in intellectual, social, cultural, and professional development activities to enhance their understanding and problem solving across disciplinary and national boundaries. As they do, they learn about the Asia-Pacific region and develop skills that will enable them to make a difference in their home communities and beyond. See below for some distinctive features of the EWC student experience.
A diverse and active community.
Students from across the Asia-Pacific region and the U.S. live together in two residence halls on the 21-acre East-West Center campus, adjacent to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Along with living, cooking, and sharing meals together, collaboration on the following activities helps develop lifelong relationships and a powerful sense of community:
- Community Building Institute (CBI), a program of activities and orientation for new and returning students
- East-West Center Participants Association (EWCPA), a student-led membership organization dedicated to promoting culture, developing community spirit, and advocating student interests
- Cultural and social events and activities, including
“Making friends with people from around the world helped me learn not just about others and their perspectives, but also about myself.”
—Graduate Degree Fellow, Hawaiʻi/Japan
A stimulating environment for academic collaborations and connections.
Students pursue a range of academic and professional disciplines at UH. The Center provides additional opportunities for intellectual growth.
- The Exchange presents acclaimed guests, dynamic activities, and exciting performances that connect students to the issues and leading thinkers of the day.
- International Graduate Student Conference showcases graduate research with an Asia Pacific focus by students from around the world.
- Conference and field research grants are awarded competitively to support student travel for academic purposes.
“I will always appreciate the wonderfully interesting conversations about all types of issues I've had with the very thoughtful and fiery participants of the EWC.”
—Student Affiliate, United States
Student-initiated and student-led activities.
These activities provide opportunities to innovate, be part of a team, and learn effective leadership. They include:
- Internships organizing and producing The Exchange, leading the International Graduate Student Conference, producing Humans of East-West Center, and engaging with the research and education projects of the East-West Center.
- EWC Participants Association Board service is by election, and Board members play a leadership role in organizing student activities and events and represent students with East-West Center leadership and affiliated organizations.
“Professional development opportunities like the IGSC and the EWCPA Board, have served as valuable platforms for putting my ideas in practice.”
—Graduate Degree Fellow, United States
Personal and professional connections.
These enrich the Hawaiʻi experience and build professional skills and networks.
- Friends of the East-West Center pairs students with local “host” families to deepen students’ connection to the community.
- Mentoring Program matches current students with relevant leaders and professionals in the Honolulu community.
- EWC Alumni network draws from over 65,000 current and former participants around the world.
“The experience helped me feel confident as part of the global community and allowed me to network with people from all over the world.”
—Student Affiliate, Indonesia