A. Application: NICE requires an individual application for each student. Institutions may prefer to have students fill out a paper application (http://www.nice.hawaii.edu/forms/NICE3WeekAppForm.pdf) or may prefer to have each student apply online (https://outreach.hawaii.edu/registration/nice/). Paper applications can be scanned and emailed to our office all together. If students apply online, please send a list of your students to our office, so that we can identify them as your students.
B. Payment Procedures:
Group sponsors usually wish to pay the program fee for the entire group at one time. We accept checks or money orders made out to “University of Hawaii”. We also accept wire transfers. For wire transfer and banking information, please email us: [email protected]
Upon receiving the student applications, the NICE office will invoice the sponsoring institution for the total amount. Payment for groups is due no later than two months prior to the program start date.
C. Cancellations/Refunds:
The program fee will be refunded for individual student cancellations if the NICE office is notified in writing at least two business days before the program start date. The $75 application/registration fee is non-refundable.
Important: Refunds can only be made to the individual or institution that made the payment. Refunds are made by check only and may take up to three months to receive. Fees that are paid by credit card are refunded back to the credit card.
D. Deadlines: Our official application deadline for groups is two months prior to the program start date, so applications and payments must be received no later than two months prior. Early applications are greatly appreciated.
E. Visa: Entering the US: According to U.S. Department of Homeland Security regulations, the short-term NICE program of study does not require that students enter the US on a student visa. Program participants should enter the U.S. on tourist status. Depending on the country of origin, they should enter on the WT visa waiver status or a B1/B2 tourist visa. For the visa waiver, visitors to the U.S. must register online in ESTA ($14) at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ For students coming from countries where a visa is required, personal interviews at the American Embassy or Consulate are necessary. Be sure to allow enough time for this process.
F. Student Information Packet: Approximately one month prior to the start of the program, the NICE office prepares an electronic mailing with information for the students. Unless otherwise requested, we will email this packet to the group sponsor for distribution to the students. This packet will be emailed after all application materials and payments have been received. The package contains: 1. A general letter welcoming the students to the program with instructions about ESTA/visa requirements and arrival. 2. Tentative program calendar 3. First day schedule with information on where and when to report 4. UH campus map 5. Port of Entry Letter with an explanation of the program to assist the student in case he/she is asked for details regarding the purpose of the visit upon arrival at the Daniel K. Inoue International Airport.
Note: For countries with the visa- waiver program, this will be a general letter with the student list attached. For countries requiring a B1/B2 visa, individualized letters will be provided.
G. Medical Insurance: All students are required to carry medical insurance that covers them during their stay in Hawaiʻi. If your institution is purchasing insurance for the group, we can accept the group listing from your office. Otherwise, students must provide proof of medical insurance during registration on the first day. Any student who arrives without medical insurance will be obligated to purchase insurance online through one of our recommended medical insurance providers.
H. Upon arrival: Students will be asked to provide their local Hawaiʻi address, phone number, and emergency contact. If not previous provided, their medical insurance will also be checked.