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Semester Abroad on Maui (SAM) Frequently Asked Questions

What does UH SAM stand for?
The University of Hawaii Semester Abroad On Maui (or SAM, for short)

Where do the students live?
Students are housed in Kulanaa‘o, a brand new student residence (www.kulanaao.com); the fully furnished apartment-style housing accommodates four students per unit and amenities include high speed internet, cable, an interior courtyard with a running stream, study areas, a lounge, laundry facilities, front desk with mail distribution, and on-site advisors. SAM students will have the opportunity to live and interact with native speakers of English, and will also be able to participate in the active Student Life program at the residence which includes periodic social gatherings and activities for residents during the evening. Kulanaa‘o Student Residence is within walking distance of the campus, grocery stores, the largest shopping center on Maui, and many restaurants. For meals, students have the option of restaurants, home prepared meals, or the university cafeteria which is open for breakfast and lunch daily.

What is the duration of the program?
Programs are generally eight weeks in length, beginning in Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, Spring II and Summer I. However, universities may opt for a shorter or longer version of the program, with more flexible starting and ending dates.

What is the goal of the program?
The goal of the program is to allow students to use and improve their English abilities in both an academic setting as well as a different cultural setting. Through real and meaningful use of English, students will obtain confidence, gain understanding of the world outside their own country, and become familiar with the culture of the Hawaiian Islands. With such an experience, students will be able to return to their home country with a larger world perspective and even greater motivation for continued study.

Are there any special events/activities through the Maui Language Institute program?
MLI hosts an excursion every eight weeks. Typically students participate in seasonal field trips such as whale watching in the spring or beach parties during the summer. Every field trip is faculty chaperoned and MLI even has its own lifeguards! There are also regular counseling sessions for the students on topics such as Study Skills, and Getting Along With Your Roommate. At the end of each eight-week session, students have the opportunity to present work from their Performing Arts classes and students celebrate the end of the session with a potluck featuring flavors from all over the world. MLI students may also take advantage of all campus services and clubs and have the opportunity to meet local speakers through the student life programs on campus.

Are there any special services specifically for the SAM students?
Yes. Although the SAM students are integrated into the regular program and enjoy all the benefits of student life on Maui, there are student services specifically for them including a lei airport pickup, shopping excursions, a special 2-day orientation to the campus, as well as volunteer opportunities. Each program concludes with a farewell party and certificate ceremony.

Do SAM students take regular Maui College classes?

No. The Maui Language Institute program is aligned with the sophomore English offerings in foreign universities, but address the specific needs of second language learners while maintaining the integrity of the curriculum.

What do the students study?
MLI classes are divided in skills based courses (Writing and Grammar, Reading and Vocabulary, and Speaking and Listening), and content based courses, where English is applied to other subject areas such as Film Studies, Performing Arts, and Hawaiian Studies. The classes are lively and experiential, and students have ample opportunity to engage in a variety of practice situations ranging from role playing, to small group discussion, to public presentations and performances. The total number of contact hours over the 8 week period is 144 (24 hours per course).

Who are the SAM instructors?
The SAM program is taught by the regular faculty of the Maui Language Institute, all of whom have Masters or PhD degrees. The faculty members also teach regular courses for the college and the UH University Center on Maui. The instructors are seasoned ESL teachers with years of experience working with in the second language field both in the United States and abroad. Several of the faculty members have taught in the Japanese university system. In addition, MLI has two professional counselors/faculty to assist the students in their transition and throughout their semester on Maui.

How are students evaluated?
Standard methods of evaluation are used at MLI such as tests, class participation, presentations, homework, and essays. Students should expect to have approximately one hour of homework each day. The Learning Center is available to students where they may sign up for free tutorials if they need additional assistance. Private lessons are also available through the Maui Language Institute, though are generally not required.

Do SAM students have the opportunity to do volunteer work in the community?
Yes. A volunteer opportunity will be part of each eight-week session. Activities include traditional fishpond restoration, native plant restoration, and marine life preservation.

What is the typical student schedule?
Students are in class from Monday through Thursday from 9am - 1:30pm each day. SAM students will attend one 8-week session. During each 8-week session, students participate in an excursion, and at the end of each 8-week session, MLI celebrates with a potluck and performances generated from the Performing Arts classes. At the end of the program, SAM students will participate in a certificate ceremony commemorating their time at MLI.

How do students gain credit for the courses?
Interested universities assess the content of the MLI curriculum and the contact hours to determine equivalencies in their own curriculum. Decisions must be made with regard to which courses students will be credited for in their home universities, and how many credit hours will be allotted for the MLI courses. For example, MLI’s Intermediate Film Studies course, with an emphasis on listening and 24 contact hours, might be deemed to be equal to a listening course at the sophomore level in the home university. MLI works closely with the universities in providing curricular materials, textbook references, and assessment methods. Students receive a report card at the end of each eight-week session with grades and comments, a copy of which is retained for the home university.

How does my university get involved?
Contact Alice Hamilton Luther, Director of the Maui Language Institute/Interim International Education Director:
Telephone: (808) 984-3408
Fax: (808) 984-3587
Email: aluther@hawaii.edu