UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I | MAUI LANGUAGE INSTITUTE
Week Abroad on Maui (WAM) Frequently Asked Questions
WAM courses are for advanced or native speakers of english.
What is UH WAM?The program offers advanced or native speakers of English an opportunity to participate in a week-long intensive Hawaiian Studies program while simultaneously enjoying the rich beauty and cultural diversity of the Hawaiian islands through excursions on Maui that combine the knowledge gained in class with hands on experience. What does UH WAM stand for?
The University of Hawaii Week Abroad On Maui (or WAM, for short). Who is WAM for?
WAM is for groups of 10 or more adults who are advanced or native speakers of English. Typically, individuals who participate in the WAM program are interested in a combination of academic classes and first hand experience through excursions. 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 people per unit and amenities include high speed internet, cable, an interior courtyard, study areas, a lounge, laundry facilities, front desk with mail distribution, and on-site advisors. 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 7 days in length with 2 travel days on either end (9 days total). Groups should contact the Maui Language Institute to confirm the availability of dates. What is the goal of the program?
The goal of the program is to introduce participants to a wide variety of topics related to Hawaiian history, culture and the arts. Excursions are directly related to the academic curriculum and include the Maui Ocean Center, a sunset cruise, Haleakala National Park, Maui Tropical Plantation, Iao Valley, surfing, Lahaina tour, and snorkeling. What do the students study?
The curriculum includes the Geography of the Hawaiian Islands; Underwater Hawaii; Geology of Hawaiian Islands; Plants and Animals of Hawaii; Polynesian Migration; History of Maui: Pre-contact, Whaling, Sugar, Pineapple, and Tourism; Hawaiian Culture: Society and Daily Life; and Hawaiian Language. Who are the WAM instructors?
The WAM 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. Hawaiian Studies is a major area of study at the Maui Language Institute and the faculty specializes in the topics covered in the WAM program. Guest speakers also join the regular faculty in delivering specific workshops in their areas of specialty. What is the difference between the WAM program and MLI's short-term programs?
Students may gain credit from their home universities for the WAM program. Also, students who participate in the WAM program are native speakers, or near-native speakers of English and are prepared for university level content. 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 WAM courses. MLI works closely with the universities in providing curricular materials, textbook references, and assessment methods. 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