A new arrangement between Japan Aviation College Hokkaido (JAA) and the University of Hawaii West Oahu permits Japanese students to smoothly transfer and complete their bachelor's degree in Hawaii. For the Kapolei campus, this is the first of many anticipated foreign collaborations. Maenette Benham, Chancellor of UH West Oʻahu stated, “We look forward to bringing JAA students to our campus to enhance their education with an Indigenous-grounded curriculum in our top-notch business program”. “This valuable partnership will provide our own students with the chance to interact with an international community to expand their global knowledge and understanding”, Maenette Benham added.
Students that earn an associate degree from JAA have been assured admission to UH West Oahu's business administration program with second-year status and a focus on management, or marketing, hospitality, and tourism. The JAA students will need to fulfill the necessary requirements for foreign transfer students, which include completing a recognized English proficiency test. The relationship fosters international education, cross-cultural interaction, and teamwork in areas of mutual interest and mutual value to both institutions. Beginning in 2025, JAA students who meet the requirements will go to UH West Oahu for a proactive learning experience that will present them with place-based learning, Indigenous culture, and a rigorous academic curriculum within the Business Administration degree.
“Japan and Hawaii have a deep historical and cultural relationship”, Tadahiro Umezawa, Chancellor of JAA stated. “In international resorts and commercial areas, there are opportunities for Japanese students to learn. This is extremely meaningful, and I hope that it will have a positive impact on the future of students”.
JAA’s International Aviation Business Department intends to boost ground staff and cabin attendants who have the potential to flourish worldwide with culture and international expertise. To provide the groundwork for comprehending cultural differences across borders, students study languages and Japanese culture. They also take workshops on practical manner training, where they acquire proper etiquette and manners, and they develop a strong feeling of hospitality.
