Texas State in Hawaii : Online and Extended Programs : Texas State University

School of Social Work
Location: Honolulu, HI
Courses: SOWK 4300O (undergraduate) or SOWK 5300O (graduate): Social Work in Hawaii: An Interdisciplinary Perspective
CRN: TBD
Program Director: Dr. Lea Velez, lrr26@txstate.edu
Course Dates: Summer I, May 26 - June 29, 2026
Travel: May 31 - June 6, 2026
Program Fee: $1,800
Course Tuition: Undergraduate $1,068.24, Graduate $1,289.58
*Financial Aid eligible

Program Itinerary

This hybrid, service-learning, Study-in-America course will require students to identify, examine, and critically analyze the history of colonialism on the culture, allocation of resources, oppression, and contribution to on-going risks and strengths in Honolulu, Hawaii. Additional components of the course include: 1) required travel to various agencies, communities, and areas of interest throughout Honolulu, Hawaii; 2) required participation in synchronous online learning, asynchronous learning, and two pre-travel orientations; and 3) active participation in service-learning/volunteer activities within a human service agency in Honolulu, Hawaii. The impact of colonialism on socio-economic status, oppression, empowerment, and social justice is analyzed within the context of human development over the life course with an emphasis on the impact of positive individual and community development. Cultural dynamics are examined in conjunction with issues of equity, justice, oppression, and community service provision. This course is designed to be highly experiential and demands thought, empathy, and action that should be both challenging and rewarding.

Date	Activities
Sunday, May 31	Students arrive by 5pm. Dinner and Discussion of the Week- Cheeseburger in Paradise, Waikiki Beach. Unpack and prepare for the week.
Monday, June 1	Kipaepae Ceremony at Ka'iwakilouloku Pacific Island Indigenous Institute and Tour/Discussions/Picnic Lunch on Site. Waikiki Beach Observations with Beach Time. Class Time. Dinner.
Tuesday, June 2	Agency visit and service learning day at The Institute for Human Services, Honolulu, Hawaii after breakfast and morning meeting. Lanikai Beach Time and Picnic. Class Time.
Wednesday, June 3	Bishop Museum after morning meeting and check in. North Shore Beach outing and visit. Class time.
Thursday, June 4	Agency visit and service learning at Family Promise of Hawaii, after breakfast and morning check in. Beach time and picnic at Hanauma Bay. Class time.
Friday, June 5	Picnic breakfast at Waikiki Beach. Polynesian Culture Center Outing and Luau.
Saturday, June 6	Return home.

*Itinerary is subject to change.

Application Process

Follow these steps to enroll.

STEP 1

Complete SIA student application. Deadline is February 1, 2026.

STEP 2

Applications reviewed by Program Directors & OXP.

STEP 3

Pay $50 program deposit. Deadline is February 22, 2026.

STEP 4

Program FAQ

Expand FAQ List

General Information
- Who is eligible to participate in the program?
  
  This program is open to all majors. Priority will be given to Social Work majors and minors.
- Will I need to be in person at the San Marcos campus for the course?
  
  Course instruction before and after travel will be online asynchronous. A final project presentation will be in person on the San Marcos campus.
Costs
- What is included in the program fee?
  The program fee includes:
  - Lodging, 6 nights at Chaminade University Hale Pohaku.
  - Breakfast throughout the duration of the trip.
  - On-site transportation.
  - Beach entrance for Hanauma Bay.
  - Polynesian Center entrance and luau.
  - All agency visits.
  - TXST t-shirts to wear during agency visits.
- What is NOT included in the program fee?
  The program fee does not include:
  - Airfare to/from Honolulu, HI.
  - Lunch throughout the duration of the trip.
  - Dinner throughout the duration of the trip.
  - Any additional activities students participate in during program free time.
  - Course tuition.
  *Per OXP policy, airfare is purchased by the student is not refundable by the university. Students are encouraged to purchase flexible airfare or travel insurance in case of the event they are unable to travel.
- What is the program deposit?
  
  Students are required to pay a $50 nonrefundable program deposit to secure their spot in the program. The deposit is applied to the overall program fee.
- Is Study in America Financial Aid eligible?
  
  Yes, SIA programs are financial aid eligible; however, eligibility can vary by student award. Students should always confirm with TXST One Stop whether their financial aid will cover the course tuition and program fee.
Program Preparation
- Will I need to provide my transportation?
  
  Students are responsible for purchasing airfare to/from Honolulu, HI.
- Is there a dress code for specific visits?
  
  Yes, students will be provided with TXST t-shirts to wear on agency visits with slacks or jeans (no holes or tears).
- Will there be downtime on the trip?
  
  Yes, students will have downtime during the trip.
Drop & Refund Policy
- Course Tuition Refund
  
  Refunds for a dropped extension course are given according to university policy for regular university courses on campus. Refer to the TXST One Stop for more information.
- SIA Program Fee Refund
  
  Students may receive a refund for the program fee if they drop/withdraw within the refund schedule. The program fee refund policy is separate from the refund deadlines associated with course tuition costs. See full drop/refund policy.
  Please note the course start date is not the first day of travel.