Cross-cultural travel is a required part of the PhD program, in conjunction with the Global Policy Analysis in Higher Education course that students take in the Spring of their second year of the program. In-country costs are included in students' tuition. Click on the link above for access to all the forms needed for travel. For 2022, our international travel had to be adjusted because of COVID; studying the indigenous culture of Hawaii is the focus for Spring 2022.

• Hawaiʻi is a vibrant place to explore the unique ecology of island environments and learn from Indigenous Kanaka Oʻiwi knowledge, which has evolved over the past two millennia to care for ka pa’e ‘aina Hawai’i (Hawaiian Islands).  Everyone who experiences Hawaiʻi, either as a local resident or visitor, can appreciate these islands as an oasis of life. However, beyond appreciation, are deeper Indigenous sovereignty struggles that are part of a bigger cognitive justice movement. 

• The focus of this Azusa Pacific University Higher Education Department (APU HED) learning experience will be to explore and highlight various Kanaka ‘Oiwi halau (schools/centers) that are sources of knowledge shaping contemporary Kanaka ‘Oiwi knowledge and values.

Students are expected to arrange their own airfare, arriving into Hilo, Hawaii, and departing from Honolulu, HI. Students should plan to arrive in time for the opening session the afternoon of March 5. Departure should be planned for Saturday, March 12. Internal airfare (Hilo to Honolulu) will be covered and arranged by APU, as will all lodging and program costs. Click on the link above for more detailed information about the trip.