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What is Project Paradise?

Project Paradise is a series of programs in Hawaii offered to Junior High School, High School, and College  students from Japan. The number of participants from Japan could range from 6 to over 300. The main goal of Project Paradise is to allow Japanese students to interact with local college students in Hawaii to become more open minded and globally aware of their surroundings and to essentially become global leaders. 

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Local college students, called Islanders, share their culture and unique heritage stories to the students. It is through these presentations where students realize the cultural diversity of Hawaii, as well as learning about how Japanese culture has influenced Hawaii's culture and values.

INTERACTIVE GAMES

Project Paradise offers fun trivial games, ice breakers, recreational activities, and scavenger hunts to keep student motivation levels high and engaged. Project Paradise games always concludes with an awards ceremony where prizes are distributed. 

SITE VISITS

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For multi-day programs, students get to experience site visits in small groups, lead by their Islander leader, to connect what they have learned throughout the program to the physical environment. 

PROGRAM THEMES

The underlying theme of Project Paradise is "Peace" and "Aloha Spirit," but schools may request for additional themes and topic areas to match the interest or subject area students may be studying. From sustainability to social work to the Airline Industry, Project Paradise can offer a program suitable for any school. 

Activities

Lei Making

Students make their own lei and learn the significance of lei giving in Hawaii.

Hale Aloha

Islanders' cultural presentation where students realize the diversity of Hawaii.

Exploration UHM

Students explore the UH Manoa campus using a scavenger hunt map and interactive mobile app while completing missions and earning points.

GameShow in Paradise

Each student group competes to win the most points in this fun trivial game about the students' learnings during the program.

Theme Topic Discussion

Islanders facilitate group discussions with their students. Students must think critically and collaboratively as to how they could impact the world. 

Group Presentation

Student groups must prepare and present a presentation using props to share what they have learned and exchange ideas of how they could make a difference in the world.

Site Visits

Bishop Museum

Islanders escort small groups of students to the diverse exhibits and learn about culture, immigration, and Science.

Japanese Cultural Center

Learn about the Japanese immigration and the influence Japanese culture and values has on Hawaii.

Pearl Harbor

Learn from a Pearl Harbor witness about the story of the attack and the feelings attached to it. Take a boat to the Arizona Memorial and pay respect.

Pacific Aviation Museum

Students team up with Islanders in a critical thinking decision making game and learn the importance of aviation when it comes to disaster relief.

Mouna Farm

Learn about sustainability, peace, Hawaiian culture, and how people are included in the circle of nature. Harvest, re-plant, prepare, and eat fresh farm vegetables. 

Downtown Tour

Islanders escort students to Iolani Palace, King Kamehameha Statue, State Capitol and explain about the cultural and historical significance.

1 Full Day Program

Sample Schedule

University of Hawaii at Manoa

8:45 a.m. - LbE Hawaii staff escort students to room

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9:00 a.m. - Program Orientation & Islander Introduction

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9:15 a.m. - Lei Making

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9:45 a.m. - Hale Aloha

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10:30 a.m. - Cultural Seminar

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10:45 a.m. - Breakout Groups

  • GameShow in Paradise

  • Peace Discussion

  • Group Presentation Brainstorming

  • Exploration UH Manoa

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12:00 p.m. - Food Culture (bento)

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12:45 p.m. - Breakout Groups

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2:00 p.m. - Group Presentation Preparation

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3:00 p.m. - Group Presentation

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4:00 p.m. - Questionnaire / Closing

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4:20 p.m. - Awards Ceremony

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4:30 p.m. - End

5 Day Program

Sample Schedule

Oahu

Day 1

  • City Tour

  • Lunch & Ice Breakers @ Kapiolani Park

  • Pali Lookout

Day 2

  • Full Day program at UH Manoa​​

  • Japanese Cultural Center

Day 3

  • Bishop Museum

  • Introduction to Final Presentation

  • Ala Moana Center

Day 4

  • Mouna Farm

  • Guest Lecturer - Leadership

  • Final Presentation Preparation

Day 5

  • Pearl Harbor

  • Pacific Aviation Museum / The Decision Center

  • Reflection

  • Final Presentation

  • Awards Ceremony

  • Dinner Party in Waikiki

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