College of Business and Economic Development
Business & Culture in Hawaii
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Course: BA 498/598CA, Session II, Fall 2024
Travel Dates: January 4, 2025 to January 19, 2025
Would you like to have the educational and cultural experience of a lifetime in a tropical paradise? Trade the classroom for a hands-on exploration of one of the most unique cultures in the US. Steeped in the spirit of aloha, Hawaiian culture is strongly rooted in caring for the environment and people. Oahu is a thriving metropolis comprised of large international corporations and small, family-owned businesses with strategies built around these beliefs. Join us as we learn about Hawaii’s vibrant culture and how it impacts business. We'll visit corporate headquarters, manufacturers, retailers, and farms to learn how firms incorporate aloha in all they do. Your adventure continues with opportunities to experience Hawaii’s natural wonders including snorkeling in a volcanic cone, surfing in Waikiki, hiking in a rainforest or volcanic lava field, or relaxing on one of the many beaches.
Program Details
- Priority Deadline: Monday, July 1, 2024 (Eagle Scholarship Consideration)
- Regular Application Deadline: Thursday, August 2, 2024
- Regular Scholarship Deadline: Thursday, August 2, 2024
Students who meet the program application deadline (August 2, 2024) will be enrolled in BA 498CA (undergraduate) or BA 598CA (graduate) in Session II (8 Week 2) Fall semester 2024. During these 8 weeks, we will have several class meetings to prepare you for your adventure.
The program travel dates are January 4-19, 2025.
The Hawaiian Adventure counts towards required business coursework for undergraduates and graduate students!
For most undergraduate students, BA 498CA will count as your international business elective. If you have already fulfilled this elective, your advisor can help you identify an alternate course.
For most graduate students, BA 598CA will count as a business elective.
If you have questions about how BA 498CA or BA 598Ca will count, talk to your advisor or the Program Coordinator for assistance.
Undergraduate & Graduate
| Tuition | $01 |
| Deposit | $500 |
| Program Fee | $3,100 |
| Billable Total | $3,600 |
| Flight to Hawaii Estimate | $1,2002 |
| Meals (Estimated $30/day) | $480 |
| Incidentals (Estimated $20/day) | $320 |
| Non-Billable Total (Pay On Your Own) | $2,000 |
| Overall Total | $5,600 |
1 If you are an undergraduate student enrolled in between 12-19 hours during the fall semester, or, if you are a graduate student enrolled in between 9-13 hours, there are no additional tuition costs or fees.
If you are not a full-time student or if you are taking more than a full-time course load, there will be extra tuition and fees. Visit Business Services for full details of the summary below:
Undergraduate students add $401.59 (based on 2024 tuition rates) for each hour enrolled
under 12 or over 19
Graduate students add $519.12 (based on 2024 tuition rates) for each hour enrolled
under 9 or over 13
Non-residents add an additional $84 per credit hour ($252 total).
2 Airfares during the same travel dates in 2025 currently range between $850 and $1,100 for flights from New Orleans (MSY) to Honolulu (HNL) with one layover.
Complete the following forms:
- (to be completed after submitting forms 1-4 above)
Additional Information
- Completed 12 hours of course credit at USM by the travel dates
- Complete one semester at USM for transfer students
- Minimum 2.25 GPA and not on academic probation at time of program
All business students (undergraduate and graduate) who complete the program application process and pay the deposit by the priority deadline (July 1, 2024) will receive early consideration for a scholarship from the College of Business and Economic Development. Additional scholarships, when available, will be awarded after the program application deadline (August 2, 2024). Additional scholarships are available through your major, school, college, and the university. Make sure you are up to date in the Go System to be able to accept scholarship awards.
The Eagle Scholars Program (amount varies) offer scholarships to assist you in funding study away programs. You may be eligible to have most, or all the program fees paid. Check with your study away director for information.
Financial Aid can be used for this program. Discuss your options with your financial aid counselor to see if your award package needs be amended or redistributed to help offset the cost of the program. If you have questions, ask your Program Coordinator for help!
Upon acceptance, the $500 program deposit is non-refundable except in cases of academic ineligibility, course cancellation, or special circumstances*. In the event you have to withdraw from the program, you will be held to the outlined withdrawal penalties. Penalties are charged based on unrecoverable costs the College of Business and Economic Development has spent on your behalf as a part of your acceptance to the program.
*If your withdrawal is due to circumstances beyond your control, you can submit an appeal for a partial refund of the program deposit.
Withdrawal Penalties
- From acceptance into the program to approximately 90 days prior to departure—The withdrawal penalty is up to 30% of the program fees.
- Withdrawal from the program at approximately 60 days prior to departure—The withdrawal penalty is up to 50% of the program fees + any group flight cancellation costs.
- Withdrawal from the program at approximately 30 days prior to departure—The withdrawal penalty is up to 100% of the program fees + any group flight cancellation costs.
The University has the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel the Program or any aspect thereof prior to departure; and, in the University's sole discretion to cancel the Program or any aspect thereof after departure, requiring that all participants return to the United States or point of origin if the University determines or believes that any person is or will be in danger if the Program or any aspect thereof is continued. If the Program is changed or canceled, the only responsibility of the University is to refund all uncommitted monies and deposits students have paid to the program. If changes in the Program are minor, the University does not have to refund any amount.
In addition to refunding all uncommitted monies, the College of Business and Economic Development will attempt to recover any committed costs possible, and those recoverable costs will be refunded to students. In most circumstances, though, committed costs for housing, excursions, and onsite transportation are not recoverable. In situations where a program is suspended after the start date, our first priority is to help students, faculty, and staff return home safely and transition modes of learning when possible.
If USM determines that a program must be canceled prior to departure, program deposits will be refunded. In addition, a refund will be issued for uncommitted and recoverable program fees or tuition that have already been paid. Most programs include a group flight option. If no group flight is offered or students choose to purchase an individual flight, the College of Business and Economic Development encourages them to add flight insurance and be sure there is flexibility for any date changes that arise. USM will issue no refunds for individual flights purchased.
If USM determines that a program must be suspended after the program start date, all uncommitted and recoverable funds will be refunded to the student. Every effort will be made to modify the mode of instruction for courses underway so that students may complete the academic coursework and receive credit. No tuition reimbursements will be provided.