Hawaii Pacific University, English Language Programs

The English Foundations Program (EFP), in the beautiful, friendly and safe city of Honolulu, offers English courses to international students and professionals from over 45 countries. The EFP has been serving international students with English language needs since 1974, and is one of the top five largest ESL programs in the USA. Hawai'i Pacific University maintains a downtown campus close to important historical, political, and business centers of Hawai‘i and also the beautiful, suburban windward Hawai‘i Loa campus in an inspiring mountain setting about 20 minutes away from downtown. EFP and PEP classes are held on the downtown campus. GEP classes may be scheduled on either the downtown or windward Hawai‘i Loa campus.

With tow campuses linked by a free shuttle, Hawai'i Pacific University combines the excitement of an urban downtown campus with the serentity of a residential campus set in the green foothills of the Ko'olau Mountains. The main campus is located in downtown Honolulu, the business and financial center of the Pacific. Eight miles away, situated on 135 acres in Kaneohe, is the winward Hawai'i Loa campus.

The English Foundations Program (EFP) prepares students for university study in the US. Students who successfully complete the EFP receive automatic entrance into an undergraduate degree program at HPU. The EFP program not only allows students to prepare for their university study, but also provides an enriching experience while they are studying abroad. Professionals take EFP courses to advance their career positions. Students choose from a variety of courses in speaking, writing, reading, listening comprehension, and grammar. Special interest courses in pronunciation, business English, and vocabulary development are only offered during fall and spring semesters; many others are available each term. The EFP runs on the same schedule as the HPU terms, with convenient start times in January, March, May, June, July, September, October and December. The Proficiency in English Program (PEP) helps students improved their English communication skills. The PEP program offers short-term, English study opportunities for people with limited travel schedules. PEP terms are one-month terms, offered throughout the year. International students who want to study in the US for one or two months during their university vacation periods enjoy the PEP study-abroad experience. International professionals also appreciate the short term opportunity to take a PEP course during a one or two month visit to Hawai'i. PEP courses help students improve their communications skills. During the 20 class hours each week, students gain fluency and confidence speaking about a variety of topics. Through planned activities, students also experience and learn about the culture and beauty of Hawai'i. The tuition for a 4-week PEP session is $725, which includes tuition and books. The Group English Program (GEP) offers customized short-term programs (1-4 weeks) for groups of 20 or more students. Schools, travel agencies, and other institutions are invited to organize a group for this special study opportunity.

Throughout the year, HPU offers various housing options to participants in the EFP, PEP, and GEP. All options have been selected for their comfort, convenience, and safety and must be reserved prior to arrival at HPU. After acceptance to an English program, a housing packet will be sent so that students may select the option best suited for them. A deposit must be paid with your reservation form. The following are descriptions of the housing options for English students: On-campus Residence Halls (Dormitories): Found on the windward Hawai‘i Loa campus are double-occupancy and triple-occupancy rooms (approx. 250 sq. ft.). Each student will be provided a regular or bunk bed, desk, chair, and dresser unit. Closet space and a semi-private bathroom are to be shared among occupants. Laundry facilities, vending machines, and lounges are also located in each building for hall community use. Included in the cost of the residence halls is a meal plan for the University’s cafeteria. Because residence hall contracts are for a whole academic year, this option is not available for PEP students. Off-campus Student Housing (apartments operated by Cadmus Properties Corporation): Apartments are located close to bus lines, shopping, business, entertainment, recreation areas,and most importantly to HPU. This option provides a more independent living arrangement with cooking facilities, basic furniture and other amenities such as on-site managers, keyed entry, and parking facilities. There are a variety of rental options available. Renting your own apartment: While this may be the least expensive option, it may take some time to find a nice, furnished, affordable, shared apartment near the university at short notice. Students who want to find their own apartments should arrive early, so they have at least two Sundays (Sunday is the major rental day) to look at apartments. Apartments usually open on the 15th and 1st of each month and the cost for an own room is approximately $700.

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