Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours of the course?
Students will stay on-island for the duration of this 10-day program. Dates for Summer 2024 are from June 1 - 10. Regular class hours will be from 9 AM to 5 PM with a lunch break. However, learning won't always take place in the classroom. See the "About" page for more details about the curriculum. During the evening there will be planned workshops, icebreaker games, and team-building exercises.
What should I bring is I am selected?
You should come prepared to stay on Moku o Lo'e for nine nights and ten days. We will be conducting field work that will require close-toed shoes, a rain jacket, hat, towel, and sunscreen. Please bring swimwear as there may be opportunities to swim. Bedding will be provided but you may bring a personal pillow if preferred. A detailed list of required items will be provided for participants prior to the course.
Will participants be required to be vaccinated?
No, students will not be required to be vaccinated. HIMB is adhering to UH guidelines and currently, UH does not require visitors be vaccinated before visiting UH campuses. You will be required to take a COVID-19 test the morning of the first day of SMMILE (June 1) and test negative before you can board a flight to O'ahu (for interisland participants) and participate in the program.
Is this course really free?
YES! Multiple grants from federal and non-profit agencies as well as generous donors have made it possible to offer this program free-of-charge to students!
How will I get to O'ahu if I am a student from another island?
SMMILE has funding through the NOAA B-WET grant to purchase roundtrip flights for students from other islands. The co-instructors will work with participant's parents to book these flights prior to the program.
Can I earn credit for the course?
No, high school or college credit will not be offered for this course at this time.
Are meals included? If so, do you accommodate for dietary restrictions?
Yes, meals are included. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided for the duration of the course. Yes, we will accommodate for dietary restrictions.
I have an event that I need to attend during the course. Would I be allowed to leave?
No, you will not be able to leave to attend events apart from SMMILE because we don't want you to miss out on important components of the program!
I am a parent and want to know more information.
Please contact us at smmilehawaii@gmail.com. We are more than happy to chat about the program with you!