Mandy's K-Adventure
Spring 2024 Travel Blog in Korea
Applying to MIX
In this page, I talk about how I decided to study abroad through the MIX (Manoa International Exchange) program and how the application process works.
01: SAC vs MIX?
UH Manoa has two study abroad programs, UHM Study Abroad Center (UHMSAC) and Manoa International Exchange (MIX).
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Here are some of the differences:
All of the following information is from SAC's FAQ page. Be sure to check it out for more information!
UHM credits for each course applicable toward UHM degrees (Grades abroad WILL affect UHM GPA).
For fees, SAC charges their own flat Study Abroad fee (program-specific). SAC also handles airfare, housing, excursions, meals, and facilitates with visa arrangements.
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The host institution arranges housing for the students.
Credits earned overseas are transfer credits (Grades abroad will NOT affect UHM GPA). ​
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UHM students pay UHM tuition. Students are responsible for handling all payments associated with living and studying abroad. Students are also responsible for all travel and visa arrangements.
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Depending on the program, the host institution OR the student will make housing arrangements.
I ultimately chose MIX because I thought that the program offered more choices and overall flexibility where students are allowed to manage nearly everything on their own. Thus, I preferred that the MIX program would force me to become more independent while abroad.
02: Application
The first big step is to of course, apply. If you are interested in applying to MIX, take note of the important deadlines!
Summer, Fall, and Year Programs:
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Application Opens: August 1st
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Application Deadline: December 1st
Spring Semester Programs:
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Application Opens: January 1st
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Application Deadline: May 1st
Check out MIX's How to Apply Page for more information on requirements and application + administration fees.
MIX's application is an online form (can be accessed from their website). The application was quite straightforward and I had no problems filling it out. However, before you start the application, be sure to have a good idea of where you want to go and a list of universities you would like to attend. Under the Explore tab, you can filter results by country and check out all of MIX's partner universities. Additionally, scheduling a MIX advising session is always recommended. You'll also need one Letter of Recommendation, so make sure to have this ahead of time.
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03: Nomination + Next Steps
After your application is received and accepted, MIX will send out a Nomination and Next Steps email. The Nomination email will contain information regarding which university you have been nominated or chosen to study at. There will also be a deadline to accept or decline the partner university's nomination.
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In the Next Steps email, MIX will provide you with a handy pre-departure checklist that consists of items that must be submitted by its specified due date. The first thing you will need to complete is MIX's online pre-departure course. You'll have to take some time out of your day to complete it, but the course covers a lot of important information, so I recommend reading everything carefully.
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There were a lot of important documents to submit, so I really made an effort to keep track of all of the deadlines. Avoid leaving things to the last minute, as some of the items on the checklist take some time to obtain/complete. Try to start things as early as you can; you'll thank yourself later!
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