Frequently Asked Questions: The Center for Asia-Pacific Exchange

Frequently Asked Questions

1. REGISRATION, PAYMENT, AND VISA INFORMATION

1) How do I register for a program?
2) When is the deadline to apply?
3) How do I make a payment?
4) What is an F-1 visa? What is an I-20 Form?
5) Do I need a visa to participate in CAPE’s programs?
6) How do I get an F-1 student visa?
7) What is the SEVIS I-901 Fee?

2. SCHOLARSHIPS, TUITION WAIVERS, AND GRANTS

1) Do you offer scholarships/tuition waivers?
2) In what amounts are scholarships awarded? How many are awarded every year?
3) How are the recipients chosen? Who chooses them?
4) When are the scholarships awarded?
5) How can I apply for a scholarship/tuition waiver/grant?

3. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CLASSES/WORKSHOPS

1) Where are classes held?
2) Will I have access to a computer and the internet?
3) How long are classes?
4) Do I need any special books or material?

4. LIVING IN HAWAII

1) What is the weather like in Hawaii?
2) Who will my roommate be?
3) How will I get around?
4) What voltage is used in Hawaii? Can I use my computer there?

1. REGISRATION, PAYMENT, AND VISA INFORMATION

Q: How do I register for a program?

A: Simply click “Programs” on the top menu, select the program you wish to register for, and click “Registration” on that program’s side menu. Fill out the form completely and accurately. When you are done, click the “Submit” button. An email confirmation will be sent to you within 24 hours.

Q: When is the deadline to apply?

A: Each program has its own deadline. Please check the program you are interested in for the last day to apply. It is important to note that given the heightened security of today, processing visa applications and other important travel documents takes a great deal of time and careful planning.

Q: How do I make a payment?

A: Payment may be made online through our secure server when you register. We accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and JCB cards. We also accept payment by mail or wire.

If you wish to mail your payment (personal or cashier’s check), please mail to:

The Center for Asia-Pacific Exchange
P.O. Box 23397
Honolulu, Hawaii 96823-3397

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Q: What is an F-1 visa? What is an I-20 Form?

A: An I-20 Form is an official document issued by a school. It certifies that a student has been accepted into a full-time program at that school and that the student has submitted documented proof of having sufficient funds to pay for the educational program. The student takes the I-20 to the American consulate or embassy in his/her country and uses it to apply for a student (F-1) visa.

CAPE issues I-20 Forms. CAPE does not issue visas. The visa is used to enter the United States.

Q: Do I need a visa to participate in CAPE’s programs?

A: Only students who are full-time (20 hours per week) will need an F-1 student visa.

Participants of the English Language Programs (College Students, Middle/High School Students) may study at CAPE as full-time students (20 hours of class time per week), or as part-time students (18 hours or less of class time per week).

Participants of the following programs and workshops may come as a visitor on a tourist visa: American Studies Forum, English Teachers Workshop, Culture Studies/Leadership Workshops, and Health Care Forums and Workshops.

Q: How do I get an F-1 student visa?

A:
1) Pre-register online for the English Language program you wish to attend.

2) Send in payment of tuition and fees to CAPE (payment may be made online, via fax, check, or wire transfer).

3) Applicants must also provide hard copies of:

a. Application Form (Form 1);
b. Signed Responsibility and Release Form (Form 2);
c. Bank statement of availability of sufficient funds to cover your intended length of stay. The I-20 Form will be issued only for the length of time for which financial support is guaranteed;
d. Financial Statement (Form 3);
e. Statement of Financial Responsibility (if supported by parents or other sponsor - Form 4).

Mail application form and all required supporting documents to:

The Center for Asia-Pacific Exchange (CAPE)
P.O. Box 23397
Honolulu, Hawaii 96823-3397

4) Receive your official invitation letter and I-20 Form from CAPE in the mail.

5) After receiving your I-20 Form from CAPE, you must fill out Form I-901 and pay the SEVIS Fee of US$100 before your can apply for your visa. (See What is the SEVIS Fee?, below)

6) Fill out Form I-901 at: http://www.fmjfee.com.

7) Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee online through the same website above. (After you have filled out Form I-901, you will be asked if you want to pay by credit or debit card, or check or money order. Paying by credit card speeds up the processing time.)

8) If you pay by credit or debit card, print your receipt as proof of your payment of the SEVIS I-901 Fee. Bring this receipt with you to your visa interview.

9) Make an appointment for your visa interview. (You may make an appointment for your interview any time after you register for your program; however, please note that you will need your invitation letter, your I-20 Form, and your SEVIS I-901 Fee receipt when you go to your interview.)

Q: What is the SEVIS I-901 Fee?

A: The purpose of the fee, mandated by the United States Congress, is to support the costs of administering and maintaining SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), which keeps track of students and exchange visitors and ensures that they maintan their status while in the United States.

The rule became effective on September 1, 2004 and applies to potential nonimmigrants who are initially issued a Form I–20 or Form DS–2019 on or after that date.

For more information, please visit the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement SEVIS FAQ page at:
http://www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/i901/faq.htm

2. SCHOLARSHIPS, TUITION WAIVERS, AND GRANTS

Q: Do you offer scholarships/tuition waivers?

A: Thanks to generous contributions from its supporters, CAPE is able to enhance Asia-Pacific exchanges and scholarly activity through an active program of scholarship and fellowship support.

Tuition Waivers
Every year the Center is able to award approximately 20 tuition waivers to help defray tuition fees for participants in it programs.

Research and Housing Grants
Research grants assist recipients in meeting expenses incurred while pursuing their research agenda. Individual scholars receive CAPE funding to support their research activities on topics of relevance to the Asia-Pacific region.

Housing grants assist scholars in defraying living expenses while studying or completing research in Honolulu. Approximately 50 research and housing grants are awarded annually.

Academic Merit Awards
CAPE awards merit-based incentive scholarships to outstanding students in recognition of their achievements during the course of their program of study in Honolulu.

Endowments
CAPE has endowed several scholarships in academic departments at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa. Scholarships have been established with the Department of Human Resources, the School of Nursing, the Department of English as a Second Language, and with the Department of American Studies.

Q: In what amounts are scholarships awarded? How many are awarded every year?

A: The monetary value of the scholarship may vary, based on the number of contributions made to the CAPE fund from year to year. However, in general, scholarships are awarded as follows:

CAPE Tuition Waiver Scholarships cover the entire cost of tuition for the program in which the student is enrolled. One to five CAPE Tuition Waiver Scholarships are awarded each year.

CAPE Top Student Scholarships are cash awards in the amount of $100. Ten to twenty CAPE Top Student Scholarships are awarded each year.

CAPE Fellowship Awards are cash awards in the amount of $500. One to four CAPE Fellowship Awards are conferred each year.

CAPE Tuition/Housing Grants covers the cost of housing and tuition for the program in which the student is enrolled. One to two CAPE Tuition/Housing Grants are awarded each year.

Q: How are the recipients chosen? Who chooses them?

A: A scholarship committee comprised of CAPE staff chooses recipients of CAPE scholarships, fellowships, and grants. The following selection criteria are used to choose the recipients:

CAPE Tuition Waiver Scholarships are available to students in the American Studies Forum, the Workshop for Asian-Pacific Teachers of English, and the International Program for College Students. Recipients must be recommended by the universities they attend in their home countries. Selection is based on academic merit, financial need, and the potential for significant contributions to their home countries.

CAPE Top Student Scholarships are available to students in the International Program for College Students and the Special Workshop for Teachers of English. Recipients must be recommended by CAPE instructors. Selection is based on academic merit and outstanding attendance.

CAPE Fellowship Awards are available to graduate students and faculty who are engaged in study or research related to CAPE’s mission of enhancing cross-cultural understanding between Asia-Pacific countries. Recipients must be recommended by the department(s) of the University of Hawaii (or other university, if applicable). Selection is based on the nature and demonstrated value of the study.

CAPE Tuition/Housing Grants are available to students in the American Studies Forum and the Workshop for Asian-Pacific Teachers of English. Recipients must be recommended by the U.S. Embassy Public or Cultural Affairs Officers in their home countries. Selection is based on financial need and the potential for significant contributions to their home countries.

Q: When are the scholarships awarded?

A: With the exception of the CAPE Top Student Scholarships, all awards are conferred before the commencement of the program in which the student is enrolled. CAPE Top Student Scholarships are awarded upon completion of a program.

Q: How can I apply for a scholarship/tuition waiver/grant?

A: Please contact CAPE for more information.

3. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CLASSES/WORKSHOPS

Q: Where are classes held?

A: All classes are held on the University of Hawaii at Manoa campus, unless otherwise specified.

Q: Will I have access to a computer and the internet?

A: Yes. All CAPE participants will have access to the University of Hawaii’s computer labs, which have high-speed internet connections.

Q: How long are classes?

A: Classes are generally held Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 12:20 pm. Afternoons are free for exploration and sightseeing, or for special presentations and field trips.

Q: Do I need any special books or material?

A: When you arrive in Hawaii, CAPE and/or CAPE instructors will provide you with the books and handouts you will need in class. General school supplies such as a book bag, pens, pencils, highlighters, notebooks, and loose paper are recommended. You may find it helpful to bring a small tape recorder to use in class.

4. LIVING IN HAWAII

Q: What is the weather like in Hawaii?

A: Hawaii has generally very nice weather, not too hot or too cold. The temperature averages around 80 – 88 degrees Fahrenheit (26 – 32 degrees Celsius). Summer (June through August) can be humid, while winter and spring (December through May) can be rainy.

Q: Who will my roommate be?

A: It is advised that you select your roommate before you departure to Hawaii. If you are unable to do so, CAPE will assign roommates as needed. Double occupancy will be arranged as numbers of occupants permit. When an odd number of participants are enrolled, alternative occupancy arrangements may be made. Double occupancy arrangements cannot be guaranteed. You may be asked to stay in a one-bedroom suite (three/four beds in two rooms) on a triple occupancy basis, or on a single occupancy at an East-West Center dormitory (if spaces are available). The accommodation rate remains the same.

Q: How will I get around?

A: Hawaii’s bus system has won several awards for public transportation. TheBus travels island-wide and is very efficient. Fares are $2.00 one way for adults, $1.00 for children 17 and under. Monthly bus passes are also available for $40.00 adults, $20.00 children. Please visit www.thebus.org to learn more about TheBus.

Q: What voltage is used in Hawaii? Can I use my computer there?

A: Hawaii, like the rest of the U.S., has 120 volt outlets. If you wish to bring a notebook computer, please be sure to bring a converter or make sure your computer can be used internationally.