HAWAII ~ Course Description
INTRODUCTION
The fiftieth American state is a land of superlatives: the remotest island chain on earth, the highest sea cliffs in the world; the greatest percentage of endemic species, and home to our lone tropical rainforest. Nearly 50% of the population is of Asian descent. The result is a cultural melting pot rich in oriental culture, as evidenced in the wide array of Buddhist temples found in the islands. This Asian link on American soil makes Hawaii the ideal starting place for our multi-country journey through Asian cultures and environments.
The program begins in Hawaii's fiery core: Kilauea Volcano. Here, students are introduced to the geography of the islands and the science and mythology of Pele. Day hikes to remote corners of the Park introduce a diverse landscape that goes from lush rainforest to arid lava deserts with just a short drop in elevation. Enjoy an unforgettable sunset, as we hike out to watch molten lava cascade into the receptive Pacific Ocean.
Joining the program throughout the week will be a talented collection of guest speakers. Scientists will provide a historical overview of island geology; Hawaiian spiritual leaders will introduce Pele through myth and personal testimonies and land managers will address the current debates over land allocation and usage. During the weeklong period, come to know your fellow sojourners and learn from each other's unique backgrounds and perspectives.
ORIENTATION
Hawaii represents the gateway to the Pacific and points East. With complex cultural influences from Asia and far-off Pacific Island Nations, Hawaii dazzles visitors with its cultural diversity. We here at I.C.E. recognize that within a program such as this one, the students who enroll hail from different regions, backgrounds and sets of experiences. Hawaii will be our gathering place: a place of coming together as a group to explore our own diversity as well as our similarities. Some of you will be coming to Hawaii because you've always been fascinated by the Buddhist religion, and conceive of this voyage as one of personal discovery and inward reflection. Others will arrive to pursue marine biology, which will take you through Fiji and Australia.
We all may have unique reasons for embarking on this journey, and it will be a focal point of the Hawaii orientation period to explore these motivations. We have arranged for the quintessential Hawaii experience as your introduction to our Intern Around the World program. The first five days of your orientation period will take place in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located on the southeast side of the Big Island. Famed for Mauna Loa, the most massive mountain on earth, this site will introduce you to the magic of Pele. Visit Halemaumau Crater at Kilauea Volcano where the goddess currently resides. Your exploration of geologic upheaval through time immemorial will include day hikes on Devastation Trail, walking the pathways of the world's most active volcano. Evening hikes will take us in search of flowing lava. All the while, our curriculum will integrate provocative readings with lectures on local geology, videos exploring Pele, and guided hikes with knowledgeable park personnel. Throughout these five days, we will reside as a group at a dormitory within walking distance of the volcanic crater.
Days six and seven of your orientation will be based in the seaside town of Hilo. Visit the Tsunami Museum, walk through botanical gardens, explore one of Hawaii's most picturesque cities, and purchase supplies for a full day hike the following day. On day seven, we will take a one-hour drive to Waipio valley for an unforgettable day hike over ancient trails, through high coastal forests, with some the world's most spectacular scenery on all sides. During this fun-packed day, we will visit waterfalls, taro patches explore ancient temples, and time permitting, visit ongoing archaeological excavations and learn from those involved about their findings.
Please note: it is important to stay active before the trip and to arrive in Hawaii in reasonably good shape which will help condition you for not only the heat, but for the long-distance traveling from country to country.
