Transform Your
Education Abroad with NIGL

The Napua Initiative for Global Learning (NIGL) is a Hawai‘i-based educational organization committed to fostering cultural exchange and global understanding through study abroad and field-based learning experiences. Inspired by the meaning of “Napua” — “the blossoms” — we believe every learner is a unique bloom with the power to grow and thrive in the world.

Our Services

Designing Study Abroad Programs

  • Short-term, credit-bearing trips (starting in Thailand, Winter 2025)

  • Cross-cultural immersion & sustainability-focused curriculum

Curriculum & Academic Support

  • Grounded in aloha, community, and mālama ʻāina

  • Bridging Hawai‘i and the world

Hawaiian-Global Perspective

  • Designed in partnership with respected institutions like the University of Hawaii at Hilo and Mahidol University

  • Led by experienced educators with international expertise

Upcoming Program Highlight

Thailand Winter Immersion 2025

🌏 Thailand Winter Immersion Program 2025–2026

An immersive, culturally rich, and academically rewarding experience

  • 📅 Program Dates: December 19, 2025 – January 7, 2026

  • 🎓 Earn: 3 University Credits

  • 💼 Hosted by: Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Thailand

  • 📍 Location: Bangkok, Salaya (Nakhon Pathom), and surrounding provinces

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🧭 Program Overview

This 3-week experiential learning program invites university students to explore the vibrant culture, ecology, and sustainability efforts of Thailand while developing global citizenship skills.

Participants will enroll in a 3-credit Environmental Biology and Sustainability course (English-medium), take part in hands-on fieldwork such as rice planting and traditional Thai cooking, explore tropical marine ecosystems, national parks, and cultural heritage sites, experience Thai wellness traditions including herbal medicine and mindfulness, and learn about sustainable business models through site visits to green enterprises.

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🛏️ What’s Included

  • On-campus dormitory lodging in Salaya (Mahidol University)

  • Daily academic and cultural programming

  • At least one included meal per day

  • Round-trip ground transportation for field trips

  • Cultural excursions, including visits to Ayutthaya and local markets

  • On-the-ground support and local buddy pairing with Thai students

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💸 Program Fee: $3,500 USD

  • Includes tuition, lodging, most activities, ground transportation, and academic support.

  • Airfare and some meals not included.

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✍️ Eligibility

  • Open to undergraduate students in any major

  • No prior travel experience required

  • Must be 18 or older by departure date

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🔗 Next Steps