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On January 15, HTIC signed a memorandum of cooperation with Ms. Chuluunbanid Nyamsuren of the World Education Foundation of Mongolia, Hawthorn International Education Agency, to promote cultural exchange between HTIC and the citizens of Mongolia and to establish more effective informational and guidance support for Mongolian students wishing to apply for admission to the College's academic programs.

With Ms. Nyamsuren's support, HTIC plans to introduce new Mongolian language materials to its website and to actively recruit in Mongolia in the near future.

The College extends a warm welcome to all Mongolian students wishing to apply to HTIC’s College Preparatory or Liberal Arts’ programs and encourages these applicants to contact Ms. Nyamsuren for more information.

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The Winter Term 2009 Convocation was held on January 20. A number of new faces were welcomed, including the 34 participants of the 2009 SHIP Program, and 12 new students hailing from Japan and China who joined the College Preparatory and Liberal Arts programs.

New adjunct instructors were also welcomed to the Winter term, including Prof. Lori Domingo in the College Preparatory Program and Jon Lum Sensei, who will be teaching the College Judo course. They are joined by returning adjunct instructors: Prof. Minori Murata, Prof. Gregg Romano. Prof. Jeanie Bouthillier, Prof. Supreeda Villareal, Prof. Samantha Ng, Prof. Robert Peters, Dr. Robert Vaughn, Prof. Julianna Kay, Prof. John White, Prof. Naiad Wong, Prof. Alan Lunt, Prof. Teuta Rizaj, Prof. Jeffrey Mead, Dr James Salvail, and Dr. Spencer Hamada. We welcome all new and returning students and faculty to the HTIC Ohana.

The theme for this term's Convocation was "Active Community Participation." The following remarks were delivered by Chancellor Naoto Yoshikawa:

"To all of our new and returning students, faculty and staff, welcome to the 2009 Winter Term! I hope that you have all had the chance to refresh your minds and bodies in preparation for another busy and fulfilling year.

"Our theme for the 2009 Winter term is 'Active Community Participation.' As you all know, the global economy is facing uncertain times. In times lsuch as this, we may be tempted to become selfish and think only of ourselves, of our own well-being. However, now more than ever, we must all work together as a community to move forward.

"We are all members of many communities. For example, all of us gathered here today are members of the HTIC community. We can all help each other through small acts of kindness – helping a fellow student with his or her studies, talking to new students and making them feel welcome, saying “hello” with a smile when passing others in the hallway. Taking this a step further, we each can make a difference in the HTIC community through open communication and participation in school events and meetings. Try to engage actively with the surrounding community rather than just being a passive observer.

"The HTIC community is also a part of a larger local community. There are many opportunities to volunteer in the local community. For example, some of your fellow students have painted over graffiti at a local middle school and volunteered at the Honolulu Marathon. Last term, some HTIC students participated in a service learning program at Queen Kaahumanu Elementary School, helping young ESL students learn English. These students gained a broader viewpoint on life by actively participating in the local community. Please take advantage of these opportunities to help others during your time here at HTIC, and if you have any new projects that you care deeply about, I encourage you to propose them as well.

"Finally, we are all members of a global community. Many of you come from other countries and may find it difficult to adjust to life here in the United States. Those of you from this country may find it challenging to relate to people from other backgrounds. As global citizens, we must learn to bridge our differences and talk openly with each other. HTIC’s mission is to serve as an international gateway for students who want to bridge cultural, economic, social, and educational differences. You do not have to be a billionaire or the president of a country to make a difference. You can volunteer and improve the natural and ethical environment of your local community. Even through a small act like voting, you can affect the political environment and bring about great changes in the world. If everyone gives a little time and attention, we can move a step closer to peace.

"Keep an open mind, make new friends, and learn about other cultures. Remember that you are a member of many communities, including the global community. If you actively participate in the community, you will learn a lot about the world and about yourself. Do not keep yourself locked into one way of thinking, one way of looking at the world. Instead of just focusing on differences, look for connections. My sincere hope is that at HTIC, you will develop into global citizens who value cooperation and peace.

Thank you and best wishes for a successful term!"

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HTIC’s International Programs welcomed participants of the 6th Annual “Hanyang University Winter Program” to campus on January 21 with an Opening Ceremony and again on January 24 with a welcoming BBQ at the Ala Moana Beach Park that brought the HTIC international community together for food, fun, and friendship.

The Hanyang Winter Program is an intensive 3-week study opportunity offered each January-February. The program participants, all from Hanyang University in Seoul Korea, study Advanced English, American Culture, and Japanese language (both written and spoken). The bilingual focus of this study program makes it one of the most challenging offered by the International Programs department. It is also one of the most culturally rewarding in that the students from Korea participate in both English-language and Japanese-language exchange with the Japanese and American full-time students enrolled in HTIC’s Liberal Arts and College Preparatory Programs. The Hanyang University Program students are also given tours of local cultural and historical landmarks such as the Hawaii Plantation Village and Pearl Harbor, and receive lectures regarding immigration to Hawaii and international relations.