UPAA of Hawaii - Aloha and Mabuhay J1 Teachers

Alumni Association of Hawaii

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Welcome to Hawai‘i: Survival Hacks for Our Newest Heroes in the Classroom

Aloha and mabuhay, dear teachers!

First off, mahalo—thank you—for choosing to be here. Hawai‘i is incredibly fortunate to have you. We know it took courage, sacrifice, and heart to leave home and take on the vital work of teaching in a place thousands of miles away. You're not just filling classrooms—you’re shaping lives and uplifting communities.

This little guide, "Hawai‘i Survival Hacks," is our way of saying, we’ve got your back. It’s packed with practical tips, local know-how, and cultural tidbits to help you settle in, save a few bucks, and make the most of your island experience. Think of it as your cheat sheet for navigating life in paradise—with a few laughs and life-savers along the way.

Whether it's figuring out where to get affordable groceries, understanding local customs, or learning how to pronounce humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (yup, it’s our State fish!), we hope this helps make your transition smoother.

You’re now part of a vibrant community, not just as teachers, but as cultural ambassadors. And you’re never alone—the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawai‘i (UPAAH) and our Filipino community are here to support you every step of the way.

So welcome! Enjoy the sunshine, embrace the aloha spirit, and don’t forget your tsinelas.

On behalf of the UPAAH community, tara, let’s do this!

Kit Zulueta Furukawa

President UPAAH

Two important details you need to know:

1. 🌴 Hawai‘i Survival Hacks for J-1 Teachers 🌴 We will regularly update this document. Feel free to share this with your colleagues! Feel free to leave a comment in case you have suggested additions and revisions.

🌴 Hawai‘i Survival Hacks for J-1 Teachers 🌴

2. Join the UPAAH Community. Seryoso kami - we're here for you. Use code "ALOHAJ1" to register as a Friend of UPAAH to waive membership fee. COMMUNITY is an important part of your survival in Hawaii. We are welcoming all J1 teachers to be part of the UPAAH community. Select ALUMNI if you are a UP graduate or, select Friend of UPAAH if you are non-alumni. Everyone is welcome. This promo expires Aug. 30, 2025 so take advantage of this NOW!

If you have any questions, feel free to email upalumni.hawaii@gmail.com.

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* Membership level

ALUMNI - Individual Membership - $40.00 (USD) Subscription period: 1 year No automatically recurring payments MEMBERSHIP Open to all
• UP Alumni: Holders of any diploma, title or certificate or who were former regular students of the University of the Philippines, having earned at least sixty (60) academic units, and not having been dismissed for misconduct or scholastic deficiency.

• Graduates or students from the UP Integrated School, UP Preparatory School, UP High School, UP Rural High School, UP Baguio High School, UP Cebu High School and UP Visayas High School.

ALUMNI - Student - $25.00 (USD) Subscription period: 1 year No automatically recurring payments Enrolled in any university for any degree level; but must have the minimum 60 credits from a UP Campus.

Friends of UPAAH - Individual - $50.00 (USD) Subscription period: 1 year No automatically recurring payments This level is open to non-UP alumni who:
• Demonstrates particular interest in the welfare of the University, and has a desire to associate themselves in the activities of UPAAH.
• Must be endorsed by a regular UPAAH member.
• Membership application shall be approved by a majority of the Board.
• Considered as annual sponsors of the organization and are non-voting members of the General Membership; ineligible to run for board positions.

Friends of UPAAH (Business) - $100.00 (USD) Subscription period: 1 year No automatically recurring payments This level is open to non-UP alumni business owners who:
• Demonstrates particular interest in the welfare of the University, and has a desire to associate themselves in the activities of UPAAH.
• Must be endorsed by a regular UPAAH member.
• Membership application shall be approved by a majority of the Board.
• Considered as annual sponsors of the organization and are non-voting members of the General Membership; ineligible to run for board positions.

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawaii (UPAAH) is the official organization of the alumni of UP who reside or have established residence in Hawaii.

Email:

upalumni.hawaii@gmail.com

UP Alumni Association of Hawaii

P.O. Box 970431

Waipahu, HI 96797

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