University of Hawaii at Manoa, Outreach College

New Intensive Courses in English (NICE) [Honolulu, Hawaii]

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HIGHLIGHTS

• Information
  • About the ESL Program
  • The New Intensive Courses in English Program (NICE) was founded in 1975 and is a part of the International Programs of Outreach College at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. NICE offers several excellent English courses throughout the year and is especially well known for its emphasis on building practical oral communication skills in English. The mission of NICE is to help speakers of other languages with the English language and cultural skills necessary for success in academic, professional, and social situations. The program offers 10-week sessions four times a year at five levels: Basic, High Basic, Intermediate, High Intermediate and Advanced. To fully serve students with different goals, the program offers a choice of three different tracks of study that address a variety of goals for learning English: Academic, Business and Communication. The equally rigorous tracks all emphasize oral communication and cultural competence. The Academic track is offered at the High Basic through Advanced levels, the Business track is offered at the High Intermediate through Advanced levels, and the Communication track is offered at the Basic through Intermediate levels. Students who continue their studies in the program for additional terms are welcome to try different tracks of study for a new experience. NICE is fully accredited by CEA (The Commission on English Language Program Accreditation) and the school is a proud member of AAIEP (The American Association of Intensive English Programs), which promotes professional standards and quality instruction in intensive English Programs.
    
  • Fast Facts
  • Affiliation : Public University
    Establishment : 1975
    Membership/Accreditation : EnglishUSA / CEA
    Enrollment : 150
    Average Class Size : 12
    

    Airport Pickup : Student Arranged
    Tuition : Low
    Community Type : Urban
    Transportation : Bus, Taxi
  • A Message from School
  • NICE offers several excellent English courses throughout the year, in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Study options include rigorous academic preparation, English for communication in the community and the workplace, and short conversation courses that expose students to life in the U.S. and Hawaii, and classes that focus on a particular language skill. Although each course has a unique focus, NICE is especially known for its emphasis on building practical oral communication skills in English. We look forward to receiving your application from ApplyESL.com!
    
    Ms. Michiko Kahmann
    International Programs Director
    University of Hawaii at Manoa Outreach College
    
  • CONTACT INFORMATION
  • University of Hawaii at Manoa
    2425 Campus Road, Sinclair 301
    Honolulu, Hawaii  96822  U.S.A.

    TEL: (808) 956-7753
    FAX: (808) 956-3421
    E-mail: ipinfo@hawaii.edu
    Website: http://www.nice.hawaii.edu/
  • 
• More Details
  • Housing
  • The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa NICE students live in on-campus and off-campus dormitories, in private apartments, or with local families in a homestay experience. Students living on-campus are close to classes, campus activities and other students. For students who prefer a more independent lifestyle, off-campus residences and private apartments provide more privacy and offer opportunities to interact with people in the community outside the campus environment. Private agencies arrange homestays for those students who want to experience local culture first-hand and practice their conversational English as a member of a family. Students must make their own housing arrangements and are encouraged to do so as early as possible. For more information and a list of housing suggestions, use the Contact Address to ask the school directly.
    
  • Surrounding Area
  • The New Intensive Courses in English Program (NICE) is administered through Outreach College, the continuing education division of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Mānoa is a neighborhood community in one of the lush valleys of lovely Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Honolulu, the state capital of Hawai‘i and the largest city in the state, is located on the island of Oahu, which has a total population of approximately 950,000 residents. Honolulu is an exciting city that welcomes international travelers. It is also famously known as the birthplace of Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States. Students can enjoy sightseeing, beautiful beaches and world-class shopping while practicing English with local residents. The island of Oahu offers many opportunities for sightseeing. Some of the popular sights include Diamond Head, a once-active volcano and Pearl Harbor, site of one of the most historically significant war memorials in the United States. The average daytime temperature in the summer is about 85 degrees Farenheit (29 Degrees Celcius) and 78 degrees Farenheit (25 Degrees Celcius) in the winter. Hawaii’s near-perfect climate provides a year-round outdoor playground for recreational activities. Swimming, surfing, boogie boarding and hiking are some of the most popular activities. The University of Hawai‘i Leisure Center offers international students recreational classes and one-day activities where they can meet Americans, practice English and have new experiences. Students can enjoy Oahu’s sandy beaches and legendary surfing spots such as Waikiki, Sandy Beach and the North Shore. Waikiki Beach is one of the best-known beaches in the world.
    
  • About the College/University
  • Founded in 1907, the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa (UHM) is the main campus of the University of Hawai‘i’s ten-campus university system. Students and faculty from all across the United States and the world go to UHM for unique research opportunities, a diverse community, a nationally ranked athletics program and the beautiful landscape. UHM has consistently been ranked a “best value” among U.S. colleges and universities. The school has a total student population of 20,337 students with close to 2000 international students from over 100 countries around the world. The university offers more than 200 degree programs through 19 colleges and schools at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. UHM is ranked in the top 30 public universities in research funding for engineering and science and is particularly well-known for its research and excellent departments in fields such as oceanography, astronomy, international business, linguistics, earth science and marine biology. The Outreach College of UHM, which administers the New Intensive Courses in English (NICE) program, uses the rich resources of UHM to provide many learning opportunities to students all over the world.
    
  • Conditional Admission / Credit Courses
  • Conditional admission to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa is not available to NICE students.
• Study Options

  • Intensive English Program

  • Overview
  • New Intensive Courses in English (NICE) offers four 10-week sessions each year beginning in January, April, July and October. Students receive 20 hours of core class instruction per week. Each student chooses one of three tracks--Academic (A), Business (B) or Communication (C)-- that best matches their goals for learning English. The Academic track provides excellent preparation for students preparing to use English in an academic setting, the Business track is the best choice for students preparing to use English for business or in professional settings and the Communication track is best for students who want to develop their general English skills for world travel and general communication with international people.
    
    NICE offers English classes in five levels of proficiency, from Basic to Advanced. The full-time study program includes four core classes, each of which meets for 50 minutes each day from Monday to Friday. The four core classes are grammar, listening, oral production and integrated skills. Students are placed into their classes based on placement tests. Students typically remain in one level for two terms to cover the complete curriculum for each level.
    
    Each term, elective classes are offered in addition to the four core classes. Among the classes that may be available are TOEFL Preparation, TOEIC Preparation, Academic Writing and Pronunciation.
    NICE offers students a variety of exciting activities to enhance their experience at the school. The Interchange and International Language Exchange are both great ways to practice real English and meet actual students from the University of Hawai‘i. Other enjoyable activities organized by the school include field trips, recreational activities, social gatherings and volunteer work in the community, all of which encourage students to practically use the English skills they acquire in class.
    
    Class sizes range from 10 to 14 students per class. Every effort is made to keep classes at an ideal size for effective English language instruction.
    
  • Data

  • CLASS SIZE:	12 Students
    CLASS LEVELS:	5 Levels
    COURSE LENGTH:	3,10 Weeks
    MINIMUM AGE:	18 Years Old
    REQUIREMENT:	High School Diploma
    VISA INFORMATION:	I-20 Issued Upon Request
    HOUSING:	Dormitory/On-Campus Apartment Homestay Off-Campus Residence

  • Dates
  • 2024

    3 WEEKS:
    7/29 - 8/16	8/26 - 9/13

    10 WEEKS:
    7/5 - 9/13	10/4 - 12/13

    2025

    3 WEEKS:
    2/10 - 2/28	3/5 - 3/25

    10 WEEKS:
    1/10 - 3/21

  • Costs

  • APPLICATION FEE

    N/A

    TUITION FEE (2024)

    10 WEEKS	US$ 3,426
    20 WEEKS	US$ 6,852
    30 WEEKS	US$ 10,278

    HOUSING
    PLACEMENT FEE

    N/A

    HOUSING FEE

    LENGTH	HOMESTAY	DORMITORY / ON-CAMPUS APARTMENT	OFF-CAMPUS RESIDENCE
    10 WEEKS	US$ 2,850 - 3,250	US$ 1,120 - 2,450	US$ 1,750 - 2,125
    20 WEEKS	US$ 5,700 - 6,500	US$ 2,240 - 4,900	US$ 3,500 - 4,250
    30 WEEKS	US$ 8,550 - 9,750	US$ 3,360 - 7,350	US$ 5,250 - 6,375

    Airport Pickup Service

    Student Arranged

  • Remarks / Other Information
  • Dates and Fees are approximate and may change without prior notice.
    Application fee is non-refundable.
    Housing fees are suggested and must be arranged by student.
    
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• Location
  • United States　Honolulu, Hawaii
  • Location
    University of Hawaii at Manoa
    2425 Campus Road, Sinclair 301 Honolulu, Hawaii  96822  U.S.A.
  • Getting To Your School
  • From Honolulu International Airport:
    Transportation from the airport to downtown Honolulu, Waikiki, or UH is readily available. The approximate cost of a taxi to these areas is about $25.
    
• Student Reviews

  • Academic Quality:	4.4
    School Environment:	4.0
    Helpfulness of Staff:	4.3
    Activities and Social Life:	3.8
    Accommodation:	3.5

    4.1

  • There are 11 reviews for this school

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    Xintian
    [ Beijing, China, Male ]
    
    1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.
    I Made Lots of Friends
    

    I loved NICE very much. The teachers and staff at NICE were very friendly. I really enjoyed the time I studied English at NICE in this paradise, Hawaii. I had a lot of chances to practice my English and learn different cultures from all over the world. Also I made lots of friends and had great fun at NICE. Now my English is much better than before. I studied at UH-Manoa's Department of Anthropology; Specifically, the Luce Asian Archaeology Program. After I go back to China, I will let my students know there is a NICE program in Hawaii and encourage them to improve their English here.
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    Huy Pham
    [ Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Male ]
    
    0 of 1 people found the following review helpful.
    Enrolled in UHM Master's Program
    

    NICE helped me in tremendous ways: from listening and speaking through writing! I love Grammar because you facilitated the complication of Grammar so that I could understand and use it easily. After completing NICE (New Intensive Course of English), I enrolled in a Master's program at UHM and loved to take NICE at Night courses which provided me with excellent opportunities to train and practice essential skills for my graduate program. I took writing, pronunciation, and academic speaking. I completed my Master's and now I am pursuing a doctoral program in Education at UHM. My experiences at NICE brought very valuable contributions to my graduate program.
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    Sylvia
    [ Seoul, Korea, Female ]
    
    4 of 5 people found the following review helpful.
    Academic English Track
    

    Best Things About NICE Program:
    1) I was introduced to Amercian academic style - how to write essays, how to research articles and materials, and how to interact with professors and staff members.
    2) I got to take classes with different teachers - experience different styles and teaching methods.
    3) I met many good friends from different countries.
    4) Meeting the best English teacher ever. I was able to come across a dream that I am now pursuing - to become a GOOD English teacher myself. :) I entered a master's degree program in San Francisco, California. I'm currently studying TESOL at San Francisco State University. Coming to Hawaii was an eye-opening experience for me. I learned so much, I met so many good people, and I had so much fun! Thank you!!
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    Reiko
    [ Tokyo, Japan, Female ]
    
    1 of 2 people found the following review helpful.
    Well Organized to Help Students
    

    All teachers in NICE have passion to teach English. Also the environment of studying, because NICE is located at UH. We can use its facilities. I researched carefully for a lot of English schools before I decided to go to NICE, but I really think that my decision was right because NICE is well organized to help students. Help means to improve English and to live in Hawaii safely, so I think the people who want to study English can do it without big concern if you chose NICE.
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    Phyllis
    [ Taipei, Taiwan, Female ]
    
    1 of 2 people found the following review helpful.
    My Knowledge and Enthusiasm Improved
    

    There are some reasons that make me really like Nice program , First I made lots of friends during the NICE Program, and I also had my first Volunteer experience during the NICE Program, those volunteer opportunities made me start to think about different ways to help people, and different views on facing my future life. Then I also learned lots of useful Business English during the Business class. It was not only English but also I learned about lots of different business cultures. During the NICE, I really feel my Knowledge improved and my enthusiasm. Although, I left NICE already one year ago, I still feel I am part of the NICE students, I really miss the time in NICE Program. NICE gave me really wonderful memories.
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    Felipe
    [ Sao Paulo, Brazil, Male ]
    
    Prepared Me For My Career
    

    All of the teachers were very competent, they were friendly and concerned about how students were doing. They were open all the time for questions and activities about class. Even the office members were helpful and gentle and when somebody needed a hand, they always made it possible to help. The methodology of studies were easily understood and very interesting. Since I finished NICE program I could improve my skills. I could realize it many times. Two months later, after I finished the classes, I went to NY and I could visit all the important places like museums, restaurants, Yankee´s baseball stadium and I was understood all the time. I didn't have problems about my English at all. After that, I came back to Brazil. Here, I could apply for the Master Degree in Engineering what needed a qualifying test in English. I was accepted at the Master's degree program where many English books were used. And now, I am applying for some jobs and all of the interviews are in English, so I can handle that.
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    Sonia
    [ Rome, Italy, Female ]
    
    Helped My Understanding of Business World
    

    NICE really helped me in learning how to use the different forms of the English language, depending on the situation. In the Business Track we specifically learned how to move in the Business world, from the job application to the simulation of how marketing agents work, and this has been remarkable for myself regarding it because I didn't know I could do such things. I also found out I liked the job of marketing agent! While attending NICE I noticed big improvements in my listening comprehension, which was I think my weakest part, and learned tricks on how to keep it trained after coming back home. Then, last but not least, I acquired a lot of Grammar knowledge in a pleasant way, people may think Grammar is boring, but NICE has the trick to teach English having fun!
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  • Below you will find additional reviews in other languages.

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    まいまい
    [ 福岡, 日本, Age 20, Female ]
    
    2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.
    NICEなプログラムです！
    

    留学前の私は、どこか自分の意見を英語で言うことに苦な部分があって、辛かったです。しかし、このNICEプログラムを受講するにあたり、日常生活の会話の中で飛び交うスラングを学んだり、正しい文法の使い方を学んだり、現地の学生と話せたりと、非常にためになる授業を受けることができたと思います。留学で得るものは大きいです。幸あれです。

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    おと
    [ 神奈川, 日本, Age 30, Female ]
    
    4 of 4 people found the following review helpful.
    想像以上！
    

    学校では、授業以外でも英語を話すことを求められます。English Only Policyを掲げているため、私のクラスでは日本人7割というクラスでしたが、全員英語で会話していました。志の高いメンバーが多く、とてもいい環境に恵まれたと思います。お陰で、慣れない英語を話すことに抵抗がなくなり、speakingに自信がつき、ネイティブの人にも自分から話しかけられるようになりました。先生は良い先生がほとんどです。強いて言えば、10人中9人が教え方の上手い良い先生です！またこれる機会があれば、私はもう一度NICEプログラムを選択したいです。

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    Tzuyan Chiou
    [ Taipei, Taiwan ]
    

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    jw
    [ Ilsan, Korea ]
    
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