Hawaii public high school students can now apply for a state-funded program that sends them abroad as student ambassadors — good news for families who could never afford an overseas trip.

• The Sister State Study Tours program sends students to Okinawa, Jeju, or the Philippines for two weeks.
• It is run by the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council with the East-West Center, paid for by the state of Hawaii.
• Cost is capped at $500 per family, with fee waivers available so money is not a barrier.
• Organizers aim to pick one student from every public high school in the state, including Molokai, Lanai, and Hawaii Island.
• Students represent Hawaii, learn from the host communities, and bring ideas back home.

Outlook: Applications close October 15 at pachawaii.org or hawaiistudytours.org.