What It Is
Return-ability is the overall readiness of BYU–Hawaii students to not merely return to their home region but also to have the wherewithal and connections to succeed when they do return. Hence the focus is on return-ability, which has become a campus-wide goal. One important way to achieve this goal is to develop internship opportunities for students in their home regions. Working through alumni, the Church, and other placement resources, the Asia and Pacific Return-Ability Internship Program is identifying and creating these opportunities.

Why It Is a Priority
Internships facilitate return-ability. BYU–Hawaii is committed to preparing individuals to succeed in all aspects of life for the betterment of families, communities, and the Church. In order for the influence of these uniquely educated young people to be felt, however, they must have the opportunity to return home and be reintegrated into their societies. The world needs them, their families need them, and the Church needs them—at home.

In many cases going home is easier said than done. Jobs are rare, cultural restrictions limit opportunities, and going away to school leads to disconnectedness. In-country academic internships enable students to network with possible employers, reconnect with family, and fellowship with Church members even before graduation.

What It Does and How It Helps
The Asia and Pacific Return-Ability Internship Program is “on the ground” with volunteer councils and student-mentoring networks in Japan and Korea and with volunteer ambassadors functioning in Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, and Tonga. These in-country resources give students a place to begin their search for internships early in their university experience.

Even when an internship has been identified, international travel can be prohibitive. So, funded by donations, the Asia and Pacific Return-Ability Internship Program awards travel stipends to deserving students with arranged internships. These efforts must be strengthened and expanded, and doing so will enable more young men and women to return home prepared to succeed.