New Era in English Education: Global Village and IIE Hawaii Unite

Exciting New Chapter in English Education

In a major development for the realm of English education, two prominent institutions in Hawaii are joining forces. Global Village Hawaii (GV Hawaii) and Institute of Intensive English (IIE Hawaii) are officially merging to form a new entity named Global Village IIE Hawaii, set to launch on November 1, 2026. This alliance aims to provide a more comprehensive and enriching environment for English learners in Hawaii.

Background of the Merger

Both institutions have established a strong foundation in English education, welcoming students from all over the globe for many years. This merger comes at a time when the expectations from international educational experiences have diversified significantly. Students are not only seeking language acquisition but also opportunities for university readiness, career development, and cross-cultural experiences.

Recognizing these evolving demands, GV Hawaii and IIE Hawaii have decided to combine their strengths. With the additional support from Toyoken Group—an important new investor—this merger aims to enhance educational offerings by blending years of experience, historical knowledge, and resources with a broader international network.

A Legacy of Quality Education

GV Hawaii has been recognized for its high-quality English programs, which integrate the rich cultural experiences that Hawaii has to offer. The institution has developed strong relationships with various study abroad agencies and educational institutions worldwide, which adds valuable networking opportunities for its students.

On the other hand, IIE Hawaii is known for its personalized approach to language education, focusing on small class sizes that foster individualized learning experiences. This student-centered philosophy has helped create a nurturing environment where every learner can thrive.

Through this merger, the intention is to retain and integrate the unique strengths and histories of both schools. The shared commitment to quality education will be at the forefront of the new institution's mission.

Expanding Opportunities in International Education

As of November 1, 2026, Global Village IIE Hawaii will not only continue to support students in improving their English skills but will also expand its curriculum. This will include programs that connect educational institutions in Japan and Hawaii, overseas study opportunities, and partnerships with high schools and universities. The goal is to create diversified educational pathways that lead to academic and professional success for students.

The integrated model will ensure that existing partnerships with international educational institutions, study abroad agencies, and other educational stakeholders remain strong, positioning the new entity as a pivotal hub for international education

Leaders' Insights

Shigekazu Tanaka, Chairman of Toyoken Group, expressed, "Both Global Village Hawaii and IIE Hawaii have played vital roles in supporting countless students' education and growth in Hawaii over the years. I am delighted to be a part of this new journey, preserving the educational heritage and enhancing opportunities for future students."

Eric Lum, President of Global Village IIE Hawaii, also shared his enthusiasm: "We are excited to bring together the unique educational experiences and resources from both schools. This integration allows us to serve our students better and offer them more pathways for success in their educational journeys."

About Global Village IIE Hawaii

School Name: Global Village IIE Hawaii
Location: 1440 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1100, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A.
Start Date of Operations: November 1, 2026
President: Eric Lum
Accreditation and Membership: CEA, IALC
Website: Official announcement forthcoming.

As this new chapter unfolds, Global Village IIE Hawaii is set to become a transformative force in the field of English education, ensuring that students from around the world have access to exceptional learning experiences that bridge cultures and broaden futures.