Choosing the Right Program for You

Light Fellowship advisers are happy to support you in considering which programs might be a good fit for you as a learner and a person. While considering programs, we encourage you to consider the following elements: 

1. Learning Style

• Thinking back on your time at Yale, in which classes did you learn the most? What classroom set up or teaching style keeps you engaged and motivated? 
• Would you thrive in a language pledge environment? 

2. Living Arrangements 

• How can your housing arrangement add to your language education experience? 
• Would you benefit from living in program-organized housing or would you prefer to live off-campus and find your own housing? 
• Who will you be living with and how will it add to your linguistic or cultural experience? 
• Can your living arrangements accomodate your personal needs? 
• Will you be able to commute to class from your housing choice? 

3. Extracurricular Activities 

• At Yale, have you benefited from institution-sponsored or organized activities? 
• Would you want your program to facilitiate extracurricular activities or would you prefer to seek extracurricular activities on your own?

4. Making friends in a new community 

• Where do/have you make/made friends? Does this platform exist in the programs you are considering? 
• Do you need a program that provides an opportunity to meet local students? 
• If the program you choose does not have this built in, how might you go about making new friends in a new city or at a new institution? 
• Do you have a hobby that you can pursue in your country of choice?

5. Identity Considerations

• As you research your program options, take time to consider how aspects of your identities might shape your summer, term, or year abroad and know that we are here to support you throughout your international experience. Explore resources here, meet with a Light Fellowship adviser, and reach out to former light fellows. 

6. Health Considerations 

• If you are currently being treated for a particular condition, consider how you might continue treatment abroad and what resources you may need access to. 
• If you are currently taking prescription medication, consider how/if you'll need to obtain your prescription abroad. You should also ensure the medication is legal in the country to which you plan to travel and/or if there is an alternative. 
• If you have severe allergies, consider how you will navigate this in your country of travel and how your program choice can support how you navigate this.
• What mental health support do I need and/or expect? Do the study abroad programs that I'm considering have this support? 

7. Accomodations 

•  Should you need reasonable accomodations on program, Yale's Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) can help you navigate this process with your program. You can also bring this up with program support staff during the application process. 

Once you've considered these questions, explore the program pages and consider meeting with a Light Fellowship adviser.