Connect with Former Fellows

嗨！I am Tim and I studied at CET Taiwan during the summer of 2022. I couldn't have asked for a better summer experience after my freshman year! I loved having all the time and resources to focus on improving my Chinese skills, both in a classroom and real life setting. I had the best time with my teacher and five classmates - we chatted about everything and anything over tea or dinner (in Chinese!). Speaking of, Taiwanese food brought me so much joy, as did the many trips to museums, beaches, and mountains I was lucky to go on. Always happy to chat about the program, do send a note!

Hey everyone，大家好！My name is Jerry Feng, a current super sophomore in Davenport. I took a gap year to study abroad in Taiwan at ICLP for the academic year from 2022–2023 with Light. Needless to say, one of the best choices I ever made in life: learned so much about my own culture that I never knew before in addition to finding out lots of new passions and interests related to Chinese language and culture. Travelled to a lot of places in Taiwan as well, so please do not hesitate to reach out regarding anything related to ICLP, Taiwan, China, learning Chinese at Yale, etc!

Hi everyone! I’m Paris, and I studied in Beijing this past summer through the Light Fellowship at Tsinghua University. Having daily one-on-one classes devoted to improving my Chinese language was an amazing experience, and living in Beijing as a university student provided a myriad of additional opportunities to practice Chinese, whether it be ordering takeout, bargaining for souvenirs, or conversing with local Beijingers. I loved getting to meet other motivated students from across the world, having a snapshot of what living in Beijing would look like, and forming a deep impression of the culture that I will hold forever. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like to talk!

Hello! My name is Hiroko, a sophomore in Trumbull College. I studied abroad in Taiwan (CET) for Chinese in the summer of 2023 through the light fellowship. I had an incredible 10 weeks of immersing myself in Taiwan – from the most engaging classes, weekly excursions to the mountains, local friendships, so much good food, starting a blog, and more! Please reach out with any questions about studying abroad, Chinese or Taiwan :)

Hello or 你好! My name is Kai, a junior in Davenport College who studied in Taiwan over the summer of 2024! My time in Taiwan was truly life-changing (life-breaking even). I learned so much, and not just in terms of Chinese language acquisition, but also important life skills like managing relationships with friends, talking to strangers, and yes, you betcha, cooking! It was truly an incredible time in Taiwan, and I encourage everyone to give studying abroad a shot!

Hi everyone! My name is Lauren, and I studied in Taiwan with CET Taiwan during the summer of 2024. The summer was unforgettable in how it improved my Chinese fluency, and because of the many opportunities I had to meet other Taiwanese students and learn about Taiwanese culture and society. I've made long-lasting friendships that have crossed borders and memories that will last forever. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

I study East Asia because of its unique combination of ancient tradition and dialogue with the West; experiencing the incredible history and diversity of Taiwan while living in the heart of Taipei put me at the nexus of Chinese, European Japanese, Southeast Asian, and American traditions. At ICLP, I studied the local Taiwanese language (on which each of these cultures has left it’s mark) and spent a ton of time hiking the country, Alishan to Yangmingshan to Taiwushan! What made my experience hiking in Taiwan special was learning the unique role mountains play in Taiwanese culture: they represent centers of Buddhist learning, separated the Hakka, Hokien, and Aboriginal ethnic groups, inspire debates between land rights interests and environmental groups, and are the site of many a ghost story! I can’t wait until I can return to explore more of Taiwan’s many historic trails.

大家好！Hi, everyone! My name is Will and I spent Summer 2023 at ICLP in Taipei. I came in with a number of Chinese classes under my belt, but unsure of my language abilities, and I left confident and excited to continue my language and cultural studies. I had an amazing time exploring all of the art, food, hiking, and culture Taiwan has to offer, and I'd love to answer any questions about Taiwan or learning Chinese. I also spent considerable time playing pickup basketball in Taipei, and I'd be happy to talk more about that for anyone who also likes to play.

Hi there! I'm Matthew Elmore Merritt, a '24.5 in Branford College from Bridgeport, Alabama. I major in African American Studies on the pre-med track, pursuing a certificate in Global Health Studies. Last summer, I ventured to Taiwan to take courses in Advanced Mandarin with CET. I'm quite pleased with how CET's course textbooks, emphasis on self-directed learning, and off-campus housing placement enhanced my engagement with Taipei by encouraging me to make meaningful, local connections. Please reach out to me at matthew.merritt@yale.edu if you have any questions! :)

Hi! My name is Alicia Gan, Berkeley class of 2026 :) I traveled to mainland China with CET Beijing, and had an incredible summer full of language learning, weekend excursions (some with CET, some independently— including Shanghai, Chengdu, and Suzhou), bike rides, hot pot, and family time (my parents are first generation immigrants from China). If you have any questions about CET Beijing, navigating China as a Chinese-American, or just want shopping recs, feel free to contact me!

安安！ My name is Lucas and I am a senior in Morse College. I took a gap year to study at ICLP in Taiwan and had an incredible experience. Being able to learn Chinese in classes and in real life, all while having access to amazing food and nature, made this year unforgettable. I am happy to talk about the program, heritage seeking, food recs, or anything else!!