Connect with Former Fellows

Hello! My name is Jaxon Havens and I am a sophomore in Trumbull College. My intended major is History and I hope to go for the certificate in Japanese. I was a Light Fellow in the 2022 Summer through the CET-Japan program at Osaka Gakuin University. It was a truly life-changing experience and I am incredibly grateful for how I have progressed in both my study of Japanese and in my understanding of myself as a multiethnic person in an increasingly globalized world. I would love to talk all about Light, applying to programs, adjusting to life in Japan, and studying Japanese at Yale, so do not hesitate to reach out. 頑張りましょう！

Hi! My name is Tan Yi and I’m a history major with a passion for learning new languages. I started Japanese L1 my first semester at Yale and attended the CET-Japan virtual program during the summer after my freshman year. I then took a gap year to study at Nanzan University in Nagoya after finishing my sophomore year. Not only did I improve my Japanese tremendously through living with a host family but I also made many friends from all over the world. I learned to value human relationships more and to take risks and tried new hobbies such as swimming and hip-hop dance! I had such a blast thanks to Light Fellowship’s generous support and I would love to give back by connecting with prospective and future Fellows!

My name is Cindy Liu, and I am a Light Fellowship Summer 2023 recipient. I was able to spend my summer abroad in Tokyo at the Sun Academy Nihongo Program, a program specifically made for Yale students! I discovered my favorite Japanese cuisine (dango and cold udon), watched fireworks with new friends through the Japanese buddy system, consistently challenged myself adhering to the language pledge, and developed a love for discovering Ikigai (reason for living) through Japanese arts. If you have any questions about the Light Fellowship, Sun Academy, or your first trip to Japan, feel free to reach out to me!

In Summer 2022, I studied abroad with CET Japan in Osaka! Studying abroad enabled me to advance my Japanese and to build community with Japanese speakers after my first year of language classes at Yale. From traveling to different cities each weekend to attending summer festivals, I will always cherish my summer in Japan (いい思い出がたくさんあります！) , and I owe my immersion in Japanese language, culture, and society to the Light Fellowship. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or would like to talk more about Japan!