Career Strategy Fellowships Study Abroad

Connect with Former Fellows

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The Light Fellowship Student Advisory Committee (SAC) was founded in 2007 by a group of Light Fellows returning to campus after their time abroad, eager to share their experiences with peers, encourage other students to seek the same opportunity, and give back to the Light Fellowship Program.  

Reach out to one of the SAC members below if you are interested in speaking to a former Fellow about applying to the Light Fellowship, choosing a program, spending a term or year abroad, or have general questions about the Light Fellowship experience and studying abroad in East Asia!

Tip: Contact the Light Fellowship office:

  • If you are interested in speaking to a recent Fellow with similar academic or career interests or who did a particular program or term abroad not represented below.
  • If you have questions or concerns about how your race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, language, disability, religion, or other identity considerations may impact your experience abroad and are unsure which SAC member to speak to.

We would be happy to share resources and put you in touch with former Fellows who are willing to share their experience and insights into these important considerations.

SAC Members


Aruna Balasubramanian

BA
Anthropology and History
2026

Award Details

SAC Details

Japanese Language Representative
2024-2025

Hello! I’m Aruna, a junior in Saybrook studying Anthropology and History. I started learning Japanese at L1 as sophomore, then spent an amazing summer in Kyoto on the Light Fellowship! The rigor of KCJS pushed me to express myself in Japanese in new ways, and to engage in both academic and fun settings with Japanese peers. After finishing the course, I was thrilled by how much my communication abilities improved. While in Kyoto, I also had a great time traveling with new friends, discovering the history of Zen garden design, learning about Japanese contemporary art, and exploring the many flavors of kakigori. I would love to talk about KCJS, so don’t hesitate to contact me!