Career Strategy Fellowships Study Abroad

Connect with Former Fellows

You are here

Home    /    Connect    /    Connect with Former Fellows    /    Connect with Former Fellows

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

Thalia Inui

BA
Economics and Mathematics
2026

Award Details

SAC Details

Korean Language Representative
2024-2025

Hi! My name is Thalia and I spent my summer in Seoul, South Korea at Seoul National University studying Korean! Living in Korea has been one of the best experiences of my college life so far. I spent every day traveling around Seoul experiencing both the more touristy aspects such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Lotte World as well as the day-to-day life aspects of going to cafes to study, having meals with friends, and taking dance lessons (at the TikTok famous 1 Million Dance Studio!). I was also able to leave Seoul a few times to make trips to Incheon, Busan, and Nami Island! I am so thankful to have been given this opportunity by Light to immerse myself in Korean culture and life while furthering my study of the language and hope to do it again if given the opportunity in the future! If you have any questions about the Light Fellowship, my time in Korea, studying abroad, or anything else, please feel free to reach out!!

Contact Thalia

Kate Bingham

BA
East Asian Studies and History
2027

Award Details

SAC Details

Korean Language Representative
2024-2025

Hi there! My name is Kate, and after completing Korean L3 and L4 during my first year at Yale, I studied at Ewha Womans University and lived in the schools' dorms for the summer term. From art museums to historic palaces to aesthetically-pleasing cafes, I loved expanding my language skills while learning about Korean culture and exploring Seoul. My summer in Korea was extremely rewarding and a ton of fun, and I hope all of you can have the same amazing experience that I did. I would love to chat about my time in Korea, so if you have any questions about the Light Fellowship, Ewha Womans University, my restaurant recommendations, or anything else, please feel free to reach out!

Contact Kate

Charlson Kim

BA
Statistics and Data Science
2025

Award Details

SAC Details

Korean Language Representative
2024-2025

Hello! My name is Charlson, and I attended the Korean Language Education Center at Sogang University the academic year following my sophomore year. The Richard U. Light fellowship provided me the opportunity to reconnect with my culture and extended family leaving me with a truly unforgettable journey. Along with my studies, I had the freedom to explore the surrounding regions of Korea as well as connect with a truly international community in Seoul. Please feel free to contact me about any questions you have regarding life in Korea or just the overall Light experience.

Contact Charlson

Emily Borr

BA
Molecular
Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology
2025

Award Details

SAC Details

Korean Language Representative
2024-2025

Hello! My name is Emily, I am a junior in Pierson studying MCDB, and I studied Korean at Sogang University during the summer of 2023. I loved my experience, made so many friends, and had such a great time living and studying in Seoul. I would love to chat if you have any questions!

Contact Emily

Elora Kim

BA
Art
Economics
& Korean Language Certificate
2026

Award Details

SAC Details

Korean Language Representative
2024-2025

Hi everyone! I'm Elora, a junior in JE majoring in Art and Economics and pursuing a Korean language certificate. This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to complete Level 5 at the Yonsei University Korean Language Institute, and my experience was truly transformative, insightful, and filled with a lot of happiness :) Not only was I able to reconnect with my relatives on a deeper level without any language barriers anymore, but I also had the chance to explore parts of Korea outside of Seoul, gaining new perspectives and a deep appreciation for the culture. Studying abroad is an experience I believe everyone should embark on at least once in their life as it not only offers an enriching academic experience but also an opportunity of self-discovery that shapes your outlook on life, your aspirations, and your future. I’d love to share more about my experiences so please feel free to reach out!

Contact Elora

Kim Lagunas

BA
Humanities
2025

Award Details

SAC Details

Korean Language Representative
2024-2025

Hello! My name is Kim and I studied L1 and L2 Korean my Freshman year before studying in Busan for PNU's summer semester. Because of how great the experience was and informative of my own personal development, I plan to apply for Light again in the near future to attend another semester! Please feel free to message me about any questions regarding the Light experience, traveling to Korea for the first time, what Busan is like, or really whatever else!

Contact Kim

Christina Lee

BA
Philosophy and Comparative Literature
2026

Award Details

SAC Details

Korean Language Representative
2024-2025

Hello! I'm Christina and I spent summer 2023 studying at Yonsei University. Being able to study Korean outside of a Yale classroom was truly a transformative experience. Not only did my writing and reading skills improve greatly inside the classroom, but immersing myself in the local community exposed me to the wonderful food, history, and art Korea has to offer. I still think about that one kalguksu restaurant to this day... I look forward to meeting fellow applicants to answer any questions and speak about my experience!

Contact Christina

Hailey Seo

BA
Global Affairs and Environmental Studies
2026

Award Details

SAC Details

Korean Language Representative
2024-2025

Hi! My name is Hailey, and I spent my summer before sophomore year studying Korean at the Korean Language Institute of Yonsei University. My summer in South Korea was one of the best experiences of my entire life. I was able to study at one of the top Korean universities, meet students from all over the globe, immerse myself in the vibrant culture, and also (as a Korean-American) meet family I hadn't seen in years. I would love to talk about my time in Korea and answer any questions about my study abroad experience, so please reach out!

Contact Hailey

Caitlin Hong

B.A.
History & Economics
2025

Award Details

SAC Details

Korean Language Representative
2024-2025

Hi! My name is Caitlin and I attended Yonsei’s Korean Language Institute during the fall quarter of my junior year. It truly was a once in a lifetime experience and I am so thankful to the Richard U. Light fellowship which allowed me to reconnect with my extended family and properly experience Asia for the first time. I made unforgettable friendships at Yonsei, both with Americans and internationals, and thoroughly enjoyed my time abroad. Please reach out if you have any questions about the Light Fellowship, studying abroad or literally anything else!

Contact Caitlin

Displaying 1–9 of 9 fellows found