Connect with Former Fellows

Hey I’m Mason! I studied abroad in Japan with the Princeton in Ishikawa program and had an incredible time. While there I continued practicing kendo as well as learnt more about renewable energy in Japan. If you have any questions about PII or study abroad in Japan, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Hello, lovely people! My name is Andy Tan—Davenport class of 2027—, and I studied abroad in Beijing, China, with CET Beijing. I was initially drawn to this program for its intensive curriculum, but upon my departure, I say my favorite experiences came from the activities I did and the people I met outside of the classroom. During my time in China, I visited many cities, including Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Taishan, Guangzhou, and Qingdao. From late-night city walks to learning dance choreography on the side of the street while having random conversations with food vendors, I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for Chinese culture. If you have questions about studying abroad as a first-generation student, as a Queer student, or about the experience in general, feel free to reach out! I can't wait to connect with you all!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Hi! I'm Natsume, and I'm a sophomore in Davenport! I studied at SANC (Sun Academy Nihongo Center) in Tokyo during Summer 2023. From the amazing teachers and new friends I made, to the endless variety of places and experiences I got to explore in Tokyo, I couldn't have asked for a better summer! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

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 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!

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!

Hi! I’m Wendy, and I studied abroad in Taiwan summer of 2022. I did CET Taiwan, and I had the best time of my life in Taipei! Throughout the summer, I learned a lot of Chinese (especially traditional), met lifelong friends and language partners, and fell in love with Taiwanese food, music, and culture. If you have any questions about CET or Taiwan, feel free to reach out to me!

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!

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!

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!

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.

Hello!! My name is Dean Kenichiro Centa and I am a junior in Jonathan Edwards College studying Global Affairs and East Asian Studies. During the 2022-2023 year, I studied abroad at Nanzan University in Nagoya studying Intensive Japanese!! I have grown up with Japanese culture my whole life because of my half-Japanese background, but being able to live and learn there for a whole year was a dream come true thanks to the Light Fellowship. During my year in Japan, I got to spend lots of time with my family, travel the entire country, and even watch Shohei Ohtani in-person at the Tokyo Dome for the 2023 World Baseball Classic. If there is anything you want to know about life in Japan, the Light Fellowship, or anything at all, feel free to reach out!

Hi! My name is Lynn and I studied in Taiwan over the summer of 2022 through the Light Fellowship. The past summer was honestly a blur; it was a life-changing experience. I spent almost every weekend travelling (my photo is from the beautiful Alishan and I woke up at 3 AM this day for the sunrise) and soaking in all Taiwan had to offer. I fell in love with the city, the food, the culture, and my classes at ICLP. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Hey! I'm Leo, and I studied abroad in Taiwan during the summer of 2023. CET Taiwan connected me with my cultural roots, left me with many great memories that I will forever cherish, and allowed me to grow in so many aspects of my life. Go into this program with an open mind and a willingness to learn in inside and outside the classroom. I was exposed to so much even though I lived in China for a short period of my life.

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!

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!!

Hi! My name is James and I spent the 2022-23 academic year at International Christian University through the Middlebury in Japan program as a Light Fellow. As I am a heritage speaker of Japanese, this program's heritage track courses really helped me hone my language skills. Outside of the classroom, I was able to travel a lot and see so much of the country. I also have great memories of campus life, as I was able to make many friends in my dorm and on the school's basketball team. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions!