Connect with Former Fellows

Hi everybody! My name is Jonas, and I studied in Taiwan at the International Chinese Language Program in Summer 2024. While I was initially unsure if ICLP was the right choice for me, I am so glad that I took the jump and traveled to Taipei! I really enjoyed my host program, as the curriculum was intense but not overwhelming, the teachers were invested in our learning, and my classmates were all amazing people and super friendly. In my free time, I got to travel all over the island, make friends with the local Taiwanese, and eat as many Taiwanese delicacies as I could find. I highly recommend ICLP and Taiwan to any students who want to improve their Chinese proficiency (especially with regards to their speaking ability and reading traditional characters) or who just want to learn more about Taiwan and its unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, Western, and Indigenous elements. Please don't hesitate to reach out!

Hi! My name is Kevin, and I studied in mainland China with CET Beijing, where I had an amazing experience learning more about the language and culture. Apart from really improving my reading and writing skills and conversing with natives, I had a great time going on excursions to places like the Forbidden City and Chengdu (where I got to see famous pandas!) and having fun with other study abroad students! I'm really thankful to the Light Fellowship for allowing me to have an incredible experience, and I would love to talk with interested applicants about my time in China!

My interest in Mandarin, and in language study more broadly, lies in its power to serve as a window into culture and tradition, and as a bridge for cultural exchange and enrichment. For me, language learning language is ultimately about cultivating understanding. This past summer, while studying at ICLP in Taipei, I experienced impactful exchange and growth in the classroom, while exploring the city, and building meaningful connections with people across Taipei. My most salient takeaway from those two months is realizing how much I have yet to learn— both in advancing my Mandarin and in deepening my understanding of the people I meet. If you have any questions about studying Chinese, Taiwan, or anything in between, I’d be glad to share more.

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.

Hi! I'm Carly, a sophomore in Berkeley. I just completed a summer study abroad in Taiwan with Harvard Taipei Academy. It was such a great time of trying new foods (Taiwanese night markets are amazing), connecting with locals (had some life-changing interactions), and of course, intensively learning Chinese (hard, but so worth it)! Studying abroad was not only a great opportunity to immerse myself in another culture, but to also learn more about myself and my heritage. Please reach out with any questions you may have – I would love to chat! :D

Hello hello, 大家好! My name is Gabby, I’m in Trumbull college (MOORAH) majoring in Political Science with a Chinese Language Certificate! In the summer of 2025 I studied abroad in Mainland China with CET Beijing and had the best summer yet! As a Chinese adoptee that has been discovering her Chinese heritage and identity at Yale, this journey was incredibly important for furthering my self-identity and fulfilling a longstanding dream of returning to China. I was fortunate enough to travel to Chengdu, Shanghai, Nanchang, and even my hometown Suichuan County in Jiangxi. During my time in China, I learned more about Chinese culture, my adoption, and myself. I made amazing relationships during late night walks in Chengdu and in the Qipao store as I talked with another adoptee about our shared experiences. I ate amazing food and developed friendships with locals I’ll never forget. I had the best time in China and I’m excited to return in the future! Please reach out with any questions, I’m always happy to talk :)

大家好！My name is Inez Chuidian and I'm a sophomore in Davenport College. This summer, I spent two months at the Harvard Taipei Academy, where I earned my Advanced Language Certificate in Chinese. The program was challenging, but it was also an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in Taiwanese culture while greatly improving my Mandarin. I truly believe the best way to learn a language is by surrounding yourself with its unique foods, traditions, and practices! I'm more than happy to connect with students interested in applying for the Light Fellowship or studying abroad in Taipei!

Hello everyone! My name is Max, and I spent this past summer in Taipei! From chatting with locals to hiking in Taiwan’s mountains to exploring the street markets, I not only improved my Chinese but also gained a rich understanding of Taiwanese culture through this experience. I’m extremely interested in how Taiwan’s linguistic diversity impacts its citizens’ senses of national identity, as well as how Taiwan’s blend of Daoist, Buddhist, and Confucian religious traditions impacts Taiwanese people’s view of the everyday world, and I hope to return soon to investigate these questions! If you have questions about studying abroad, please feel free to reach out!!

Hello! My name is Patrick (MY '28) and I recently spent my summer in Taiwan with Harvard Taipei Academy (HTA). Taiwan's food, from night markets eats to proper restaurants, scenery, from beautiful bike paths to strenuous yet rewarding hikes, and the nicest people ever all made this summer unforgettable. I genuinely had a great time in Taiwan and I cannot wait to go back. I'd love to help you learn more about HTA or any and all aspects of life in Taiwan!!

Hi everyone! My name is Millia, and I spent my summer of 2025 in Taiwan with Harvard Taipei Academy (HTA). This program gave me the chance to strengthen my Chinese through daily immersion while also learning more about Taiwanese culture, history, and society. Some of my favorite experiences included exploring night markets, making ceramics at Yingge, and having meaningful conversations with other students and teachers. Studying abroad in Taiwan was an unforgettable experience, and I’d be happy to share more about HTA or life in Taiwan if you have any questions!

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 Robin. I studied abroad in Beijing through the CET Beijing program in Summer 2025, placing into the highest level of Chinese. I’m majoring in Economics and pursuing an Advanced Chinese Language Certificate. During my time in Beijing, I had the privilege of competing in a speaking competition and participating in an economics forum hosted by Tsinghua University. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to hear more about navigating intensive language study, engaging academically in Beijing, or combining economics and language learning!

Hey everyone! My name is Kalina, and I’m a sophomore in JE planning on studying Cognitive Science and Film! The summer of 2025, I traveled with CET Beijing to mainland China through the Light Fellowship. During eight weeks in China, I had the opportunity to visit cities such as Chengdu, Shanghai, and Xian, make friends with the locals, and eat lots of incredible good. If you’re thinking about applying for the Light Fellowship, traveling to China or even just traveling abroad, feel free to reach out!

大家好！My name is Sophia Zhang, and I'm a sophomore in Davenport from New Haven. I participated in CET Beijing during my first-year summer, and it was one of the best experiences of my life so far! I had so much fun learning Chinese, bonding with classmates and teachers while enjoying delicious food, yapping with new friends, and making lots of special memories while exploring Beijing and other cities, such as Shenzhen and Hohhot. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about CET Beijing, studying abroad, or just want to hear some fun stories!

I am a Brazilian international student and a sophomore in Saybrook College, majoring in Economics and Political Science with a Certificate in Chinese. When I arrived at Yale, I began Chinese in Level 1 with no prior experience. My motivation to learn Mandarin was simple: I wanted to build friendships with Chinese students and further understand Chinese culture. Now, I can say my goals have become a reality. Over the summer, I completed Level 3 and Level 4 at CET Beijing, hosted at Capital Normal University and there my Chinese improved dramatically. When I first landed in China, I could barely introduce myself, but, by the end of the program, I was able to hold meaningful conversations with any Chinese person on a wide range of topics. Beyond the classroom, my travels across China changed my worldview of the country. From Chengdu, the panda city, to the cyberpunk skyline of Chongqing, to Zhangjiajie, the breathtaking site that inspired the movie Avatar, I saw a China far richer and more diverse than stereotypes often suggest. Every day in China I would challenge my assumptions and break misconceptions I once held. I am excited to share my experience and to inspire others to start the rewarding journey of learning Chinese.

大家好! I’m Jalen, a junior in TD majoring in History with certificates in Chinese and Spanish. I began studying Chinese at Yale in L3, and this past summer I completed my third and fourth L5 courses at the Harvard Taipei Academy, hosted at National Taiwan University. Studying in Taipei was an amazing experience—I could see how much my Chinese has improved since I first started in college. While abroad, I also traveled to places like Pingtung and Tainan on our Social Study Trip, and enjoyed visiting beaches such as Baishawan. I’m excited to be back on campus and would be happy to share more about HTA, Taiwan, or studying abroad if you have any questions!

Hi, I'm Oliver! I studied abroad in Summer 2025 with Princeton in Beijing. The courses, language pledge, and extracurricular activities not only helped me vastly improve my Chinese language proficiency but also allowed me to deepen my understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture. I trust that the lessons I learned while attending PiB will continue to shape my life and career. If you have any questions about the Light Fellowship, PiB, adjusting to life in China, or managing applications, please reach out!

Hi everyone! My name is Zander, and I studied intermediate Chinese (L3 & L4) at the Princeton in Beijing program. I had an awesome time biking around the city, eating amazing hotpot, and exploring Datong and Shanghai! If you have any questions about preparing for Light as an international student (especially regarding visas!) or any questions in general, please don’t hesitate to reach out! :)

大家好！I'm Sara, a Global Affairs major in Morse. I studied abroad Spring 2025 at MiB (Middlebury in Beijing). It was one of the most valuable experiences of my life and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to improve their Mandarin and make lifelong memories.

Hi all! I'm Ai-Li and I studied abroad in the summer of 2024 with CET Taiwan. Through class at NTU, meeting up with my language partners, and using my Chinese everyday, my language skills improved significantly. Not only did I improve, but I gained motivation and a better idea of my future path in language learning. In my free time, I hung out with my relatives (my mom grew up in Taiwan), biked around trying excellent vegetarian food, explored the island on weekend trips, and made new friends playing lots of Ultimate Frisbee. Do not hesitate to reach out, especially if you're interested in hearing about the frisbee scene in Taiwan, or my experience as a mixed person (half-Taiwanese, half-white) studying abroad!