Yale Young Global Scholars

Diala Izhiman

“What I remember most were the Special Meals where I engaged in dense conversations. A memorable one was, “The role of Women in Islam.” Through the experience as a whole, I got to explore a new side of myself I didn’t know before. I used to see myself being a Palestinian Muslim Arab woman as one of stigma drawn all over me in the eyes of the outside world. However, now I know that those four adjectives are exactly what make me special and qualify me to break stereotypes and prejudice held against thousands of others like me.”

Julian Infante

“Yale Young Global Scholars definitively provided me the most enriching and entertaining two weeks of my entire life. YYGS let me encounter individuals from all around the world, each one with a unique story. Long-lasting friendships were made, unforgettable and meaningful moments occurred, all in an intelectually and culturally enriching experience.”

Diana Hume

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to travel the world and stay in New Haven. These two weeks were full of surprises, learning, and discovery crucial for becoming a conscious citizen of the world. YYGS has a piece of my heart I will cherish forever.”

Emilio Pineda

“It was when I left that I realized the most important thing YYGS left me was the experience of learning, not only through instructors, but also through my own awareness the world and sharing my story with other people.”

Yucheng Hu

“Without a doubt, my favorite part of YYGS was the people. I met amazing people at YYGS. While waiting to get on stage during the Speaker Series, I witnessed leadership, innovative genius, and outright greatness right in front of me. I’ve made friendships with people from countries I’ve never heard of before. I’m truly blessed to have gone to YYGS and even more blessed with the friendships I made at YYGS.”

Ivanna Hernandez Ramirez

“I shared this unique [YYGS] experience with people from different parts of the world and from very different cultures, with different perspectives, experiences, customs and traditions. With activities such as TED talks, family time, talent shows, simulations, etc. we strengthened our ties as partners, friends, and YYGS siblings. I made many friends with whom I shared lessons, experiences, and memories, and thus expanded my academic and social support network.”

Syed Ali Haider

“On June 27th we had our last faculty lecture. Since it was our last lecture, I was hoping for it to be the best one since it was my favorite topic: “Astrophysics.” I got my breakfast, grabbed coffee on the way, walked from Davenport towards the Whitney Humanities Center, and sat in the front row full of excitement. There was a woman sitting right next to me, and I expressed my excitement for today’s lecture to her. She continued investigating my passion, and as the hall filled up she got up and went towards the podium.

Eva Gelman

“Ever since I came to America five years ago, I have been accustomed to feeling out of place due to my international background. At school, my peers were all socialized in the same culture, while I was separated from them by my upbringing. At YYGS, I was surprised to learn that none of that mattered. I was surrounded by people that all came from outside of the U.S., their different experiences uniting them in a desire to learn and grow.

Ha Dang

“Academically speaking, the best lecture (for me) was with Professor Scassellati, because it sparked my interest in the use of robots to aid children with mental learning disabilities. I became fascinated by how humans can be supported by technological support, not just with mechanical activities, but also psychologically.”

Santiago Cortes

“By the end of this program, I decided I would like to study Chemical Engineering and Biology as my career. Before this program, I thought I would study something at which I was good, like math. However, having attended this program I realized how captivating several fields are, and the opportunities that are available as the fields develop. Having a summer program define my career path, makes this experience among the most significant in my life.”