YUNA
Yale University-New Asia Undergraduate Exchange Program
The YUNA Exchange Program is an opportunity for eight Yale and eight New Asia College at Chinese University of Hong Kong students to come together and explore a new place, new people and a new culture while developing life-long friendships. Students work in pairs with an academic advisor to dive deep into a research project connected to the year’s theme. Yale students curate a two week itinerary in New York City, Boston and New Haven centered on giving the New Asia students a deeper understanding of the theme in an American context. During spring break, New Asia students present a local’s perspective on the theme from a Hong Kong prospective.
One of YUNA’s unique features is the opportunity to work closely with a Yale faculty member. Past advisors have come from all disciplines:
Deborah Davis, Professor Emerita of Sociology
Albert Laguna, Assistant Professor of American Studies
Stephen Pitti, Professor of History and of American Studies; Director, Center for the Study of Race, Indigeneity and Transnational Migration
Joel Sanders, Professor (Adjunct) of Architecture
Quan Tran, Lecturer in American Studies
Sunny Xiang, Assistant Professor of English
“ I entered the program expecting to see another part of the world and meet new people and I left seeing another part of myself and making valuable relationships. YUNA not only expands your worldview, but expands your view of yourself in relation to others.”
Please note that the YUNA program is suspended for the 2020-21 academic year due to COVID-19. We plan to resume YUNA for the 2021-22 academic year.
What is the YUNA Program?
YUNA is a unique program that gives Yale students the opportunity to work intimately with Yale faculty and Hong Kong students and faculty. It is a transformative experience that is the beginning lifelong friendships, a space to have authentic experiences and a chance to see the world from a new perspective.
What do YUNA participants do?
YUNA participants work closely with the YUNA advisor who is a Yale faculty member on a research project with the intent of giving the Hong Kong students a deeper understanding of the theme. They also curate a schedule of events, activities and meals to introduce the theme from an American, New Haven and Yale perspective. During the work process, YUNA participants form deep bonds with the advisor, each other and the Hong Kong students. During spring break, YUNA participants experience Hong Kong beyond the surface through the eyes of the New Asia students.
Who can apply?
All Yale College sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible to apply to YUNA.
How do I apply and when is the deadline?
All applicants submit an online application. The program is suspended for the 2020-21 academic year and is set to resume in 2021. The deadline is usually in early October.