Forty Yale College students currently studying remotely or taking a gap year in China gathered together at Yale Center Beijing on October 23rd through 25th to connect with classmates and alumni from throughout China. Many international students have been unable to return to New Haven because of COVID-19 travel restrictions, so students in China met in person at Yale Center Beijing as a way to build community and remain connected.

At the gathering, students were able to meet their classmates and upperclassmen and also hear from alums including Lina Ayenew ’10, ’11 MPH, Nathan Stoner ’99, ’10 MBA, Sean Fan ’99, Sally Shan ’97 MBA, Helen Sun ’13 MAM, and Devin Lau ’09. Yale Center Beijing executive director, Carol Li Rafferty ’00, also spoke to the group to welcome them, saying “Yale Center Beijing is Yale’s ‘home away from home’ in China, and we hope we have recreated a sense of community among Yale College students and alumni through this weekend gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a proud Yale College alumna, I am delighted to have this opportunity to co-organize this action-packed weekend alongside the Office of International Affairs, the Center for International and Professional Experience, the Yale Center Beijing team, and the 6-person planning committee, which was comprised of Yale undergraduates.”

Yale College Dean Marvin Chun joined via video to greet the students. Remarking after the event, Dean Chun said, “The students looked so excited to be with each other, and I was delighted to connect with them in this way. The success of the event is a testament to the value and strength of Yale’s long standing relationships in China. We’re glad that even during a global pandemic, Yale Center Beijing continues to serve as a gathering space for students, faculty, and alumni from throughout Asia.”

Learn more by visiting the Yale Center Beijing website.