Yale University

Oxford Academia at Journey into the heart of intellectual excellence and experience the Ivy League on the campus of Yale University, immersed in an atmosphere of curiosity, innovation, and tradition. Choose from seminars at the forefront of knowledge to foster critical thinking in the modern world. Beyond the classroom, Yale’s vibrant campus teems with cultural events, art exhibitions, and fun activities. Oxford Academia at Yale is a unique opportunity to absorb knowledge, expand your horizons, and join a tradition of academic excellence.

Yale University

Founded in 1701, Yale boasts a legacy that spans centuries. The sprawling and iconic campus is nestled in the heart of New Haven, Connecticut, and blends historic charm with cutting-edge resources and innovative research facilities. Students on Oxford Academia at Yale gain access to this unparalleled wealth of knowledge while immersing themselves in the university’s storied legacy.

History & Tradition

As one of the oldest universities in the U.S., Yale University has long attracted brilliant scholars and minds. Its alumni include presidents, Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and trailblazing intellectuals. This summer, students will find inspiration in this tradition and history, following in the footsteps of these luminaries and forging their own path for intellectual exploration and discovery.

Oxford Academia at Yale is operated independently of Yale University and is not sponsored or endorsed by the University. The views expressed in connection with the program are not the official positions, statements of advice nor opinions of Yale University and should not be viewed as an endorsement by Yale of any such views or statements.

Program Structure

Students enjoy breakfast in the dining hall off the campus quad, then dive into their major seminars in classrooms, labs, and meeting spaces. After lunch in the dining hall or out in New Haven in small groups, minor seminars meet. In the afternoons and evenings, students have the opportunity to explore New Haven, pursue their interests in elective workshops, participate in exciting extracurricular and cultural activities, or work on their independent seminar projects.

Following dinner on campus, students and faculty from all seminars reconvene for evening activities, which may include programming such as keynote speakers from the university, a local theater performance or concert, or a game of pick-up basketball on campus. On the final days of the program, students focus on completing their independent projects in their seminar groups.

Workshops & Guest Speakers

Outside of your seminars, explore other interests and topics in elective lectures and workshops offered by faculty and visiting guests. Join a workshop on art history and sketching, then take your sketchpad to the Peabody Museum of Natural History to try your hand at different subjects. Take a creative writing workshop and draw inspiration from overheard conversations on the quad. Or prepare for the college application process with a college essay writing workshop. For an insider’s look into life at Yale, students also have the opportunity to join a college tour led by a current undergraduate student.

Featured Guest Speaker

Governor Peter Shumlin, Wesleyan University, B.A., English Literature, B.A., Government

Peter Shumlin served three terms as the 81st Governor of Vermont, establishing the state as a leader on progressive policies, including universal pre-K education, a mandatory GMO labeling law, and several laws to boost renewable energy production. Since leaving office, he has served as a visiting fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, taught at Harvard’s Chan School of Public Health as Menchsel Senior Leadership Fellow, and continued work in education as director of Oxford Academia and Putney Student Travel.

Seminars

Oxford Academia at Yale is designed for intellectually curious students to pursue an academic interest on the campus of one of the world’s most eminent universities. Students choose a major seminar and a minor seminar, taught by academic faculty and active professionals. Majors meet each morning and minors each afternoon, and students engage with course material through lectures from guest speakers and scholars, small group projects, classroom discussion, and experiential learning.

African-American Studies

In this interdisciplinary seminar, explore the multifaceted history, culture, and legacy of African-Americans in the United States, delving into seminal works and pivotal topics. Drawing on Yale’s exceptional resources, such as the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library; the Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition; and the Afro-American Cultural Center, engage in discussions and critical analysis to gain a nuanced understanding of the enduring contributions and struggles of African-Americans in the nation’s history and contemporary society.

AI: Application, Implication, & Ethics

Delve into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) to gain an understanding of the breadth of AI applications, ranging from machine learning and natural language processing to robotics and computer vision. Using case studies and current events, learn how AI is transforming industries, from healthcare and law to transportation and entertainment, and how this will continue to accelerate in the future. Through lively discussions, critically examine the ethical dimensions of AI, addressing issues such as bias, privacy, and transparency.

The Future of Finance: Cash to Crypto

Explore the dynamic transformation of the global financial landscape, from traditional cash-based systems to the revolutionary realm of cryptocurrencies. Examine the history of money, the evolution of currencies, and the potential consequences of a cashless society. Gain insights into the rise of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies), dissecting their technological underpinnings and real-world applications. Gain an understanding of blockchain technology, the mechanics of various digital currencies, and the disruptive innovations they represent in the financial sector, exploring the transformative potential of blockchain technology in reshaping our financial systems.

Math, Statistics, & Probability

Delve into the fundamental principles of math, statistical analysis, and probability theory, making complex concepts accessible and enjoyable. Through handson activities, real-world applications, and interactive discussions, build a strong foundation in mathematics, hone problem-solving skills, and discover the power of statistics and probability in everyday life. This seminar is the perfect opportunity to boost your mathematical prowess, whether you’re aiming for academic excellence or simply seeking to develop essential life skills.

Medicine & Public Health

Explore the intersection of medicine and public health, delving into pressing global health challenges and drawing on Yale’s renowned resources, including the Yale School of Medicine and the Yale School of Public Health. Through interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and access to expert faculty and guest speakers, gain insight into the critical role of healthcare in shaping society. Explore the impact of disease outbreaks, health disparities, and healthcare systems, and learn how medicine and public health interact to shape the well-being of communities.

Psychology

Through readings, discussions, films, experiments, and activities, explore the basic foundation of psychology and evaluate your own decision-making from a new perspective. Observe and describe human behavior, attempt to explain why specific behaviors occur, predict what may happen in the future, explore ways to control future behaviors, and work to turn negative behaviors into positive actions. Explore concepts through the lens of behavioral, trait, and multicultural theories and relate them to your own experiences. Learn how biology and psychology intersect to create unique individuals.

More Seminars:

• Architecture, Design, & Sustainability

• Creative Writing

• Politics & Human Rights

• Sports Business, Media, & Law