Cultural Connections (CC) activities center around developing relationships with CC community and Yale’s student support systems. We do this through Poetry Jams, CC Olympics, Talent show, and opportunities to interact with faculty, Yale’s cultural centers, and more. In addition, we have critical conversations and reflection on power, privilege, and identity. Our CC counselors are current students and chosen for their familiarity with Yale’s resources, willingness to serve as a mentor to incoming first years, and for their diverse interests (academic, community, extracurricular, etc.). These counselors serve as program staff during our program and not only assist us in day-to-day logistics, but more importantly, help create a friendly atmosphere for our incoming first years.

FOCUS on New Haven is a program of Dwight Hall at Yale that engages first-year, transfer, and Eli Whitney students on an immersive experience of learning and service beyond the Yale campus. Students explore the city of New Haven through the lens of community engagement, social justice, and local activism. Students will also build relationships as they engage in many rewarding aspects of New Haven, from volunteering and building capacity at local non-profits, to experiencing fun city-wide events, local architecture, and tasting global dishes from New Haven’s eclectic food scene. Through a guest speaker series, guided discussion, and community service, FOCUS also encourages students to think about ways in which they can engage with, understand, and have a positive impact on their new home.

First-Year Outdoor Orientation Trips (FOOT) is a wonderful community that fosters trust and inclusiveness. Juniors and seniors lead first-year students on four-day backpacking trips in the beautiful mountains and hills of the Northeast. We invite you to join us for an experience that many students say is one of the most formative and important of their time at Yale. On FOOT, students will sleep under the stars in a wilderness setting, share stories and songs around a campfire, and create a new tight-knit bond of friends that supports them throughout the years. FOOT is designed for any background and level of hiking experience.

H.A.R.V.E.S.T. (Having A Really Very Excellent Super Time) trips truly live up to their name, offering a great opportunity for students to enjoy the outdoors, learn about agriculture in Connecticut, and make a close group of friends. Harvest is designed for first-year, transfer students, and Eli Whitney students of all backgrounds; no farming experience is necessary. 
Harvest will begin the evening of Tuesday, August 23rd and culminate on Saturday, August 27.
 Harvest is run by the Yale Sustainable Food Program. For more information, please email the student coordinators at moobahs@gmail.com. To see photos from previous trips and meet some of our student leaders, check out our Instagram and Facebook page.

Orientation for International Students (OIS) is designed to ease the transition of students with an international background by familiarizing them with academic and social life at Yale and the United States. OIS introduces new students to the Yale campus and the city of New Haven, and includes discussions about academics, U.S. culture, campus life, extracurriculars, and finances. There will also be time to set up bank accounts, get cell phones, and shop for those essential items not brought from home. Most importantly, OIS provides the occasion to get to know other students who have come from around the world to study at Yale. OIS is organized and led by OISS (Office of International Students and Scholars) staff and student counselors.