I want to express my sincere gratitude to the entire staff and faculty of the Council on African Studies, particularly Prof. Cajetan, Cristin, Rita and others. From the very beginning, they welcomed me with warmth and openness. The spirit of collaboration, respect, and intellectual exchange has made this experience truly remarkable. Thanks to the generous invitation from my adviser, Dr Teferi Abate, whose support and guidance I deeply appreciate.
I also want to thank Yale University for providing me with everything I needed to thrive academically—access to world-class libraries, lecture series, events, and workspaces. These resources allowed me to grow as a scholar and expand my research in meaningful ways. The facilities like the library, and workspace (office) enabled me to better work on my upcoming books and articles.
Regarding my research goals and what I accomplished or advanced during my stay at Yale, I will say the following:
My primary research objective has been to transform my dissertation, titled “Historical Ethnography of Wollo-Borena in Ethiopia: Identity Changes and Continuities,” into a publishable book manuscript. I had the opportunity to present this work as part of the Yale Council on African Studies Lecture Series and the Office of Visting Scholars Exchange at the MacMillan Center, where it was met by a highly engaged and intellectually diverse audience. The presentation generated thoughtful feedback and probing questions, which have been instrumental in shaping the next phase of my project. Drawing on these insights, I am currently revising and strengthening the manuscript during my remaining time at Yale. In parallel, I am actively reaching out to academic publishers for feedback on both conceptual and methodological frameworks, as well as guidance on formatting and publishing standards.
I taught a course titled “Anthropology of Education,” which drew on my interdisciplinary expertise as both an anthropologist and a multicultural education specialist. The course bridged anthropological theories, methodologies, and practices with diverse educational contexts—including curriculum development, classroom dynamics, and educational research. It was carefully designed to engage both students and educators in deep discussions on critical thinking, social justice, and human dignity, with a particular focus on African contexts. Through this course, I aimed to foster a transformative understanding of education as a culturally embedded and socially responsive practice.
Teaching Yale students was an incredible experience. Their enthusiasm, critical thinking, and curiosity inspired me every day. Our classroom discussions were thoughtful and engaging, and I leave with a renewed appreciation for the power of learning in a diverse and dynamic environment.
On the most rewarding aspect of being part of the CAS community
What was particularly impressive about the Council on African Studies was their commitment to bringing together multidisciplinary scholars from around the world so they may share their research skills and hold open discussions about their work.
Additionally, the staff demonstrate exceptional skills in organizing public lectures. Beyond their regular responsibilities, they coordinate special events — such as musical performances in collaboration with other departments, including the Institute of Sacred Music at Yale — to enrich the academic environment. Through these initiatives, they strive to create meaningful and engaging learning experiences for both graduate and undergraduate students, as well as fellow staff members. It is also such a delight to witness students playing an active and commendable role in the planning and execution of these events.
Participating in the Council’s lecture series was another highlight. I learned so much from the vibrant conversations and diverse perspectives shared in the sessions. I will never forget the overwhelming attendance and thoughtful feedback I received during my own presentation. It was one of the most energizing and affirming moments of my academic life.
With the generous support of CAS, I have also benefitted from membership and participation in the Annual conference of the American Anthropological Association.
Additional thoughts
During my time at Yale, I had the valuable opportunity to connect with researchers from a wide range of departments, colleges, and institutions. I participated in various research symposiums organized by units such as the Jackson School of Global Affairs, the Program in Agrarian Studies, and the School of Art, which enriched my academic exposure. Beyond the academic environment, living in the beautiful city of New Haven has been a rewarding experience for my entire family. The city proved welcoming, particularly for my children, who benefited greatly from the local schools and showed remarkable improvement in their English language skills. They quickly adapted and expressed strong appreciation for the American educational system. The seasonal changes, especially the experience of snow, were a new and exciting aspect of life for us, highlighting the stark contrast in climate from our home country, Ethiopia. While my wife initially faced challenges due to limited English proficiency, she was somewhat able to overcome them through language training programs. Overall, our experience has been both academically and personally transformative.
By: Yemiamrew Jorgi Teferi