The YSEALI Academic Fellowship for the 2024 Fall cohort [Funded]: ()

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is the U.S. government’s signature public diplomacy program to provide skills training to youth in Southeast Asia.  YESALI seeks to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region, strengthen ties between the United States and Southeast Asia, and nurture a community of leaders who work across borders to solve shared issues.  To this end, the YSEALI Academic Fellowship 2024 brings exceptional young leaders from Southeast Asian countries to the United States to further develop their professional and leadership skills.  The Study of the U.S. Branch implements the YSEALI Academic Fellowship aimed at young leaders ages 18-25.

The five-week program will consist of a balanced series of seminar discussions, readings, group presentations, and lectures.  The coursework and classroom activities will be complemented by educational travel, site visits, leadership activities, and volunteer opportunities within the local community.  During the academic residency, participants will also have opportunities to engage in educational and cultural activities outside of the classroom.  If conditions allow, the Fellowship will include an educational study tour to other areas of the United States where they will meet with local, state, private, and nonprofit organizations working in the field.  Note that if the program must take place virtually, Fellows will engage in similar activities but online from their home countries.

Funding

• The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State will cover all participant costs, including program administration; international and visa travel, travel allowances, domestic travel and ground transportation; book, cultural, mailing and incidental allowances; and housing and subsistence.  If the program is conducted virtually, ECA will work with the cooperative partners to provide a technology stipend to the fellows.

Eligibility

• Between the ages of 18 and 25 at the time of application, although exceptional applicants over 25 can be considered if they meet all other eligibility requirements;
• A citizen of one of the following countries: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam;
• A resident of one of the following countries: Brunei (permanent residents, or International Certificate of Identity (ICI) holder included), Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam;
• A full-time undergraduate student from college, university, or other institutions of higher learning; or have graduated in the past four years;
• Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English;
• Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States;
• Eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa.

Selection Criteria for 2024 YSEALI Academic Fellowship

• Demonstrate interest, knowledge, or professional experience in Civic Engagement, Environmental Issues, or Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development;
• Demonstrate strong leadership qualities and potential in their university, place of work, and/or community;
• Demonstrate a commitment or interest in community service, volunteerism, or mentorship;
• Indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States and Southeast Asia as a region;
• Be willing to actively participate in an intensive academic program, community service, and study tour;
• Have a commitment to return to their home country to apply leadership skills and training to benefit their community, country, or the region of Southeast Asia; and
• Have little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States.

Application of 2024 YSEALI Academic Fellowship

Follow the simple steps below to apply for the YSEALI Academic Fellowship:

1. Register to be a YSEALI member at yseali.state.gov with an active email address.  (If you are already a YSEALI member, skip this step)
2. Go to the online application form. 
3. Answer the questions on the online form.
4. Click submit.