Deadline: April 21, 2024.

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 Fellowship 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.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Candidates nominated for this program must be:

• 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.

Successful applicants should:

• 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.
• Have little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States.

BENEFITS

1. Program 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.
2. Housing and Meal Arrangements: Housing will be in shared or single university dorms on campus or full-service hotels within walking distance of most classroom activities.  Male and female participants will be housed in separate quarters.  In addition to regular group meals and a university meal plan, participants may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own.
3. Health Benefits:  All participants will receive the Department of State’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) health benefit during the U.S.-based in-person component, which provides the following coverages: Up to $100,000 with a $25 co-pay per medical visit and a $75 co-pay per emergency room visit, for the duration of the program. Up to $100,000 for pre-existing conditions, subject to policy exclusions and limitations. Up to $500 for routine COVID-19 testing requirements in the United States.  COVID-19 is treated like any other illness under the ASPE health benefits plan.

APPLICATION

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.

If applicant encounters difficulty with the online form or receives an error message upon submission of the form, please email a copy of the completed application form to yseali_bsb@state.gov, or contact the YSEALI Coordinator at +673-872-4904.

Apply through the OFFICIAL LINK