The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is a public diplomacy programme designed to advance regional strategic goals, break down barriers that separate the next generation of leaders in Southeast Asia, and link those emerging leaders to the United States. To this end, the YSEALI Academic Fellowship will bring exceptional young leaders from Southeast Asian countries to the United States to further develop their professional and leadership skills. The Study of the US Branch implements the YSEALI Academic Fellowship aimed at young leaders aged 18-25.
The YSEALI Academic Fellowship is an intensive short-term academic programme that provides young leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States and of a particular theme, while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills. The Fellowship will focus on one of three themes: Civic Engagement, Environmental Issues and Social Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development. The Academic Fellowship is a five-week in-person programme in the United States falling between August to November 2022, consisting 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. Also, if the programme takes place virtually, Fellows will engage in similar activities online from their home countries.
Eligibility
A YSEALI member (Register for free at http://yseali.state.gov );
Between the ages of 18 and 25 at the time of application;
A citizen and resident of the Philippines;
Not a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States;
A full-time undergraduate college student or have graduated in the past four years;
Proficient in reading, writing and speaking English.Demonstrate strong leadership qualities and potential in their university, place of work or community;
Demonstrate a commitment or interest in community service, volunteerism or mentorship;
Be willing to actively participate in an intensive academic programme, community service and study tour;
Be committed to return to the Philippines for applying leadership skills and training to benefit their community, country or the Southeast Asian region.
Funding Details
Housing will be in shared or single university dorms on campus or hotels within walking distance of most classroom activities.
Most meals will be provided at campus facilities, though Fellows may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own.
Health Insurance up to $100,000International travel costs
International and visa travel
A stipend for subsistence will also be provided to the participants.
The applications for the 2022 edition are now open. The last date to apply is June 8, 2022.
To know more about the fellowship, click here.
