The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellows Program (PFP) 2025 is now accepting applications until October 17, 2024! If you’re an emerging leader in Southeast Asia, this is your chance to embark on a fully-funded exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders
The YSEALI PFP provides young professionals from Southeast Asia with the opportunity to spend five to six weeks in the United States, gaining hands-on experience at non-profit organizations, public agencies, or private sector firms. This program aims to:
- Foster mutual understanding between Southeast Asia and the U.S.
- Enhance leadership and professional skills
- Create sustainable partnerships between young leaders in Southeast Asia and the U.S.
The program covers four thematic areas:
- Civic Engagement
- Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Empowerment
- Society and Governance
- Sustainability and the Environment
Leadership Themes and Opportunities
YSEALI Fellows have the chance to build professional networks and develop solutions to key challenges under these four themes:
- Civic Engagement: Promoting positive social change through community service and advocacy.
- Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Empowerment: Encouraging innovative approaches to economic and social development.
- Society and Governance: Strengthening governance and public service systems.
- Sustainability and the Environment: Tackling pressing environmental challenges with sustainable solutions.
A Global Network of Professionals
YSEALI Fellows will join a global network of like-minded individuals who are passionate about creating change. By collaborating with peers and U.S. professionals, participants will exchange ideas and strategies for addressing both local and global issues.
How to Apply
To start your application, visit the AIS Forms portal, where you can complete your submission, upload materials, and request recommendations. You can save your progress and return to your application at any time before the deadline.
Key Steps in the Application Process:
- Select Your Theme and Cycle: Indicate your preferred theme and the program cycle (dates provided in the application).
- Submit Your Application: Ensure you click the “Submit” button on the last page. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For any questions, email ysealipfp@americancouncils.org. Be sure to reach out early, as response times may be delayed due to time zone differences.
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete the following:
- Confirmation of eligibility
- Education history and work experience
- A resume or CV (in English)
- Three essays addressing motivations, community impact, and a follow-up project
- Two professional references
- Signed Participant Terms and Conditions Agreement
- Signed Informed Consent Agreement
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a citizen and resident of one of the eleven YSEALI countries: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam.
- Be an emerging leader in government, civil society, or the private sector with expertise relevant to the selected theme.
- Have at least two years of professional experience.
- Be between 25 and 35 years old at the time of application.
- Demonstrate English proficiency, leadership, and collaborative skills.
- Be committed to implementing a project in their home community.
The program is open to all, regardless of race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status. [Read the U.S. Department of State’s Diversity Statement.]
Financial Benefits of the YSEALI Exchange Program USA:
- The program includes international travel and living expenses.
- Fellows will receive assistance to obtain a J-1 visa from the American Councils.
- YESALI PFP will cover the visa costs, including travel to the interview.
- YESALI PFP will provide emerging health benefits to fellows.
- During the program, fellows will get a chance to learn US culture by staying with an American family, taking part in a cultural excursion, or staying with a short-term host family.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to gain professional experience and make a lasting impact. Apply today to become a YSEALI Fellow!
For More Information
If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to the YSEALI team at ysealipfp@americancouncils.org.