The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellows Program is now accepting applications for its 2025 cohort. The application period runs until October 3, 2024. This program aims to enhance leadership skills among young leaders aged 18 to 25 from Southeast Asia and strengthen ties between the United States and the region.
The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program is a short-term academic initiative that provides participants with a deeper understanding of the United States and specific themes such as Civic Engagement, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Natural Resources, and Society and Governance. Each year, five Institutes are organized around these themes, hosting up to 25 fellows per Institute. The programs will take place in person from April 10 to May 15 for the spring session and from September 18 to October 23 for the fall session.
Participants will engage in seminars, discussions, presentations, lectures, educational travel, site visits, leadership activities, and volunteer opportunities within local communities. They will also partake in an educational study tour across various U.S. regions before concluding their fellowship in Washington D.C.
Eligibility criteria include being a citizen and resident of one of eleven specified Southeast Asian countries, being a full-time or part-time undergraduate student or recent graduate within four years prior to applying, proficiency in English, and not having significant prior experience in the United States.
Successful applicants are expected to demonstrate leadership qualities through their academic work or community involvement. They should have an interest in civic engagement or related fields like sustainability or entrepreneurship.
The program covers all necessary costs including transportation, lodging, meals through various arrangements by host institutions. Participants must adhere strictly to program rules regarding travel dates and participation requirements.
Applications can be submitted through the designated portal by October 3, 2024. Queries about the program can be directed via email at ysealiafp@umontana.edu.