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YSEALI

Fully-Funded Exchange Program to the US!

GET TO KNOW YSEALI

 YSEALI (Young Southeast Asian Leaders   Initiative)  is an initiative the United States government created as part of their greater “U.S mission to ASEAN” program.
(ASEAN: Association of Southeast Asian Nations)

The program acts as a cross-cultural exchange medium between regions inside of South-East Asia (SEA) and the US with aims to build the leadership capabilities of the youth and promote cross-border cooperation to solve regional and global challenges

YSEALI PROGRAMS

All three YSEALI programs are fully funded by the US Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, and various educational institutions (including Ivy League schools) within SEA and the US!

YSEALI
ACADEMIC
FELLOWSHIP

SPRING:  September 16th -  October 16th
FALL:   April 17th - March 17th

Themes: 
1. Civic Engagement  
2. Environment Issues and  Natural Resources Management 
3. Social Entrepreneurship and  Economic Development 

A fully-funded five-week exchange program for 18 - 25 years old undergraduates or recent graduates from Southeast Asia to the US. The program offers exposure to the United States and one of 3 chosen themes. Program activities include seminars, readings, group presentations, lectures, educational travel, site visits, leadership activities, and local community volunteer opportunities. 

Eligibility requirements:

  1. Between the ages of 18 and 25 at the time of application.

  2. A citizen and resident of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste or Vietnam.

  3. Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English (evaluated through the application form and interviews with YSEALI program staff).

  4. Eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa.

Documents:

  1. University transcripts (for years of university attendance) or University degree 

  2. Letter of recommendation from teacher/professor (for current students) or supervisor (for those in employment) 

  3. Application form (provided by YSEALI on their site)

 BENEFITS 

  • International travel costs

  • Technology allowances 

  • Travel allowances

  • Program administration

  • Health Benefits (ASPE)

  • Food allowance

  • Domestic travel and ground transportation

  • Book, cultural, mailing, and incidental allowances 

  • Housing

For more information: 
YSEALI Academic Fellowship - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Indonesia (id.usembassy.gov) 

YSEALI
PROFESSIONAL
FELLOWSHIP

Application varies from year to year (check official website for details)

Themes: 
1. Civic Engagement 
2. Sustainable Development and  the Environment 
3. Economic Empowerment 
4. Governance and Society 

A fully-funded five-week exchange program for 25 - 35-year-old professionals from Southeast Asia to the US. The program offers exposure to the United States and one of 4 chosen themes. Program activities include seminars, readings, group presentations, lectures, educational travel, site visits, leadership activities, and public and private sector work experience opportunities. 

Eligibility requirements:

  1. Between the ages of 25 and 35 at the time of application.

  2. A citizen and resident of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste or Vietnam.

  3. Able to identify an objective/project that they would like to implement in their home workplace or community.

  4. An emerging leader in government, civil society, or the private sector who has demonstrated expertise in the respective theme they are applying to.

  5. Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English (evaluated through the application form and interviews with YSEALI program staff)

  6. Eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa.

Documents:

  1. Education transcript

  2. Resume or CV in English

  3. Work history transcript 

  4. Two professional references 

  5. A signed copy of the Participant Terms and
    Conditions Agreement

  6. A signed copy of the American Councils Informed Consent Agreement

 BENEFITS 

  • International travel costs

  • Technology allowances 

  • Travel allowances

  • Program administration

  • Domestic travel and ground transportation

  • Book, cultural, mailing and incidental allowances 

  • Housing 

  • Food Allowances

  • Health Benefits (ASPE)

Selection criteria:

  1. Possess previous records of leadership or positive impact in their community or workplace.

  2. Possess knowledge or experience in one of the Program themes.

  3. Possess a commitment or interest to community service, volunteerism, or mentorship.

  4. Possess an interest in learning about the United States, and Southeast Asia.

  5. Possess a willingness to be an active participant.

  6. Are committed to returning to their home country to apply what they have learned to benefit SEA.

  7. Have little experience in the US.

For more information: 
YSEALI Professional Fellows Program (www.ysealipfp.org) 

YSEALI
SEEDS FOR 
THE FUTURE

While specific dates vary, applications last for one month each year, usually in the last quarter of the year (October - December)

Themes: 
1. Civic Engagement 
2. Economic Empowerment and Social Entrepreneurship 
3. Education 
4. Environmental Issue 

A program that supports Southeast Asian leaders with small grants for innovative projects with the aim of improving communities and the region.

 
Fun Fact: Every year of YSEALI SEED, there has always been more than one grantee from Indonesia. In 2023, there were 2 winners from Indonesia. One from West Kalimantan and another from Sumatra. 

Eligibility requirements:

  1. Applicants must not have had any recent involvement (the last two years) with any program that received funding or support from the U.S. government.

  2. A citizen and resident of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste or Vietnam.

  3. Between the ages of 25 and 35 at the time of application.

  4. The project must address one of the 4 project themes. 

  5. The project must be conducted in one or more ASEAN countries.

Documents:

  1. Project Proposal according to guidelines (more details on the official website)

  2. Detailed Budget Proposal (according to guidelines) 

  3. 1-page CV or resume of key personnel who are proposed for the program

  4. Letters of support from program partners describing the roles and responsibilities of each partner

  5. Official permission letters for running program

 BENEFITS 

One-time grant of up to $15,000 USD
(Each region has a different
funding limit)

Selection criteria:

  1. Demonstrate strong leadership in university, work, or community.

  2. Show interest, knowledge, or professional experience in YSEALI themes.

  3. Exhibit commitment to community service, volunteerism, or mentorship.

  4. Express a serious interest in learning about the United States and ASEAN.

  5. Are willing to actively participate in an intensive program, including academic sessions, community service, and a study tour.

  6. Commit to returning home and applying leadership skills to benefit Southeast Asia.

  7. Possess little or no prior experience in the United States.

For more information: 
asean.usmission.gov/young-southeast-asian-leaders-initiative/

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