The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Professional Fellows Program (YSEALI PFP) is a fully-funded exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It offers emerging leaders from Southeast Asia a 5-6 week fellowship in the United States, focusing on professional growth, leadership development, and building long-lasting partnerships.
Program Themes:
- Civic Engagement
- Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Empowerment
- Society and Governance
- Sustainability and the Environment
Eligibility:
- Age 25-35
- Citizen and resident of one of the YSEALI countries: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience
- Demonstrated leadership and proficiency in English
- Self-directed, with cross-cultural skills and a community-oriented project plan
Ineligibility:
- U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents
- Individuals currently studying, training, or working in the United States
- Those residing or working outside the eligible YSEALI PFP countries at the time of the program
- Past participants of U.S. government-funded exchange programs who have not completed the two-year home residency requirement
- Individuals who have applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years and are awaiting a status change
Application Requirements:
- Online application, including eligibility confirmation, education history, and work experience
- Resume/CV in English
- Three essays on your motivation, community impact, and project plans
- Two professional references
- Signed Participant Terms and Conditions Agreement
- Signed American Councils Informed Consent Agreement
Application Deadline: 17 October 2024
