Deadline: 31 October 2019
The U.S. Embassy in Cambodia is accepting applications for its Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellowship (Spring 2020).
The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is a public diplomacy program 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 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 U.S. Branch implements the YSEALI Academic Fellowship aimed at young leaders aged 18-25. In spring 2020, the YSEALI Academic Fellowship will bring approximately 125 current or recently graduated students from eleven Southeast Asian countries to the U.S. for five-week Institutes at pre-eminent U.S. universities and colleges. All programs will conclude in Washington, D.C. to allow for networking with policy makers, government representatives, businesses, and think tanks.
The YSEALI Academic Fellowships are intensive short-term academic Institutes whose purpose is to provide groups of young leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States, and a particular theme, while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills.
Program Themes
- The YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Civic Engagement will provide Fellows with an overview of how citizens have shaped U.S. history, government, and society both as individuals and groups.
- The YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Environmental Issues and Natural Resource Management will explore the role that environmental policy has played in the economic and political development of the United States.
- The YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development will provide Fellows with an overview of entrepreneurial approaches that are employed to address social and economic issues.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be:
- Between the ages of 18 and 25 at the time of application;
- A YSEALI member – if applicants are not a YSEALI member yet to register and become a member;
- A Cambodian citizen;
- A full-time undergraduate student from college, university, or other institutions of higher learning; or have graduated in the past four years;
- Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English; and
- Eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa.
Selection Criteria
Applicants should:
- Demonstrate interest, knowledge, or professional experience in Civic Engagement, Environmental Issues, or Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development;
- Demonstrate strong leadership qualities and potential in their university, place of work, and/or community;
- Demonstrate a commitment or interest in community service, volunteerism, or mentorship;
- Indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States and Southeast Asia as a region;
- Be willing to actively participate in an intensive academic program, community service, and study tour;
- Have a commitment to return to their home country to apply leadership skills and training to benefit their community, country, or the region of Southeast Asia; and
- Preferably have little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their applications via email at the address given on the website.
For more information, please visit https://kh.usembassy.gov/yseali-academic-fellowships/