Deadline: 9-Apr-23
U.S. Embassy Bangkok is now accepting applications for the Fall 2023 YSEALI Academic Fellowship. Candidates from Thailand interested in the topics of Civic Engagement, Environmental Issues, and Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development are invited to apply for this opportunity.
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 Academic 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.
There will be two Institutes on each theme with each Institute composed of up to 22 Fellows. The five-week programs are planned to take place in-person during the late August and early November timeframe; exact dates will be determined at a later time. Should health, safety, and travel conditions continue to pose significant challenges, the program will pivot to a modified virtual format.
A total of 15 applicants from Thailand will be selected to participate in the Fall 2023 program.
Themes
The YSEALI Academic Fellowship is an intensive short-term academic program 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. The Fellowship will focus on one of three themes: Civic Engagement, Environmental Issues, and Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development.
- 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 Fellowship will define civic engagement, examine its development in the United States, and explore topics such as active citizenship, community building, economic development, grassroots activism, and volunteerism. Other topics such as civil rights, social justice, entrepreneurship, ethics, leadership, and media will be discussed.
- The YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Environmental Issues will explore the role that environmental policy has played in the economic and political development of the United States. The Fellowship will use experiential learning techniques to expose participants to current themes in the field, including climate change, sustainable development/sustainable agricultural practices, food security, ecotourism, renewable energy generation, and water management and treatment.
- 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. The Fellowship will review the development, history, challenges, and successes of enterprises and community leaders, in the United States and globally. Topics include, but are not limited to, trade; investment; financial literacy; banking; microfinance; organizational development and management; grant writing; innovation; emerging markets and risk analysis; strategic business planning; corporate social responsibility; and, women and minorities in entrepreneurship.
Eligibility Criteria
- The YSEALI Academic Fellows are expected to be full-time undergraduate students from college, university, or other institutions of higher learning; or have graduated in the past four years, who demonstrate leadership through academic work, community involvement, extracurricular activities, or their profession. Their fields of study will be varied, and may include the sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, business, and other professional fields. Please note the U.S. Department of State’s commitment to inclusion of people with disabilities in all programming. Host universities will provide special accommodations for YSEALI Academic Fellows with disabilities as needed.
- Candidates applying for this program must be:
- Between the ages of 18 and 25 at the time of application.
- A citizen of Thailand.
- A resident of Thailand.
- 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.
- Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Thailand.