Deadline: 2-Oct-22
U.S. Embassy Bangkok is now accepting applications for the Spring 2023 YSEALI Academic Fellowship.
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.
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 mid-March through late May timeframe; exact dates will be determined later. Should health, safety, and travel conditions continue to pose significant challenges, the program will pivot to a modified virtual format.
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: 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.
- Environmental Issues: 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.
- Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development: 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.
Funding Information
- Health Benefits: All participants will receive the Department of State’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) health benefit during the U.S.-based in-person component, which provides coverage of up to $100,000 with a $25 co-pay per medical visit and a $75 co-pay per emergency room visit, for the duration of the program. Pre-existing conditions may be covered up to $100,000, subject to policy exclusions and limitations. ASPE also covers up to $500 for routine COVID-19 testing requirements in the United States.
Eligibility Criteria
- 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.
- 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.
Selection Criteria
- 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 virtual 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
- Have little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States.
For more information, visit https://th.usembassy.gov/call-for-application-announcement-spring-2023-yseali-academic-fellowship/