Deadline: 7-Jan-22
Secondary school students from Thailand are invited to apply for participation in the Southeast Asia Youth Leadership Program (SEAYLP).
The program will host 50 to 60 participants from ten countries in Southeast Asia that are members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). There will be five students selected to represent Thailand.
The program will feature interactive workshops and sessions, including site visits to community organizations. Through engagement with U.S. high schools, community organizations, youth groups, and community leaders, student and adult mentor participants will explore challenges facing the U.S. and ASEAN in the 21st century.
The program will be intensive, academic, and highly interactive. The program sponsors seek energetic applicants who are ready to develop their skills in order to be effective leaders in their schools and communities.
The program convenes high school students from ten ASEAN member countries for a three-week exchange program focused on leadership and youth development and to explore shared challenges faced by the United States and ASEAN member countries. These challenges are explored through the three pillars of the ASEAN community: political and security cooperation, economic skills-building (through the exchange’s project development), and socio-cultural leadership (through hands-on activities, workshops, seminars, and site visits to foster greater communication). Participants will develop projects to address the needs of their communities upon their return home.
Segments
This is an intensive program with three segments:
- A pre-departure orientation in Bangkok;
- a three-week U.S.-based exchange program that will offer students and their adult mentors the opportunity to explore the principles of leadership and community activism in the United States; and
- follow-on activities related to participants conducting projects in their home communities.
What else do you need to know?
- Covered Expenses: If you are selected for the program, the United States government, in conjunction with its private partners, will pay for domestic transportation, international transportation to and from the United States, orientations, program fees and administration, site visits and seminars, lodging and most meals, some cultural activities, educational materials, accident and sickness coverage, and a modest amount of pocket money. Participants will stay with volunteer host families.
- Personal Expenses: Participants are responsible for expenses related to the application process (copying, mailing, photographs, etc.), passport fees, and spending money for souvenirs, telephone calls, and other personal items in the United States.
- Visas: Participants will travel to the United States on J-1 exchange visitor visas provided through this program. By accepting this visa, participants will be subject to a two-year home residency requirement, meaning they must return to and live in their home country for a total of two years before they would be eligible for an immigrant or temporary worker U.S. visa. This does not restrict other types of visas, however, so this would not prevent you from being able to apply for a student visa to attend university, for example.
Eligibility Criteria
Student applicants must
- Be a Thai citizen currently residing and studying in Thailand (applicants with dual U.S. citizenship will not be considered);
- Be born from May 1, 2005-May 1, 2007
- Be a high school student and have a high school graduation year of 2022 or later;
- Have proficiency in English;
- Have permission from both parent(s)/guardian(s) and schools to participate in the entire program.
Selection Criteria
Students will be evaluated on their ability to demonstrate the following characteristics:
- Have strong academic and social skills, leadership potential, an interest in or a commitment to civic action and community service;
- Initiative, good communication, and an energetic, positive attitude;
- Possess the ability to work cooperatively in a team and tolerate the opinions of others.
For more information, visit https://th.usembassy.gov/2022-seaylp/