Deadline: 30-Nov-22
Secondary school students from Thailand are invited to apply for participation in the Southeast Asia Youth Leadership Program (SEAYLP).
The program will host 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 focuses on leadership and youth development. It will also allow participants 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. Preference will be given to participants who have not traveled to the United States.
The 2023 SEAYLP will emphasize ASEAN identity by organizing into multi-country teams to enhance cross-cultural experience wherever possible across the country cohorts. Exchange activities in the United States will include workshops, interactive sessions, diplomacy simulations, leadership training, and team-building exercises. Extracurricular activities round out the program with volunteer service opportunities as well as site visits with relevant organizations in host communities. All participants will have homestays with American families and study tours to Chicago, IL, and Washington, D.C.
Segments
- This is an intensive program with three segments:
- A pre-departure orientation in Bangkok;
- Athree-week U.S.-based exchange program that will offer students and their adult mentor 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.
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 between April 1, 2006 to April 1, 2008
- Be a high school student and have a high school graduation year of 2024 or later;
- Have proficiency in English;
- Have not traveled to the United States
- Have permission from both parent(s)/guardian(s) and schools to participate in the entire program.
What are the criteria for selection?
- 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;
- Be initiative, have 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/2023-seaylp/