Spring and Fall 2025 YSEALI Academic Fellows Program

About the program

The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program brings undergraduates or recently graduated students between the ages of 18 and 25 to the United States for a five-week Institute held on the campus of a U.S. college or university. The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program includes an academic residency, leadership development, an educational study tour, and community service activities. Programs occur in the fall and spring, with each cohort concluding in Washington, D.C.

Eligible

Young leaders from all 11 YSEALI countries (Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam) who are current undergraduate or graduate students, or have graduated in the past four years. Participants are selected based on their background, experience, leadership record, and commitment to service. See full eligibility criteria on the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program website at: www.ysealiafp.org

Eligibility Requirement

Applicants must be:

Between the ages of 18 and 25 at the time of application, although exceptional applicants over 25 can be considered if they meet all other eligibility requirements;
A citizen of one of the following countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam;
A resident of one of the following countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam;
A full-time undergraduate or graduate student; recent graduate of college, university, or other institutions of higher learning; or have graduated from one 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 strong leadership qualities and track record in their university, place of work, and/or community;
Demonstrate knowledge, or professional experience in one of the YSEALI themes: civic engagement, environment and natural resources management, or entrepreneurship and economic development;
Demonstrate a commitment to community service, volunteerism, or mentorship;
Indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States, ASEAN, 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; and
Preferably have little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States.