Deadline: Nov 3rd | Age 18-25 | The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program is an intensive short-term academic program that will bring exceptional young leaders aged 18-25 from Southeast Asian countries to the United States in Spring 2020 for five weeks to network with policy makers, government representatives, businesses, and think tanks.
The Fellowship offers three themes: Civic Engagement, Environmental Issues and Natural Resource Management, and 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 citizenship, community building, economic development, grassroots activism, and volunteerism. Other topics such as civil rights, entrepreneurship, ethics, leadership, and media will be discussed. Fellows will also have the opportunity to leave the classroom to meet with community leaders, entrepreneurs, and representatives of non-profit organizations. The University of Nebraska – Omaha and Arizona State University will each host one Fellowship on this theme from March 14 to April 18, 2020.
The YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Environmental Issues and Natural Resource Management 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 natural resource management, sustainable development/sustainable agricultural practices, food security, ecotourism, energy generation (new and traditional forms), and water management and treatment. Fellows will also have the opportunity to leave the classroom to meet with community leaders, and representatives of non-profit organizations. The University of Montana and the East-West Center will each host one Fellowship on this theme from March 25 to April 29, 2020.
The YSEALI Academic Fellowship on 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 may 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. Students will also have the opportunity to leave the classroom to meet with community leaders, entrepreneurs, and representatives of nonprofit organizations. The University of Connecticut and Brown University will each host one Fellowship on this theme from March 21 to April 24, 2020.
Individuals applying for this program 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 and resident of one of the following countries: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam;
- A full-time undergraduate student from college, university, or other institutions of higher learning; or have graduated in the past four years;
- Eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa; and
For the selection criteria, applicants should:
- Demonstrate interest, knowledge, or professional experience in Civic Engagement, Environmental Issues and Natural Resource Management, or 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 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
- Preferably, have little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States.
Application Timeline:
- November 3 – Application deadline
- November 4 to November 22 – Application review
- November 25 (TBC) – In-person interview at the Embassy. (Only selected semi-finalists)
- Late January 2020 – Announcement of selected finalists
- Mid-February 2020 – Visa application and pre-departure orientation
- Late March 2020 – Selected participants departing for the U.S.
- Late April 2020 – Selected participants returning to Brunei
Apply today at the link below: