What is it?

The YSEALI Professional Fellows Program provides emerging leaders ages 25-35 the opportunity to spend five weeks in the United States, including four weeks working directly with American counterparts in individually tailored work placements with relevant private and/or public sector organizations.  During these placements, Fellows build their practical expertise, leadership skills, and professional networks.  The YSEALI Professional Fellows Program offers exchange opportunities under the following themes:

• Civic Engagement (designed for emerging civil society/NGO leaders who focus on underrepresented populations).
• Economic Empowerment (designed for emerging entrepreneurs and community leaders who focus on economic development).
• Governance and Society (designed for emerging policymakers, political leaders, public administrators, journalists and NGO leaders who focus on legislative/governance processes and practices).
• Sustainable Development and the Environment (designed for emerging urban and green space planners, planning and sustainability directors, natural resource managers, and other private and public sector leaders who focus on sustainable development and environmental issues).

How do I apply?

Participants are selected by their local embassies. For details, visit country-specific application and recruitment information.

Who is eligible to apply?

Young professionals from all 11 YSEALI countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam) who are leading change and innovation in civil society, the private sector, or the public sector.

What are the eligibility criteria?

Applicants must be:

• emerging leaders in government, civil society, or the private sector who have demonstrated expertise pertaining to the respective theme;
• mid-level professionals, 25 to 35 years old at the time of participation in the program, who, at a minimum, are currently employed and have two or more years of relevant professional work experience;
• candidates who have demonstrated proficiency in both written and oral English that qualifies them to have “working-level knowledge of English” that has been verified by the implementing partner;
• candidates who are self-directed and able to work effectively in a cross-cultural setting; and
• candidates who are genuinely interested in developing an individual project of their own selection in their home workplace or community.

What are the selection criteria?

• Demonstrate a strong track record of leadership or positive impact in their community or workplace;
• Demonstrate knowledge, or professional experience in one of the YSEALI Professional Fellows Program themes: Civic Engagement, Economic Empowerment, Governance and Society, or Sustainable Development and the Environment;
• Demonstrate a commitment or interest 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 a professional work environment to develop professional capacities and leadership skills;
• 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 work, study, or travel experience in the United States.

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