What is YSEALI?

Launched in 2013, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is U.S. government’s signature program to strengthen leadership development and networking in Southeast Asia. Through a variety of programs and engagements, including U.S. educational and cultural exchanges, regional exchanges, and seed funding, YSEALI seeks to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region, strengthen ties between the United States and Southeast Asia, and nurture an ASEAN community. YSEALI focuses on critical topics identified by youth in the region: civic engagement, environment and natural resources management, and entrepreneurship and economic development.

YSEALI programs include:

• Professional Fellowships to the United States
• Academic Fellowships to the United States
• Regional Workshops 
• Grant Funding

Eligibility:

• Between the ages of 18 and 25 at the time of application.
• A citizen of one of the following countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam;
• A resident of one of the following countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam;
• A full-time undergraduate student from college, university, or other institutions of higher learning; or have graduated in the past four years;
• Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English;
• Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.

Deadline: October 14, 2016

Official Link: https://asean.usmission.gov/yseali/