Dear Students,

Here’s the opportunity for you to take part in an academic residency and educational study tour, engage in local community service activities, develop leadership skills and interact with American peers through the YSEALI (Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative) Academic Fellowship.

More information about YSEALI and its various programs can be found at https://youngsoutheastasianleaders.state.gov/

Essential Program Information:

a) Program Funding: This program is fully-funded by the U.S. Department of State and will cover: program administration; domestic and international travel and ground transportation; book, cultural, mailing and incidental allowances; and housing and subsistence.

b) Housing and Meal Arrangements: Housing will be in university dorms or university hotels.  Fellows may be expected to share a room and bathroom with another student of the same gender.  Most meals will be provided at campus facilities, though Fellows may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own. Care will be taken to ensure that any special requirements regarding diet, daily worship, housing, and medical care are satisfied.

c) Health Benefits: All participants will receive the Department of State’s coverage of $100,000 with a $25 co-pay for the duration of the program.  Pre-existing conditions are not covered.

d) Program Requirements and Restrictions: Fellows are expected to fully participate in the academic program.  They should attend all lectures and organized activities, and complete assigned readings.  Candidates should be made aware that the fellowship is very intensive and that there will be little time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program.

What are the eligibility requirements?

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 Singapore Citizen or PR from an ASEAN member country

• 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.;

• Eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa

What are the selection criteria?

• Demonstrate interest, knowledge, or professional experience  in environmental Issues

• 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 ASEAN 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 ASEAN region; and

• Preferably have little or no prior study or travel  experience in the United States.

Application Details

If you are interested, please:

1. Sign up as YSEALI members at https://youngsoutheastasianleaders.state.gov/
2. Fill in the attached form (and rename it “YSEALI Academic Fellows Application Form- Civic Engagement”)

Please send the completed application forms directly to Tessa S. Tham at ThamTS@state.gov by May 31^st, 2015.