The YSEALI Academic Fellowship – Brunei 2024 Fall cohort is now accepting applications, offering a unique opportunity for young leaders in Southeast Asia. This initiative, part of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), is a flagship program by the U.S. government designed to empower youth in the region. Its primary goals include enhancing leadership skills, fostering closer ties between the United States and Southeast Asia, and cultivating a network of cross-border collaborators to address common challenges.
The fellowship targets outstanding individuals aged 18-25, providing them with a comprehensive five-week program. This program comprises a diverse range of activities such as seminars, readings, group presentations, lectures, educational travel, site visits, leadership tasks, and community volunteering. Participants will also have opportunities for cultural and educational exploration outside the formal classroom setting.
If conditions permit, the fellowship will incorporate an educational tour to various parts of the United States. During this tour, fellows will interact with local, state, private, and nonprofit organizations engaged in relevant fields. However, in the event of virtual implementation, similar activities will be conducted online from participants' home countries.
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State will cover all expenses for the selected participants. This coverage includes program administration, international and visa travel, allowances for domestic travel and ground transportation, book and cultural allowances, as well as housing and subsistence. Additionally, in case of virtual programming, ECA will collaborate with partners to provide technology stipends to fellows.
