Call for Applications: Spring 2024 YSEALI Academic Fellowship – Thailand

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is a public diplomacy program designed to advance regional strategic goals, break down barriers that separate the next generation of leaders in Southeast Asia, and link those emerging leaders to the United States. To this end, the YSEALI Academic Fellowship will bring exceptional young leaders from Southeast Asian countries to the United States to further develop their professional and leadership skills. The Study of the U.S. Branch implements the YSEALI Academic Fellowship aimed at young leaders aged 18-25.

Program Description and Themes:

• The YSEALI Academic Fellowship is an intensive short-term academic program whose purpose is to provide groups of young leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States and a particular theme, while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills. The Fellowship will focus on one of three themes: Civic Engagement, Environmental Issues, and Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development.
• The five-week programs will consist of a balanced series of seminar discussions, readings, group presentations, and lectures. The coursework and classroom activities will be complemented by educational travel, site visits, leadership activities, and volunteer opportunities within the local community. During the academic residency, participants will also have opportunities to engage in educational and cultural activities outside of the classroom. If conditions allow, the Fellowship will include an educational study tour to other areas of the United States where they will meet with local, state, private, and nonprofit organizations working in the field. Note that if the program must take place virtually, Fellows will engage in similar activities but online from their home countries.
• 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 active citizenship, community building, economic development, grassroots activism, and volunteerism.  Other topics such as civil rights, social justice, entrepreneurship, ethics, leadership, and media will be discussed. Fellows will also have the opportunity to meet with community leaders, entrepreneurs, and representatives of non-profit organizations. Throughout the Fellowship participants will develop innovative and practical plans to become engaged citizens in their own communities. The University of Nebraska – Omaha and Arizona State University will each conduct and host one Institute. The Fellowship on Civic Engagement will be held from April 20 to May 22, 2024.
• The YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Environmental Issues 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 climate change, sustainable development/sustainable agricultural practices, food security, ecotourism, renewable energy generation, and water management and treatment.  Fellows will explore the issues from numerous angles: local grassroots activism and civic initiatives, impacts on marginalized communities, private sector approaches, global multilateral efforts, and federal government policies and regulation. Finally, the Fellowships will explore environmental issues in the context of a globalized society, and draw comparisons between the United States and the participants’ home countries.  Fellows will also have the opportunity to meet with community leaders, and representatives of non-profit organizations. The University of Montana and the East-West Center will each conduct and host one Institute. The Fellowship on Environmental Issues will be held from April 17 to May 22, 2024.
• The YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Social 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 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 meet with community leaders, entrepreneurs, and representatives of nonprofit organizations. The University of Connecticut and the University of Texas-Austin will each conduct and host one Institute. The Fellowship on Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development will be held from April 14 to May 18, 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for this program must be:

• Between the ages of 18 and 25 at the time of application
• A citizen of Thailand
• A resident of Thailand
• 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 United States.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrate interest, knowledge, or professional experience in Civic Engagement, Environmental Issues, or Social 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 virtual 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
• Have little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Thailand.