RFAs: Southeast Asia Program 2025

Fellows will develop a project, foster professional relationships and launch dynamic, concrete collaborations with their American counterparts, their cohort and the prestigious EF network of over 2,500 Fellows from 115 countries.

Fellows are selected based on their track record of leadership, their potential for future impact and their commitment to lifelong engagement with Eisenhower Fellowships to advance their mission of enhancing international understanding through dialogue to build a world more peaceful, prosperous and just.

Typically, Fellows range between 32 and 45 years of age at the time of fellowship and are highly proficient in English. They seek Fellows who have the maturity to take advantage of this unique opportunity and represent Eisenhower Fellowships, as well as draw upon this experience to catapult them forward as impactful leaders for years to come.

Eligible Countries

• Must have citizenship and/or current residence for at least five years in one of the following countries in Southeast Asia where Eisenhower Fellowships is currently active: Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Eligibility Criteria

• If an applicant has citizenship and/or current residence of at least five years in another country in Southeast Asia where EF is not currently active, they must demonstrate that their work has regional impact and obtain a letter of recommendation from a member of the EF global network in order to be considered.
• Priority is given to applicants within their age range of focus: 32-45 years of age at the time of the program. This is one of many criteria they consider. Candidates who are slightly above or below the target range will still be considered if they excel in the other criteria.
• Strong proficiency in the English language is required.
• Selected Fellows must obtain approval from their workplace to go on leave and make a full-time commitment for the duration of the in-person program at the time of acceptance. Breaks from program are only permitted in the event of a dire personal or family emergency. They tentatively anticipate this program taking place over nearly six weeks from late September 2025 through early November 2025.
• Children are not permitted on fellowship under any circumstances. EF does not currently fund spousal travel.
• Fellows cannot use the fellowship to make business deals, solicit funds for their projects or seek any sort of financial support. EF already covers their expenses while on fellowship.

Ineligibility Criteria

• If an applicant currently resides in the United States, they are not eligible for their international programs.
• They will not consider a candidate who has had any fellowship within the previous two years of applying to EF.

Application Requirements

• Please note that use of generative AI/ChatGPT in the writing of any essay portion of the EF application is prohibited. All outside sources must be properly cited. An applicant suspected of using generative AI/ChatGPT in their application essays will not advance to the next stage of consideration for the fellowship.

For more information, visit Eisenhower Fellowships.