The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program is a fully funded, five-week academic and cultural exchange in the United States for undergraduate students and recent graduates aged 18 to 25. The U.S. Department of State sponsors, and the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana administers this program, which builds leadership skills, strengthens U.S.–Southeast Asia ties, and fosters a community of leaders who work across borders to solve shared challenges.
Each fellowship includes:
- An academic residency at a U.S. college or university
- Community service and leadership activities
- Academic field experiences
- A closing workshop in Washington, D.C.
- A potential Reciprocal Exchange, which brings American participants to Southeast Asia
Program Themes
Applicants will rank their interest in one of the following themes:
- Civic Engagement
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Society and Governance
- Natural Resources
Program Dates
There will be two cycles in 2026:
- Cycle 1: Spring 2026
- Cycle 2: Fall 2026
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you must:
- Be between 18 and 25 years old by the application deadline (exceptional applicants over 25 may receive consideration)
- Be a citizen and resident of one of the following countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam
- Be a current undergraduate student or have graduated within the past four years
- Be proficient in English
- Not be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
- Not be an employee of or the immediate family member of an employee of the U.S. Government
- Not be a past participant in the YSEALI Academic Fellows Program
- Be eligible for a U.S. J-1 visa (the program covers all costs, including visa application fees)
Application Information
The application closes on July 21, 2025. All applicants will receive a confirmation email after submitting their application and will receive notification of their status by email. Visit www.ysealiafp.org for full program details and to submit your application.
Please mention "www.Cambodiajobs.Biz" where you saw the ad when you apply!