YSEALI Academic Fellows Program

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YSEALI Fall 2023 Academic Fellows Program (AFP) open for applications.

Deadline May 1, 2023

Overview:

The YSEALI AFP is an intensive short-term academic program whose purpose is to provide groups of young leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills.  The YSEALI AFP will focus on one of three themes:

  • Civic Engagement
  • Environmental Issues
  • Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development.

The five-week program 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
  • 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.

Applicants Description and Qualifications:

The YSEALI Academic Fellows are expected to be full-time undergraduate students from college, university, or other institutions of higher learning or have graduated in the past four years, who demonstrate leadership through academic work, community involvement, extracurricular activities, or their profession.  Their fields of study will be varied, and may include the sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, business, and other professional fields.  Applicants must have very little or no prior experience in the United States or elsewhere outside their home country.  We strongly encourage people with disabilities to apply the host universities will be able to provide special accommodations for YSEALI Academic Fellows with disabilities as needed.

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 citizen or resident of Timor-Leste.
  • 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.
  • Eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 visa; and

Applicants should:

  • 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;
  • Demonstrate 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.
  • Committed to fully participate in all aspects of the Fellowship.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND THEMES:

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

The YSEALI AFP 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 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.

ENVIRONMENT AND ISSUES

The YSEALI AFP 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 Fellowship 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 meet with community leaders, and representatives of non-profit organizations. The University of Montana and the East-West Center in Honolulu, will each conduct and host one Institute.

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 

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.

Fellows will also 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.

OTHER ESSENTIAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

Program Funding:

Through cooperative agreements to the host universities, the State Department will cover all participant costs, including program administration; international and visa travel, travel allowances, domestic travel, and ground transportation; book, cultural, mailing, and incidental allowances; and housing and subsistence.  If the program is conducted virtually, the State Department will work with the cooperative partners to provide a technology stipend to the Fellows.

Program Requirements and Restrictions:

The YSEALI AFP is an intensive and rigorous academic program and participants are expected to fully participate in all aspects of the Fellowship. Participants must attend all lectures, participate in all required organized activities, and complete all assignments.  Family members and/or friends may not accompany or join participants for any part of the program.  Please make these requirements clear to all nominees.

English Language Ability:

English Language proficiency is required to participate in this program.  All candidates must be proficient in English so that they can actively participate in the academic program.

Housing and Meal Arrangements for the In-Person Component:

Housing will be in shared or single university dorms on campus or full-service hotels within walking distance of most classroom activities.  Male and female participants will be housed in separate quarters.  In addition to regular group meals and a university meal plan, participants 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.  Special accommodations will be made available to the greatest extent possible.  Should a participant need to quarantine due to positive COVID-19 test results, accommodations will follow Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.

Health Benefits:
All participants will receive the Department of State’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) health benefit during the U.S.-based in-person component, which provides coverage of up to $100,000 with a $25 co-pay per medical visit and a $75 co-pay per emergency room visit, for the duration of the program.  Pre-existing conditions may be covered up to $100,000, subject to policy exclusions and limitations.  ASPE also covers up to $500 for routine COVID-19 testing requirements in the United States.  COVID-19 is treated like any other illness under the ASPE health benefits plan.  Information on the health benefit program may be found online at https://www.sevencorners.com/gov/usdos .

Travel Policy:

Fellows will also 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. Violations of program rules, host institution rules, or local, state, or federal laws can be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.

Virtual Program Contingency:
Should health, safety, and travel conditions continue to pose significant challenges, the YSEALI AFP will pivot to a virtual format.  The virtual program would consist of a minimum of 36 hours of required programming with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning.  To the extent possible, the virtual programming would include lectures, small group discussions, videos, readings, panels, site visits, leadership development, assignments, and individual and group activities.  Participants would be expected to fully participate in the entire virtual program from their location.

Connectivity:

Should the program need to pivot to a virtual format, participants would need access to a computer and a stable internet connection.  If a participant does not have access to these two items, the cooperative partners will work with the Fellow and post to facilitate access.

 Application Process Timeline:

  • Now until May 1st, 2023: Application period
  • May 19, 2023: Shortlisted announcement. Only shortlisted candidate will be notified.
  • May 23 – 26, 2023: Interview shortlisted candidates
  • May 31, 2023: Nomination
  • Late June or Early July: Notification of selected participants

 Application Details:

Complete the application form here: https://forms.gle/QvsiK1CJLAe3KMCE8

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