U.S. Embassy in Malaysia

2024 Spring YSEALI Academic Fellowship Application Is Now Open!

The U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur is now accepting applications for the 2024 Spring YSEALI Academic Fellowship.  Selected fellows will focus on one of the following three areas: Civic Engagement, Environmental Issues, and Social Entrepreneurship & Economic Development. Please see individual fellowship descriptions for program dates and locations. 

 

YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Civic Engagement

This program 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.  The Fellowship on Civic Engagement will be held from April 20 to May 22, 2024.

 

YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Environmental Issues

This program 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, HI will each conduct and host one Institute.  The Fellowship on Environmental Issues will be held from April 17 to May 22, 2024.

 

YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Social Entrepreneurship & Economic Development

This program 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 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: 

Applicant for this program 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 of one of the following countries: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam;
• A resident of one of the following countries: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam;
• 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

 

Selection criteria:

Successful applicant 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;
• Indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States and Southeast Asia as a region;
• Be willing to actively participate in an intensive 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

 

How can you apply?
Info pack: https://bit.ly/yseali_af_info_pack
Application form: https://forms.gle/ZEy96PRxZeyrXfU56

Please email KualaLumpurYSEALI@state.gov with any inquiries. All applications must be submitted by Friday, October 20, 2023. Incomplete applications will not be considered. We do not provide deadline extensions. 

Only successful applicants will be contacted by mid-November, 2023.