The YSEALI Professional Fellows Program (PFP) is a two-way professional exchange sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by American Councils for International Education. It brings emerging leaders from the eleven Southeast Asian nations of the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative to the United States for a five-to-six-week fellowship placement at a non-profit, public, or private-sector host organization. Fellows work alongside American counterparts, build practical skills, and grow a regional network before returning home to apply what they learned.
The program is organized around four themes: civic engagement; innovation, entrepreneurship and economic empowerment; society and governance; and sustainability and the environment. As a reciprocal exchange, U.S. professionals later travel to Southeast Asia to continue the partnership.
Benefits & funding
- Fully funded by the U.S. Department of State — no cost to selected fellows.
- Round-trip international airfare and U.S. visa costs covered.
- Lodging, meals, and basic living expenses in the United States provided.
- A tailored professional fellowship placement matched to the fellow’s field and interests.
- Virtual pre-departure activities and a concluding YSEALI Fellows Forum with fellows from across the region.
Eligibility
- Must be a citizen and a resident of one of the eleven eligible nations: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, or Vietnam.
- Aged 25 to 35 at the time of application.
- Currently employed with at least two years of relevant professional experience.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Demonstrated leadership and collaborative skills; applicants living outside the eligible countries or on another long-term program are not considered.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
Brunei · Cambodia · Indonesia · Laos · Malaysia · Myanmar · Philippines · Singapore · Thailand · Timor-Leste · Vietnam
Residence required
Brunei · Cambodia · Indonesia · Laos · Malaysia · Myanmar · Philippines · Singapore · Thailand · Timor-Leste · Vietnam
Experience required
≥ 2 yrs
Age requirement
25–35 yrs
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Application process
- 1Review the current cycle details and eligibility on the official program site.
- 2Complete the online application, including background, essays, and professional information.
- 3Indicate which of the two annual program cycles you prefer.
- 4Submit before the annual deadline.
- 5Shortlisted applicants are reviewed and interviewed; finalists are notified and matched to a host placement.
Program timeline
October
Annual application deadline (2025 cycle closed 17 October 2024).
Early in the year
Virtual activities begin for selected fellows.
Cycle 1 U.S. exchange.
May–June
Cycle 2 U.S. exchange.
September–October
Program concludes with the YSEALI Fellows Forum.