YSEALI offers two exchange programs to the United States. YSEALI Academic and Professional Fellowships offer the opportunity to participate in intensive academic or professional programs at universities or workplaces across the United States.
- The YSEALI Academic Fellows Program brings undergraduates or recently graduated students between the ages of 18 and 25 to the United States for a five-week institute held on the campus of a U.S. college or university. The program includes an on-campus academic residency, leadership development, interaction with American peers, an educational study tour, and community service activities. Programs conclude with a visit to Washington, D.C. to meet U.S. leaders, policymakers, and think tank experts. Each cohort of fellows studies one of three themes: Civic Engagement, Environmental Issues, or Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development.
- The YSEALI Professional Fellows Program gives participants ages 25-35 the opportunity to spend five weeks in the United States, including four weeks working directly with American counterparts in individually tailored work placements with non-profit organizations, state and local government, and private-sector offices across the country. During these placements, Fellows build their practical expertise, leadership skills, and professional networks. Fellows’ areas of work include environmental protection, transparency in governance, social entrepreneurship, non-profit management, disability rights, wildlife protection, and empowerment of women and girls. American hosts also travel to Southeast Asia on reciprocal exchanges under this program.
Upon completion, Fellows will be supported in implementing their leadership vision and plans through grant competitions, a network of contacts working on similar issues, online resources, and ongoing engagement with the U.S. Embassy in their country. Former Fellows will become a part of the International Exchange Alumni community, which offers an online forum exclusive to YSEALI Fellows, allowing them to remain in close contact and share the ways they are making a difference in their countries and their region.