Fall 2024 YSEALI Academic Fellowship

• Between the ages of 18 and 25 at the time of application, although exceptional applicants over 25 may be considered if they meet all other eligibility requirements
• A citizen of the Philippines
• A resident of the Philippines
• A full-time undergraduate student from college, university, or other institutions of higher learning; or 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
• Not employees or immediate family members of employees of the U.S. Government (including a U.S. embassy or consulate, USAID, or other U.S. Government entity);
• Not alumni of the YSEALI academic fellowship (including the hybrid program)

• 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
• Commit to return to their home country to apply leadership skills and training to benefit their community, country, or the region of Southeast Asia
• Have no (or very minimal) prior study or travel experience in the United States.

• Program Funding: Through cooperative agreements with the host universities, the U.S. State Department will cover all participant costs, including program administration, international and visa travel, travel allowances, domestic travel and ground transportation, books and incidental allowances, and housing and subsistence.

• Program Requirements and Restrictions: The YSEALI Academic Fellowship Program is an intensive and rigorous academic program and fellows are expected to fully participate in all aspects of the fellowship. Fellows must attend all lectures, participate in all required organized activities, and complete all assignments. Family members and/or friends may not accompany or join fellows 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 to actively participate in the program. Host institutions will consider the varying levels of fellows’ comprehension and speaking ability and will prepare lectures and discussions that meet the highest academic standards while using language appropriate for students where English is their second language.

• Housing and Meal Arrangements: 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 fellows will be housed in separate quarters. In addition to regular group meals and a university meal plan, fellows may have access to a kitchen to cook meals on their own.

• Reasonable Accommodations: Care will be taken to ensure that special requirements regarding diet, daily worship, housing, and medical care are satisfied. Reasonable accommodations will be made available to the greatest extent possible.

• Health Benefits: All fellows will be enrolled in the Department of State’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) health benefit plan 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.  Information on the health benefit program may be found online at https://www.sevencorners.com/gov/usdos .

• Travel Policy: Fellows are not allowed to arrive in the United States prior to the start date of the fellowship or remain in the United States after the end date. Similarly, fellows are not permitted to leave the fellowship to visit relatives or friends while in the United States. If a relative or friend wishes to visit a participant, it will be considered on a case- by-case basis in consultation with the program officer, the implementing partner, and the host institution. Fellows are required to return to their home countries immediately following the end of the Institute.

Grounds for Dismissal: Violations of program rules, host institution rules, or local, state, or federal laws can be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.