Building U.S.-Indonesia Mutual Understanding Since 1994

Call for Applications: YSEALI Professional Fellows Program Fall 2016

The American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) and the U.S Department of State,  in cooperation with The United States – Indonesia Society (USINDO) are pleased to announce the application process and deadlines for Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Professional Fellows Program Fall 2016. The YSEALI is President Obama’s signature program to strengthen leadership development and networking in ASEAN,  deepen engagement with young leaders on key regional and global challenges, and strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and young Southeast Asian leaders. The YSEALI PFP Fall 2016 will be held from October 8 – November 18, 2016.

The Professional Fellows Program (PFP) concentrates on enhancing understanding of legislative process and governance. It is open to young political and policy leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States. The program will provide the fellows with an in-depth, hands-on knowledge of the U.S.’ political processes, as well as strengthen their understanding of American governance, politics, and the legislative process. This exchange will serve as a foundation on which to establish sustainable two-way partnerships between the young political and policy professionals from these Southeast Asian countries and their American counterparts, with the goal of promoting and strengthening civil society, good governance, and mutual understanding. April 15, 2016

Deadline: April 15 2016

 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Between the ages of 25-35
  • Fluent in oral and written English
  • Provide a comprehensive, well-conceived written framework for a project to be refined and implemented with input and assistance of an American mentor in their home country
  • Self-directed and able to work effectively in cross-cultural settings
  • Demonstrated commitment to public service
  • Leadership potential in the government, private sector, or civil society
  • Committed to organizing an 8-10 day program in their country for an American mentor
  • May not hold a dual-US citizenship or have traveled on a J-1 VISA for a Department of State sponsored program in the past two years.

 

International Fellows Overview

The international fellows from each country will travel to Washington, DC for a 5-day program orientation and federal government overview as well as cultural outings.

Each fellow will participate in a 4-week intensive fellowship in a separate political, policy, or civil society office with day-to-day mentoring and guidance from a single point of contact, their fellowship host. The fellows will meet their American mentor, an ACYPL alumni, to attend meetings pertaining to current events in the area, and together will develop action plans for a series of follow-on activities to be conducted in the fellows’ home country.

At the conclusion of the program, all international fellows will return to Washington, DC for a 3-day Professional Fellows Congress where they will interact and share their experiences with other international fellows from different programs.

Upon returning to their home countries, international fellows will work with their American mentors to create an 8-10 day program in which the American mentor will visit each of fellows’ places of employment to learn more about what they do, assist in the continuing implementation of their project, meet with local leaders, as well as enjoy cultural outings.

 

Application Instructions and Deadline:

The application is accessible through ACYPL’s website. Kindly note, we do not accept direct or hard copy submission.

Eligible candidates are required to submit the complete application form by April 15, 2016 the latest. An incomplete or late submission will not be considered. If you were recommended or learned about this program from USINDO (ACYPL’s in-country program partner), please indicate it in the application form.

Only shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the panel consists of representatives from ACYPL, U.S. Embassy and USINDO.

Should you have any further inquiries and questions, please contact Mr. Elliot Bell-Krasnerat Ebkrasner@acypl.org or Ms. Gillea Benitez at Gbenitez@acypl.org or by phone at +(1) 202.448.9327.