Eligibility Requirements

Be a citizen and resident of one of the eleven YSEALI nations: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Vietnam. Applicants living outside of the eleven eligible countries or on a long-term program will not be considered eligible to apply.

Be an emerging leader in government, civil society, or the private sector who has demonstrated expertise pertaining to the respective theme under which he/she is applying.
Be currently employed with at least two years of relevant professional experience at the time of application.
Be between 25 and 35 years old at the start of the program.
Be self-directed and able to work effectively in a cross-cultural setting.
Be able to identify an objective/project of their own selection that the applicant would like to implement in their home workplace or community.
Have demonstrated proficiency in both written and oral English.
Have demonstrated leadership and collaborative skills.

Individuals who are currently participating in academic, training, or research programs, or who are currently working in the United States
Individuals residing or working outside the eligible YSEALI nations at the time of the program
Individuals who have participated in an exchange visitor program sponsored or funded by the U.S. government (e.g., Public Affairs Sections at U.S. embassies or other U.S. government agency) and who have not fulfilled their two-year home residency requirement by the time of the application
Individuals who have applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years and are awaiting change of status by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security