YSEALI PFP is a fully funded U.S. exchange program for Southeast Asian professionals to develop leadership and professional skills in civic engagement, economic empowerment, governance, and the environment.
Funder: American Councils for International Education
Due Dates: Not specified (typically annual; check program page for current cycle)
Funding Amounts: Fully funded 5–6 week fellowship in the U.S.; covers all major expenses
Summary: Intensive, fully funded fellowships for Southeast Asian professionals to develop leadership and professional skills in the U.S., with reciprocal exchanges for Americans.
The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Professional Fellows Program (YSEALI PFP) is a fully funded, two-way exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the American Councils for International Education. The program aims to strengthen connections and promote mutual understanding between emerging leaders from Southeast Asia and the United States. Selected fellows from Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam spend five to six weeks in the U.S. gaining hands-on professional experience at public, private, or nonprofit organizations. The program focuses on civic engagement, economic empowerment, governance, and environmental sustainability. In addition, select American professionals participate in reciprocal exchanges in Southeast Asia, supporting ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing.