Program Description: Secondary school students from Thailand are invited to apply for participation in the Youth Leadership Program with Southeast Asia which will take place in April 2017. The program will be offered for 50 to 60 participants from countries in Southeast Asia that are members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN.) There will be 5 students and 1 educator selected to represent Thailand.
The program will employ a highly interactive approach both in workshops and in a range of public and community settings. Through engagement with the activities of U.S. high schools, community organizations, youth groups, and community leaders in each location, the student and adult participants will better understand civic participation and the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy.
This is an intensive program with three segments: (1) A pre-departure orientation in Bangkok; (2) a 25-day exchange program that will offer students and teachers or community/ leaders the opportunity to explore the principles of leadership and community activism in the United States; and (3) follow-on activities, where participants will conduct projects in their home communities. The program will be intensive, academic, and highly interactive. The program sponsors seek energetic applicants who are ready to develop their skills in order to be effective leaders in their schools and communities.
The program convenes high school students and adult mentors from the ten ASEAN member countries for a three-week U.S.-based exchange program focused on leadership and youth development. The program explores shared challenges faced by the United States and ASEAN member countries as viewed through the three pillars of the ASEAN community: political and security cooperation, economic cooperation, and socio-cultural cooperation and inclusion. Participants will develop concrete skills in project development, communication, and leadership while engaging in hands-on activities, workshops, seminars, and site visits.
Participants will also develop projects to address the needs of their communities upon their return home.