Winter 2016 YSEALI Academic Fellowship Institutes
Applications for the Winter 2016 YSEALI Academic Fellowship Institutes on Civic Engagement and Social Entrepreneurship are now open. The programs will begin between February to April 2016. Applications are due at the U.S. Embassy, Bangkok by November 2nd, 2015. Please read the descriptions and prerequisites below. Click here to access the application form.
Candidates nominated for this program must be:
A YSEALI member. If you are not yet a member, register now at http://yseali.state.gov.
YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Civic Engagement
The program will provide Fellows with an overview of how citizens have shaped U.S. history, government, and society both as individuals and groups. The Institute will define civic engagement, examine its development in the U.S., and explore topics such as citizenship, community building, economic development, grassroots activism, political leadership, and volunteerism. Other topics such as civil rights, entrepreneurship, ethics, leadership, and media will be discussed. Fellows will also have the opportunity to leave the classroom to meet with community leaders, entrepreneurs, and representatives of non-profit organizations. The academic residency will be complemented by an educational study tour where they will meet with local, state, private, and not-for-profit organizations working in the field. The Institute will then conclude with a visit to Washington, D.C. The winter hosts will be Kennesaw State University in Georgia from February 1-March 7 and Arizona State University from February 22-March 25.
YSEALI Academic Fellowship on Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development
The program will provide Fellows with an overview for entrepreneurial approaches that are employed to address social issues: The Institute will review the development, history, challenges, and successes of social enterprises and community leaders, in the U.S. and globally. Topics may include, but are not limited to, trade; investment; financial literacy; banking; microfinance; organizational development and management; grant writing; innovation; emerging markets and risk analysis; strategic business planning; corporate social responsibility;; and, women and minorities in entrepreneurship. Students will also have the opportunity to leave the classroom to meet with community leaders, entrepreneurs, and representatives of non-profit organizations. The academic residency will be complemented by an educational study tour where Fellows will meet with local, state, private, and non-profit organizations working in the field. The Institute will then conclude with a 3-day program in Washington, D.C. The winter hosts will be Arizona State University from February 22-March 25 and the University of Connecticut from March 5-April 8.
Candidate Description and Qualifications:
The YSEALI Academic Fellows are expected to be full-time undergraduate students from college, university, or other institutions of higher learning; or have graduated in the past four years, who demonstrate leadership through academic work, community involvement, extracurricular activities, or their profession. Their fields of study will be varied, and may include the sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, business, and other professional fields.
Candidates nominated for this program must be:
Between the ages of 18 and 25 at the time of application, although exceptional applicants over 25 can be considered if they meet all other eligibility requirements;
A citizen of Thailand § A resident of Thailand § A full-time undergraduate student from college, university, or other institutions of higher learning; or have graduated in the past four years;
Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English;
Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.;
Eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa;
Demonstrate interest, knowledge, or professional experience in Civic Engagement and/or Social Entrepreneurship;
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 ASEAN as a region;
Be willing to actively participate in an intensive academic program, community service, and study tour;
Have a commitment to return to their home country to apply leadership skills and training to benefit their community, country, or the ASEAN region; and
Preferably have little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States.
Other Essential Program Information:
Program Funding: We will cover all participant costs, including: program administration; domestic travel and ground transportation; book, cultural, mailing and incidental allowances, housing and subsistence, international travel costs, and other travel allowances within set limits.
Housing and Meal Arrangements: Housing will be in university dorms or university hotels. Fellows may be expected to share a room and bathroom with another student of the same gender. Most meals will be provided at campus facilities, though Fellows may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own.
Care will be taken to ensure that any special requirements regarding diet, daily worship, housing, and medical care are satisfied.
Health Benefits: All participants will receive the Department of State’s coverage of $100,000 with a $25 co-pay for the duration of the program. Pre-existing conditions are not covered. Information on the health benefit program may be found online at usdos.sevencorners.com.
Program Requirements and Restrictions: Fellows are expected to fully participate in the academic program. They should attend all lectures and organized activities, and complete assigned readings. Candidates should be made aware that the Institutes are very intensive and that there will be little time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program.
Under no circumstances are Fellows allowed to arrive in the U.S. prior to the start date of the Institute or remain in the U.S. after its end date. Similarly, Fellows will not be permitted to leave the Institute to visit relatives or friends while in the U.S. If a relative or friend wishes to visit them, it will be addressed on a case by case basis, in consultation with the ECA program officer and the host institution.
Violations of program rules, host institution rules, or local, state or federal laws can be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program. It is important that these requirements and restrictions be made clear to all candidates before nominations are submitted.
English Language Ability: All candidates should be proficient in English so that they can actively participate in the academic program. Host institutions will take into account that the level of comprehension and speaking ability of Fellows may vary, and will prepare lectures and discussions that meet the highest academic standards while using language appropriate for Fellows where English is their second or third language.