Who can apply: This exchange is only for citizens and residents of 11 Southeast Asian countries: Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. Africans aren’t eligible. The closest US government programme for young African leaders is the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
The US Department of State is accepting applications for the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative Professional Exchange (YSEALI PE) 2027–2028. It’s a fully funded programme that places emerging leaders aged 25 to 35 in six-week work placements with organisations across the United States. Applications close on 10 December 2026 at 10:00 am Eastern Time.
Programme at a Glance
- Funder: US Department of State
- Run by: American Councils for International Education
- Who: Mid-level professionals aged 25–35 from 11 Southeast Asian countries
- What: Virtual learning, a six-week placement in the US and a closing forum
- Cohorts: Fall 2027 (US placement October–November 2027) or Spring 2028
- Cost: Fully funded: travel, visa and living costs in the US
- Deadline: 10 December 2026, 10:00 am ET
About YSEALI Professional Exchange
YSEALI is the US government’s flagship programme for young leaders in Southeast Asia. During the Professional Exchange, participants work alongside American public, private and non-profit organisations, explore new approaches to challenges at home, and build lasting professional networks. Afterwards, they carry out a project in their home community and join the YSEALI alumni network.
Programme Themes
- Economic Prosperity: business, trade, entrepreneurship, technology and sports-based economic initiatives
- Strategic Energy and Minerals: energy security and critical mineral supply chains
- Liberty and Freedom: rule of law, governance, anti-corruption and freedom of expression
- Peace and Security: regional stability, transnational crime and online threats
Benefits
- Full funding: international travel, J-1 visa fees and living costs in the US
- A six-week professional placement with a US organisation in your field
- Housing with host families, in university housing or in extended-stay hotels
- Virtual leadership sessions before travel
- A closing forum with participants, hosts and expert speakers
- Support for a follow-up project at home, and regional alumni workshops
Eligibility
- A citizen and resident of one of the 11 YSEALI countries
- Aged 25 to 35 when you apply
- Currently employed, with at least two years of relevant experience
- An emerging leader in government, civil society or the private sector, with expertise in your chosen theme
- Good written and spoken English
- A project or objective you want to achieve in your workplace or community
Not eligible:
- US citizens and permanent residents
- Past YSEALI US exchange participants
- Anyone living or working outside the YSEALI countries
- Anyone who applied for US permanent residency in the past three years
Participants must return home for two years afterwards, under J-1 visa rules.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Pick the theme that best matches your work, and rank the others honestly.
- Propose a concrete project you’ll carry out at home after the exchange.
- Show leadership with examples, such as teams you’ve led or initiatives you started.
- Apply early. The portal lets you save and return, but you can’t edit after submitting.
How to Apply
- Check the eligibility rules and themes on the YSEALI PE website.
- Create an account on the American Councils application portal.
- Rank your themes, choose your preferred cohort and complete the application.
- Submit by 10:00 am ET on 10 December 2026.
For questions, email [email protected].
Apply for the YSEALI Professional Exchange 2027–2028
